After 2 minutes of internet research, I have come to the conclusion that the writers presented a good case of ricin poisoning based on Brock's condition, and a lame case for Lily of the valley poisoning as it doesn't seem to produce very severe symptoms. But that is consistent with most of what happens on the show; it presents one way, but turns out to be something else. It all goes back to the pilot's opening scene, Walt is convinced he will be caught with his pants down (or literally off in this case) as the sirens sound in the background, only to realize it's fire engines sounding their approach not police cars, and no one is looking for him. This is what makes, and continues to make, the show so entertaining.
1.
Cardiac Glycosides
Plants that contain cardiac glycoside can cause changes in the rate or rhythm of your child's heart. Many heart medications currently on the market are derived from these plants. Poisoning with cardiac glycosides often occurs when these plants are incorrectly used as a tea. The initial signs of poisoning are headache, confusion, dizziness, vomiting, or stomach pain. Later, effects on heart rate and blood pressure occur.
Foxglove
Lily-of-the-Valley
Oleander
Squill
If your child eats any amount of these three plant groups, contact your physician or The Poison Control Center immediately. Each case needs individual evaluation and The Poison Center's recommendations will vary with the amount and time of ingestion.
2.
Signs and symptoms of ricin exposure
The major symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on the route of exposure and the dose received, though many organs may be affected in severe cases.
Initial symptoms of ricin poisoning by inhalation may occur within 8 hours of exposure. Following ingestion of ricin, initial symptoms typically occur in less than 6 hours.
Inhalation: Within a few hours of inhaling significant amounts of ricin, the likely symptoms would be respiratory distress (difficulty breathing), fever, cough, nausea, and tightness in the chest. Heavy sweating may follow as well as fluid building up in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This would make breathing even more difficult, and the skin might turn blue. Excess fluid in the lungs would be diagnosed by x-ray or by listening to the chest with a stethoscope. Finally, low blood pressure and respiratory failure may occur, leading to death. In cases of known exposure to ricin, people having respiratory symptoms that started within 12 hours of inhaling ricin should seek medical care.
Ingestion: If someone swallows a significant amount of ricin, he or she would develop vomiting and diarrhea that may become bloody. Severe dehydration may be the result, followed by low blood pressure. Other signs or symptoms may include hallucinations, seizures, and blood in the urine. Within several days, the person’s liver, spleen, and kidneys might stop working, and the person could die.
Skin and eye exposure: Ricin is unlikely to be absorbed through normal skin. Contact with ricin powders or products may cause redness and pain of the skin and the eyes.
Death from ricin poisoning could take place within 36 to 72 hours of exposure, depending on the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or injection) and the dose received.
I am looking forward to next season!
