What are the symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning mainly include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, jaundice, fatigue, drowsiness, and liver area pain. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, attention should be paid to food safety; avoid consuming moldy peanuts, corn, nuts, and other foods, and store grains in a dry and well-ventilated environment. If the above symptoms occur.
Under normal circumstances, the main symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, jaundice, fatigue and drowsiness, and liver area pain. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Nausea and Vomiting
Aflatoxin irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction and resulting in nausea and vomiting. Vomiting is often sudden, with vomitus containing gastric contents; some patients may also experience acid reflux and heartburn.
2. Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea
The toxin damages the intestinal mucosa, impairing normal intestinal absorption and motility functions, leading to intestinal spasms and causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. The pain is typically paroxysmal cramping, with frequent episodes of diarrhea and stool usually watery in consistency.
3. Jaundice
Aflatoxin primarily damages the liver, causing hepatocyte necrosis and disrupting bilirubin metabolism, which leads to elevated blood bilirubin levels and subsequent jaundice. Patients may exhibit yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, along with darkened urine resembling strong tea in color.
4. Fatigue and Drowsiness
After liver damage, metabolic function declines, leading to insufficient energy supply. Meanwhile, toxin accumulation in the body affects nervous system function, resulting in fatigue and excessive sleepiness. Patients often feel generalized weakness, tire easily even with minor activity, and may frequently fall asleep during daytime hours.
5. Liver Area Pain
Hepatocyte necrosis and liver enlargement stretch the hepatic capsule, stimulating nerve endings and causing pain in the liver region. The pain is typically persistent dull or distending discomfort, located in the right upper abdomen, and becomes明显 upon palpation.
In daily life, attention should be paid to food safety—avoid consuming moldy peanuts, corn, nuts, and similar foods—and grains should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment. Should any of the above symptoms appear, immediate medical evaluation of liver function is necessary. During treatment, maintain a light diet, avoid alcohol and greasy foods, follow medical instructions for medication, and have regular follow-up tests to monitor liver function and overall recovery.
