Melon poisoning

Fruits and berries are certainly very beneficial for the body. They saturate the body with vitamins and nutrients. Melon is very beneficial for the body: it is a rich source of vitamins and carbohydrates. Central Asia, especially Khorasan and Persia (Iran), is considered the country of origin and development, where sweet melons appeared. [ 1 ] It cleanses the blood, internal environment, biological fluids, saturates with liquid, promotes absorption and further elimination of toxins. But in certain situations, it can also cause irreparable harm to health. For example, doctors often have to diagnose melon poisoning.

Why is melon dangerous?

Many people, having heard that you can get poisoned by melon, are very surprised. After all, at first glance, it is not just a safe, but even a healthy product. Naturally, a logical question arises: how can melon be dangerous? It turns out that melon contains a large number of natural oils, fats, amino acids, which affect metabolic processes in the body. In addition, the danger lies in the fact that it contains flavonoids, phytoncides, glycerides, which can cause symptoms of intoxication. This occurs if the melon is spoiled (in this case, the level of these substances increases sharply, as a result of which they can cause poisoning). [ 2 ]

It is also necessary to take into account that all these substances can cause an allergic reaction, and there may be cases of individual intolerance to individual components. Moreover, at present, manufacturers prick melons with special substances, including antibiotics, in order to ensure higher preservation, facilitate transportation, and give a more attractive marketable appearance. All this increases individual sensitivity, sensitization of the body, and can cause adverse effects on the body. [ 3 ] A similar picture is observed during pregnancy: against the background of hormonal and metabolic changes, increased sensitivity and toxicosis, an individual reaction to individual components can change significantly, resulting in the development of symptoms of poisoning and other pathological conditions.

What does a spoiled melon look like?

Naturally, in order to avoid poisoning, you need to know what a spoiled melon looks like. So, it can have a clearly spoiled, rotten appearance, then its poor quality is obvious. But sometimes a melon is outwardly no different from a good, high-quality one. In this case, you need to feel it. You should avoid eating too hard, elastic melon. It may contain antibiotics and preservatives, which are introduced to ensure longer storage.

You should also avoid buying melons that are soft to the touch, too juicy, that break easily and literally "melt" in your mouth. This may indicate that they have been stored for quite a long time, and accordingly, the level of flavonoids, phytoncides, and other components that can cause poisoning under certain circumstances has increased significantly.

You should also avoid buying greenish melons (if you see unripe, green areas when cutting, especially at the base, near the skin). This means that the melon is not ripe and may contain natural phytoncides in high, excessive concentrations. These substances are poorly tolerated by the human body. Also, such unripe melons can be pricked with special substances that accelerate ripening and negatively affect human health.

Epidemiology

According to statistics, every second person on the planet has suffered from food poisoning at least once in their life. Foodborne diseases are a serious public health problem worldwide. [ 4 ] Every year in the United States, approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths are caused by foodborne diseases. [ 5 ] Moreover, every tenth poisoning was caused by melon. Of all the poisonings caused by melon, approximately 70% are due to its natural composition (poor-quality, overripe melon, which contains a large amount of phytoncides and causes poisoning). About 25% of all poisonings are due to the artificial introduction of various substances into the melon, including antibiotics. About 3% of poisonings occur as a result of individual intolerance to certain components included in the composition, developing against the background of increased sensitization, reactivity of the body, allergies, asthma. The remaining 2% develop in women during pregnancy.

Causes melon poisoning

The main cause of poisoning is the ingestion of substances that cause intoxication and are difficult for the liver to process (or are not processed at all). These can be natural substances that are part of spoiled or unripe melon, as well as artificial substances, antibiotics that are introduced into the melon by the manufacturer, supplier for the purpose of longer storage, giving the product an attractive marketable appearance. [ 6 ] It should also be taken into account that a person may have an individual intolerance, increased sensitivity of the body, dysfunction of the digestive system, liver, kidneys, as a result of which the body is not able to process the substances that are part of the melon. Do not forget about possible allergic reactions. An unpredictable reaction can occur in children, especially if they are trying melons for the first time. The reactivity of the body also changes in women during pregnancy. Against the background of general toxicosis and the changes that occur in the body due to the new condition, a clinical picture of poisoning can develop.

Risk factors

The risk group includes people who are characterized by increased sensitivity and reactivity of the body, who have pathologies of the digestive and excretory systems. This also includes people suffering from bronchial asthma, cholecystitis, pancreatitis. Risk factors include a tendency to allergic reactions, asthma attacks, individual intolerance to certain components, pregnancy, and intoxication.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on metabolic disorders in the body, which occur as a result of exposure to various toxic substances. Poisoning is accompanied by disorders of the main metabolic processes at the cellular, tissue, and organismic levels. First of all, digestion processes are disrupted, increased irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract develop. Later, tissues and mucous membranes are subject to pathology. Thus, against the background of inflammation, dehydration develops, that is, a large amount of water is removed from the body, cells are destroyed, and subsequently tissues. More and more cells and tissues are involved in the pathological process.

