Is it possible to get poisoned by watermelon. Symptoms and treatment of watermelon poisoning. Prevention of watermelon poisoning

Watermelon is a berry loved by many. It contains a large amount of vitamins and nutrients. Watermelon poisoning develops as a result of its improper cultivation and storage. In this article, we looked at watermelon poisoning, the symptoms, and the treatment for this condition.

Causes of watermelon poisoning

Is it possible to get poisoned by watermelon? This berry is 99% water. During her maturation, she absorbs all substances in the soil, including nitrates, pesticides.

Below you can get acquainted with the main causes of the development of watermelon poisoning.

Fertilizing the land in which watermelons grow with means that promote the rapid growth of the berry and its increase in size. Such fertilizers contain a lot of nitrates. Soaking into the soil, they are absorbed into the watermelon pulp. Nitrates are very harmful to the human body. They cause acute poisoning and severe intoxication.
Eating spoiled, rotten watermelon. This berry quickly deteriorates when the integrity of the peel is violated, as well as when stored in hot, well-lit rooms.

The main symptoms of watermelon poisoning

The first signs of watermelon poisoning develop within 2-6 hours after eating it. The severity of the condition and the severity of the symptoms depend on the amount eaten and the degree of contamination of the watermelon with nitrates.

Please note that watermelon poisoning is more severe in children than in adults. The first symptoms in children may appear as early as an hour after eating.

The main symptoms of watermelon poisoning:

a feeling of general weakness, body aches develops due to a strong intoxication syndrome;
severe pain and cramps in the abdomen;
nausea followed by vomiting;
profuse and repeated diarrhea. Its frequency can reach 15 times a day. Such diarrhea leads to severe dehydration;
increase in body temperature to subfebrile indicators (37-37.5);
headache and dizziness;
increased heart rate (tachycardia).

In case of severe poisoning, the level of blood pressure may decrease, shortness of breath may appear. Breathing becomes frequent and superficial, the patient complains of darkening in the eyes, his skin turns pale and acquires a blue tint. Blood may appear in the stool.

What is dangerous watermelon poisoning

Watermelon poisoning can lead to the pathological conditions listed below.

Gastrointestinal bleeding, which develops due to irritation of the mucous membrane with nitrates and toxins. People suffering from chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer are more prone to this complication. Gastrointestinal bleeding is manifested by the following symptoms:

black vomit;
chalked - black stool;
a sharp decrease in blood pressure;
darkening in the eyes;
loss of consciousness;
tachycardia;
cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes.

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, in which necrotic death of its tissues occurs. This disease is treated surgically. Main symptoms:

girdle acute pain in the abdomen;
temperature rise to 39.5;
purple spots on the skin of the abdomen;
intractable profuse vomiting and diarrhea.

Hypoxia is a condition in which the body does not receive the necessary amount of oxygen. Nitrates are able to destroy hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen molecules and transports it to tissues and organs with the help of red blood cells. The main symptoms of hypoxia:

blueing of the skin;
general weakness;
tachycardia;
darkening in the eyes.

First aid for watermelon poisoning

What to do in case of watermelon poisoning? Treatment of this condition should be carried out by physicians. When the first symptoms of watermelon intoxication appear, you need to call an ambulance. While the doctors are on the way, you can independently begin to provide first aid to the victim.

Remember that self-treatment of watermelon poisoning can lead to severe disturbances in the body.

First aid steps for watermelon poisoning are described below.

Cleansing the stomach

You can wash your stomach at home. To do this, you need to drink a liter of table water at neutral (room) temperature in one gulp and provoke vomiting in yourself. It is better to repeat this procedure several times.

With the help of washing, it is possible to prevent the absorption into the blood of nitrates that remain in the stomach, and to reduce the intoxication syndrome.

Enema

An enema is an effective remedy for quickly cleansing the intestines of toxins and watermelon residue. Use only clean water at room temperature for the enema. It is strictly forbidden to add drugs or herbs to the solution for cleaning the intestines at home. The enema should be carried out until clean washings appear.

Sorbents

After gastric lavage, sorbents can be taken. These are drugs that bind, neutralize and remove toxins from the body, including nitrates. Before taking them, you must read the dosing rules. All drugs have a different dose selection. Some are calculated by weight, and some by age.

