HOUSTON – A Houston mother believes a common flowering plant caused one of her son's pupils to dilate.
Danielle Shbeeb says earlier this week her 4-year-old son was playing in their backyard. A short time later one of his pupils was dilated. "The pediatrician looked at him and said he has never seen anything like this before," Shbeeb said.
She says the doctor told her it could be because of eye drops, or it could possibly be the sign of a tumor. However, none of those theories proved correct. "We were asking my son: 'Did you get hit? Are you hurt?'" Shbeeb said.
But her son said he was fine. Doctors were stumped. Then a family friend told her to research a plant called Angel's Trumpet. "It's very popular in the Houston area," Shbeeb said.
When she bought her house, the plant was already in her backyard, but she didn't know anything about it. According to WebMD, the plant is toxic and touching or ingesting it can cause various symptoms, ranging from high fever, paralysis, and dilated pupils. "As soon as we told the doctors they were absolutely amazed," Shbeeb said. "They couldn't believe that is what it was, but said it has to be this."
"It's worth noting that it can be toxic," said Zach Buchanan of Buchanan's Native Plants.
However, Buchanan says that should not stop people from enjoying the plants. "Every plant in high enough quantities can be toxic unless it's a vegetable and even a vegetable can be harmful," Buchanan said.
He said customers purchase the plant all the time. "It's more toxic than other plants, but I would say to use common sense when handling it," Buchanan said.
Shbeeb says she is just grateful her son is OK. She believes he was touching the plant, then rubbed his eye. His pupils are still a little bit dilated, but getting better every day.