The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a common and visually appealing houseplant. Despite its soothing name and air-purifying qualities, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. If your child has chewed on or swallowed any part of a peace lily, immediate attention is necessary to address the irritating compounds within the plant. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to manage the situation and understand the potential effects of this exposure.
Immediate Actions to Take
The first step is to remove any remaining plant material from your child’s mouth, fingers, and face. Use a clean, wet cloth to gently wipe the inside of the mouth and surrounding skin to clear away residue. The goal is to eliminate contact with the irritating substance as quickly as possible.
Immediately offer your child small sips of milk or water to help wash the irritant out of their mouth and throat. This dilution helps soothe the immediate burning sensation and prevents further irritation to the tissues. Offering a cold treat, such as a popsicle or ice chips, can also provide a numbing effect and temporary relief if they can swallow comfortably.
The primary concern is to minimize the exposure time of the plant’s irritating components to the oral and pharyngeal tissues. Continue to observe your child closely for worsening symptoms, especially difficulty swallowing or increased drooling, while moving on to the next steps.
Understanding the Symptoms of Peace Lily Ingestion
The toxicity of the peace lily is due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, contained in bundles called raphides throughout the plant’s tissues. When the child chews the plant, these microscopic, needle-like crystals are released and embed themselves into the lining of the mouth and throat. This mechanism causes an instant, intense burning sensation and localized pain.
Common symptoms that appear immediately include tingling or burning in the mouth, tongue, and lips. You may notice excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth as the body attempts to wash away the irritant. The child may also experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and visible swelling of the tongue and lips.
While the symptoms are usually confined to the mouth and throat, causing significant discomfort, systemic toxicity throughout the body is rare. The immediate and painful reaction often prevents a child from consuming a large quantity of the plant material. The symptoms typically subside within a few hours to a day after the mouth has been thoroughly cleared.
When to Contact Poison Control or Seek Emergency Care
It is strongly advised to call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately after initial first aid, even if your child appears fine. They provide an expert risk assessment based on the amount ingested and the child’s specific symptoms. This consultation is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, offering professional guidance tailored to your situation.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you observe “red flag” symptoms suggesting an airway compromise. These severe signs include pronounced swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, or persistent choking. Any sign that the child’s airway is becoming obstructed requires an urgent trip to the nearest emergency room.
Persistent vomiting or a refusal to swallow any liquids, even milk or water, warrants a medical evaluation. While most peace lily ingestions are manageable at home with professional guidance, monitoring for these escalated symptoms ensures your child’s safety.
Preventing Future Incidents
To avoid recurrence, take steps to secure or remove the peace lily and other household plants that may pose a risk. The simplest measure is to relocate the Spathiphyllum to an area inaccessible to children, such as a high shelf or a room they cannot enter. Consider using a hanging planter to keep it out of arm’s reach.
If relocation is not feasible, the safest option is to remove the plant from the home until your child is older and understands not to put plants in their mouth. Teaching children early that houseplants are not food is an important long-term safety practice. Checking all other indoor plants for potential toxicity is a good preventative measure.