Sorbents should be washed down with a sufficient amount of water. With its help, the drugs will act faster.

Names of sorbents:

Activated carbon;
atoxyl;
smecta;
enterosgel;
sorbex;
white coal.

The body in case of poisoning suffers from a large loss of fluid, dehydration. In case of watermelon poisoning, you can drink mineral or plain table water, sweet black tea. You can also take rehydron to combat dehydration. It is available in sachets. In its composition, rehydron is similar to solutions for droppers. One sachet of rehydron is diluted with a liter of water.

When poisoning with watermelon, you need to drink often and little by little. If the patient is sick, he vomits everything he has drunk, wait for an ambulance. The doctors will put you on a drip.

Peace and fresh air

Open the windows in the room in which the patient is located and provide him with peace and quiet. Before the arrival of doctors, make sure that he does not choke on vomit.

Medical assistance to the victim

The ambulance team, which arrived at the call, will assess the patient's condition and provide him with first aid, which may consist of:

gastric lavage through a tube is performed for children under 3 years old who find it difficult to empty the stomach in the usual way;
setting a dropper for the treatment of dehydration. For this, an intravenous catheter is inserted. Various solutions can be used (trisol, reopoliglyukin, glucose, disol);
the introduction of painkillers and antiemetic drugs helps to reduce intestinal spasms and remove nausea;
regulation of the cardiovascular system is carried out with the help of drugs that increase blood pressure, eliminate tachycardia.

Treatment for watermelon poisoning is most often done in a hospital. The duration of hospitalization depends on the patient's condition and on the presence of complications.

Patient examination

To make the correct diagnosis and identify the pathology of the internal organs, the doctor in the hospital may prescribe additional laboratory or instrumental examinations:

a general detailed blood test is needed to detect anemia, inflammatory processes in the body;
a general urine test helps to examine the work of the kidneys, which may be impaired due to the action of nitrates;
ultrasound examination of internal organs is performed to detect pathology of the liver, pancreas, kidneys;
gastroscopy is indicated for the development of symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding;
a biochemical blood test is needed to diagnose electrolyte shifts, impaired functioning of the liver and kidneys.

Please note that it is not necessary to immediately throw out the watermelon that poisoned the person. It may require laboratory testing to identify the substance that caused intoxication.

How can you protect yourself from watermelon poisoning?

How not to get poisoned by watermelon and choose the right fruit? When buying a watermelon, you cannot be 100% sure that it is safe. The following are recommendations that can help reduce the risk of developing watermelon poisoning.

Don't buy early watermelons. The season for these berries is the end of August and September. It is at this time that the fruits that are not treated with nitrates ripen. Early watermelons, which hit stores in June and July, are grown with the help of fertilizers and growth enhancers.
Choose watermelons that are not large, weighing up to 8 kg. When growing large fruits, chemicals may be used.
Before buying a watermelon, carefully inspect its peel for integrity. Damaged berries may be spoiled and rotten.

Remember that in order to prevent watermelon poisoning in a child, try the purchased fruit first. Give watermelon to children 6 hours after your tasting.

Watermelon poisoning is dangerous for humans. It develops as a result of eating spoiled or improperly grown fruits. The first symptoms develop 2-6 hours after eating. Watermelon poisoning can lead to serious complications. His treatment should be carried out by physicians. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.

Many people experience poisoning. Various factors can serve as reasons for this. These are medicines, low-quality food, alcohol, household chemicals, poisonous gases, heavy metals, etc. For any of the above poisonings, a strict diet is shown to the victim during the treatment period.

The benefits and harms of watermelon in case of poisoning

Dietary nutrition contributes to the speedy recovery of the gastrointestinal tract, which has suffered from the negative effects of a toxic substance. A person should remember that for some time such foods as muffin, spicy, fatty foods, smoked meats, sour-milk products and many vegetables and fruits are completely excluded from the diet. The exception is watermelon. However, before eating this seasonal delicacy, you should figure out whether it is possible to eat watermelon in case of poisoning and whether it can aggravate the situation.

Many doctors believe that watermelon can be eaten with eating disorders. This is explained by the fact that this berry, unlike others, contains a small percentage of fiber in its composition, which means that there is no irritation of the intestinal mucosa and stomach. Everyone knows that watermelon is 90 percent water, which the body needs in case of poisoning to avoid dehydration. With water, the removal of toxic substances that provoked intoxication will occur.