Symptoms melon poisoning

Melon poisoning is no different from the classic symptoms of food poisoning. Thus, the characteristic features of poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea. Abdominal pain occurs, as well as headaches and dizziness. General weakness, decreased activity and appetite appear, sweating increases, and the heartbeat quickens. Pupils almost always dilate, and coordination of movements is impaired. Sometimes, with severe and severe poisoning, the ability to swallow is impaired, ptosis and collapse appear. Choking may develop, and smooth muscle function may be impaired, which entails a disruption of the breathing, digestion, and swallowing processes.

The first signs are nausea, confusion, trembling, weakness, increased sweating, rapid heartbeat, general deterioration of health, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, stomach cramps. [ 7 ] Gradually the symptoms increase and intensify.

One of the main symptoms of melon poisoning is abdominal pain. As a rule, the stomach hurts quite a lot. The pain is sharp, acute, and spreads quite intensively throughout the stomach, intestines, and radiates to the inguinal region or areas under the ribs. As a rule, the pain intensifies in the evening, and painkillers may be required.

One of the symptoms of poisoning is diarrhea, which occurs after eating melon. Diarrhea can last for several days, and eating melon only makes it worse. If taking antidiarrheal medications is ineffective, you should see a doctor as soon as possible; complex treatment may be required.

Melon poisoning in a child

Children are poisoned by melon much more often than adults. Poisoning in a child is much more severe, develops faster and more intensely. It is worth noting that the most dangerous condition is diarrhea and vomiting, in which dehydration of the body occurs very quickly, fluid is lost, and its irreversible loss occurs. This very quickly leads to the development of irreversible consequences, disruption of the structure and functional state of the child's body. It is worth noting that self-medication is not worth it, so it is necessary to call a doctor and provide the child with qualified medical care.

Melon poisoning during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a natural physiological stage of life, one of the important life cycles of a woman. It is not a disease, as many believe, however, the body functions in a state of increased stress, the body is rebuilt, adapted in accordance with the new functions and needs of the body. During pregnancy, the state and needs of the body change. Poisoning can occur much faster, even from a simple melon. This is due to the fact that the body is already in a state of increased sensitivity, sensitization, toxicosis and increased adaptability of the body.

Complications and consequences

The consequences of melon poisoning are no different from other food poisonings. These can be various complications: a violation of the functional state of the body, which manifests itself primarily in the form of a violation of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract. There is also a violation of the functional state of cardiovascular activity. The liver ceases to cope with toxic substances that penetrate the blood. It is worth noting that the reason is that the liver ceases to cope with the processing of toxins, and they are not excreted, but remain in the body, begin to have a toxic effect on the body.

In addition, poisoning can provoke an allergic reaction of varying severity. The greatest danger is that a person may develop anaphylactic shock. The condition may be accompanied by loss of consciousness, a drop in pulse, and a decrease in blood pressure. The peak of complications is that a person may fall into a comatose state or die. But this is the extreme degree of intoxication and its consequences.

Diagnostics melon poisoning

The diagnosis is based on determining the main symptoms of the pathology (poisoning). It is worth noting that there are no specific qualities that determine melon poisoning. The signs are entirely consistent with typical food poisoning. Therefore, during the examination, the doctor must necessarily find out the diet, consider all the main products that could cause intoxication. In order to diagnose poisoning, when the first signs appear, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. He will conduct an examination. Usually, the doctor first questions the patient, collects general information about him, anamnesis of life. The cause of the pathology may be hidden here.

It is important to remember in detail the entire day preceding the poisoning. Every detail can be important, especially if it concerns the diet. It is imperative to list to the doctor all the products and dishes that were consumed on the day of the poisoning. This can play a significant role in diagnostics, can become an important criterion by which the doctor will make a diagnosis, and then determine the specifics of treatment.

It is necessary to inform the doctor whether any treatment has been carried out and what its effectiveness is. Then the doctor examines the patient (usually classical research methods are used, such as palpation, percussion, auscultation). The doctor palpates individual areas, the abdomen, the liver - this can be a source of important information and will allow identifying the source of the pathology. Percussion is always used - tapping in the abdominal cavity. In the event that it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis and additional information is required, laboratory and instrumental research methods may be prescribed.

Tests

The basis of diagnostics is the determination of the exact cause of intoxication, as well as the determination of the consequences that were the result of poisoning. In order to determine the origin and degree of threat of poisoning, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies. In particular, the main method of investigation is toxicological research. The object of the study can be blood, urine. The essence of the analysis is, first of all, to identify those substances that caused the poisoning. Additionally, quantitative indicators of the toxic substance that caused the poisoning are determined. Then, the changes that occurred in the body are determined. For example, melon poisoning in most cases is accompanied by a violation of the normal functioning of the liver and kidneys. The gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system also suffer. It is worth noting that poisoning often provokes a bacterial and viral infection, a violation of local, and subsequently systemic immunity.

For example, if dysbacteriosis or a violation of the normal bacterial state is suspected, it is necessary to conduct an analysis for dysbacteriosis, bacteriological examination, microbiological screening. An analysis to determine the viral load, virological examination may also be required. It is also necessary to prescribe an immunological study, an immunogram, an analysis of the level of immunoglobulins and interferons in the blood.

Even a clinical blood test, or a biochemical blood test, urine and stool tests can provide certain information. They allow you to assess the general direction of the processes occurring in the body. For example, clinical tests can show what kind of process is occurring in the body: an inflammatory, infectious, or allergic process. This will allow you to at least roughly assume in which organ system the main pathological process is occurring, what is its severity. Based on this general data, you can determine in which direction to move, and what other studies to conduct. Sometimes an increased level of eosinophils indicates the development of a parasitic infection, which can also lead to the development of warts, including on the nose.

If the disease has an unclear etiology, consultation with other specialists, as well as instrumental studies, may be required.

Instrumental diagnostics

If it was not possible to determine the cause of poisoning and make a diagnosis based on examination (general clinical manifestations and laboratory tests), instrumental research methods are used. The selection of methods depends on what pathologies are suspected. Thus, instrumental diagnostics may be required. They are prescribed by specialist doctors who provide treatment for the pathology. The essence of instrumental diagnostics consists of examining various systems and organs, and is aimed at identifying those pathologies that could not be diagnosed using laboratory tests and a standard examination by a doctor.

For example, if there is a need to consult a gastroenterologist, he may require additional information. In particular, such examination methods as gastroscopy, gastroduodenoscopy, ultrasound are often prescribed. If there is a suspicion of heart and circulatory system diseases (myocarditis, functional disorders, arrhythmia, hypertension, hypotension), an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart and other examinations may be required.

Often, computer or magnetic resonance imaging is used, which allows us to assess the condition of the body as a whole and identify possible pathologies.

Differential diagnosis

The essence of differential diagnostics is that it is necessary to clearly differentiate between the types of poisoning (food poisoning, cholera, dysentery). [ 8 ] It is also necessary to clearly determine which substance caused the poisoning. This is very important, since the correctness and effectiveness of further treatment depends on the correctness of the diagnosis. The main diagnostic method is toxicological testing, which is based on the determination of the substance that caused the poisoning, as well as the determination of its exact concentration. [ 9 ]

Also, instrumental methods are mainly used for diagnostics; consultations with other specialists may be required. It is necessary to monitor the course of the pathological process in dynamics, as well as the speed and intensity with which it proceeds, what factors contribute to this.

Treatment melon poisoning

The main treatment is aimed at eliminating the pathological process, eliminating the cause of the pathology directly. First of all, it is necessary to prevent further entry of toxic substances into the body. Then it is necessary to remove and neutralize those toxins that have entered the body. It is also important to eliminate those pathological phenomena that occur in the human body.

For example, if the normal functioning of the digestive system is disrupted, it is necessary to apply symptomatic treatment aimed at eliminating the pathology of this system. Symptomatic treatment aimed at eliminating kidney and liver pathology may also be required, if they have developed. Symptomatic and pathogenetic treatment is used mainly after the effect of the poison has been eliminated, and the danger to life has passed, and vital (vital functions of the body) have been restored.

What to do if you are poisoned by melon?

It is necessary to provide first aid by neutralizing the effect of the poison and stopping its further intake. The essence of first aid is to wash the stomach. Press your fingers on the root of the tongue to induce vomiting. In a medical institution, the stomach is washed using potassium permanganate, tannin. You can also drink activated carbon, or add it to the water for washing. Give laxatives. Disinfectants are required: salol, urotropin. Plenty of fluids are required. [ 10 ] It is recommended to use slimy drinks, for example, jelly, flour. It is not recommended to eat anything during the day, you can only drink. In the acute period (the first 1-2 days), it is recommended to drink only hot drinks (tea, coffee). It is important to warm the victim, put heating pads on him. Heating pads are applied to the legs, arms.

During therapy, sulfonamides and antibiotics are used. The patient requires mandatory hospitalization and further inpatient treatment. During therapy, a physiological solution is necessarily injected under the skin, and if necessary, in combination with glucose and vitamins, to ensure the body is nourished. Ringer's solution is also used. In case of cardiac dysfunction, caffeine and camphor injections are administered. If pain occurs, painkillers are used, as well as special detoxifying agents.

Medicines

Medicines are used only as prescribed by a doctor, as they can have serious side effects. Strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations will help avoid this. It is also important to adhere to the prescribed regimen. The main side effects of non-compliance with the doctor's recommendations are deterioration of the condition, development of chronic poisoning, as well as disruption of the heart and respiratory tract. Let's consider the main drugs used in the treatment of poisoning.

Diarrhea often develops in cases of poisoning. Loperamide is used to eliminate diarrhea. [ 11 ] It is used for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea. They are used both to treat diarrhea and to treat the underlying disease that manifests itself as diarrhea. If the stool has returned to normal, the drug can be stopped. If not, continue taking one tablet 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the pathology. The drug should be taken with caution. It should also be taken into account that the drug acts quite quickly, so if there is no improvement in the condition within the first 48 hours, it is advisable to stop taking the drug. It should also be taken into account that taking the drug for kidney and liver diseases is contraindicated, and it should not be taken by children under 12 years of age. Side effects also include bloating, increased fatigue, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation and nausea. But this is extremely rare.

To eliminate the main symptoms of intoxication, it is recommended to take regular activated carbon, or white carbon (sorbex). As a result of taking it, the body is cleansed, signs of poisoning gradually disappear, the condition and general well-being are normalized. Activated carbon requires 5-6 tablets, and sorbex is enough 1-2 tablets per day, since this is a prolonged-action drug. [ 12 ]

To eliminate toxins from the body, laxatives are used, for example, bisacodyl - 1-2 tablets 1-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the intoxication process. Diarrhea occurs, and the toxin is excreted with feces. It should be taken into account that laxatives should only be taken under the supervision of specialists, since they significantly disrupt the functioning of the intestines. This can lead to a violation of the microflora, inflammatory and infectious processes. This in itself can cause pain and cause new pathologies.

It is important to remember that a bacterial infection may develop against the background of poisoning, so antibiotics are often used for treatment and prevention. [ 13 ] It is recommended to take broad-spectrum antibiotics (for example, azitrox). It will quickly get rid of a bacterial infection. The entire course of treatment is designed for three days. The drug is recommended to be taken 1 tablet (500 mg) once for three days. It is important not to interrupt treatment and to complete the full course, since the bacteria may not be completely killed, as a result of which they will become resistant.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy treatment itself is not used to treat poisoning. Physiotherapy methods may also be used during pathogenetic, symptomatic treatment. For example, inhalations, heat and light procedures, some electrical procedures, UV, electrophoresis may be required.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are represented by numerous recipes. For example, preparations prepared on the basis of vitamin and mineral components are used. Herbal decoctions and infusions, preparations of animal origin.

Usually, complex treatment is used, which includes herbs.

Sage is used as a decoction to relieve inflammation (30 grams per glass of boiling water). It also has antioxidant, neuroprotective, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity. [ 14 ] It is recommended to use crushed fresh leaves, which are poured with boiling water and infused for an hour.

Ramsons are used not only in the form of juice and infusion, but also in the form of gruel. In this case, crushed ramson bulbs are used. Take a tablespoon 2-3 times a day. Stimulates digestion, has an antimicrobial effect, removes toxins from the body. [ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Homeopathy

When taking homeopathy, you need to consider that they may have side effects. To avoid this, you need to take precautions - use medications only after prior consultation with a specialist. You also need to follow the treatment regimen, dosage, frequency and duration of therapy.

Prevention

Prevention is based on timely diagnosis and immediate emergency care. It is necessary to stop further penetration of the poison into the body as quickly as possible (stop eating melon). Then it is necessary to remove the poison that has already entered the body (induce vomiting) and neutralize the poison that has been absorbed into the blood. It is important to perform gastric lavage, timely detoxification therapy and further pathogenetic treatment.

Prevention also consists of excluding dubious and low-quality melons from the diet. Melon should be consumed moderately during pregnancy (a few pieces). It is also necessary to maintain immunity in good condition, in particular, to maintain endurance and good shape. This will reduce the likelihood of poisoning or reduce the severity of its manifestation.

Forecast

If you determine the cause in time and carry out the necessary treatment, remove the poison from the body (neutralize it), the prognosis will be favorable. Melon poisoning is treatable. If you delay emergency care and treatment, the prognosis may be unpredictable.