In order for a watermelon to have a positive effect on the health of a poisoned person, it is necessary not to exceed the allowable rate (1.5 kilograms) of a berry per day. This amount of food eaten contains the daily norm of minerals and vitamins that the body needs for a speedy recovery. Namely:

sodium;
phosphorus;
thiamine;
folic acid;
magnesium;
niacin;
potassium;
vitamins of groups A and B;
amino acids;
carotene.

In addition to the benefits, it is able to aggravate the patient's condition. Due to the fact that in our time there are fruits that were grown by an unscrupulous method, and then stored and sold in the wrong conditions, the number of poisonings with this berry has increased. Therefore, it is important to purchase the product according to the season and from a trusted seller who is able to document the absence of nitrates.

Useful properties of watermelon

Watermelon refers to fruits that are rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. Such a composition can help during the treatment of various diseases. These include poisoning. If the question arises, is it possible to eat watermelon after poisoning, the answer is often yes.

If you regularly eat watermelon in acceptable portions throughout the summer, when it is safe to eat, you can protect yourself from the appearance of atherosclerosis, rheumatism, and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The latter is especially necessary during poisoning and during the recovery period.

We can highlight the main useful properties of watermelon:

eliminates dysbacteriosis;
restores metabolic processes;
relieves the feeling of fatigue;
removes salts of uric acid;
may reduce the risk of prostate cancer;
does not provoke gas formation in the intestine;
helps lower cholesterol;
helps to get rid of the chronic form of gastritis;
eliminates swelling in various diseases of the kidneys and heart;
normalizes pressure;
relieves constipation;
restores pressure inside the eyes;
similar to the action of rehydron;
due to the low calorie content, it is allowed subject to dietary nutrition. At the same time, a feeling of saturation quickly sets in;
rids the body of toxic substances;
helps to strengthen the immune system.

Many people use watermelon to achieve a diuretic effect. In addition, it is used to lower body temperature. If a person does not have stones and sand in the kidneys, it is recommended to eat watermelon for prevention. This is explained by the fact that the fetus contains alkali compounds that prevent salts from accumulating in the kidneys, thereby forming stones and sand.

Can watermelon be dangerous when poisoned

When wondering whether it is possible to eat watermelon in case of poisoning, one should remember that it can both help and harm. This happens due to the fact that the fruits are fertilized with chemical compounds that gradually accumulate in it. A person who, for one reason or another, got poisoned and ate a small amount of such a watermelon, referring to its many positive qualities, can get watermelon poisoning.

Nitrates, which are accumulated in the pulp, getting into the stomach and intestines, cause a number of unpleasant, and sometimes life-threatening consequences. This is especially true for pregnant women, children under the age of three and the elderly, who have reduced immunity.

The danger lies in the fact that the converted nitrates affect hemoglobin, as a result of which the tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Oxygen starvation, or hypoxia, disrupts the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The respiratory and excretory systems are also strongly affected.

In order not to worsen the situation of a poisoned person, one should carefully choose the fetus. It should not have bright red flesh. Weight should vary from 3 to 5 kilograms. If the weight exceeds this indicator, this may indicate stimulation of fetal growth. When lowering a piece of pulp into water, it turns red, then you should refuse such a product. You should buy only a whole product, without the slightest chips and cracks. Otherwise, to the existing poisoning, bacteria will enter the body, which multiply rapidly, being in the heat for a long time.

You cannot be sure of the appropriate quality of a fruit bought in a store or on the market. If we talk about the use of watermelon by young children, it is recommended to give a fruit grown on their own plot.

Contraindications to the use of watermelon

Even if the fruit was grown independently, not processed with chemical fertilizers, there are still several reasons why eating the fruit is prohibited. These include:

Presence of kidney stones. Possessing a powerful diuretic effect, gourds can provoke a stone shift. There is a risk of urgent hospitalization and surgical intervention.
The outflow of urine is disturbed.
Diarrhea.
Colitis.
Diabetes.

It is important to observe the allowable amount of the product per day for young children. It is 100-150 grams. If the child is over 12 years old, it is allowed to increase to 200 grams. Elderly people should also be careful about eating this delicacy. Do not exceed 2 cloves per day. If you have diseases of the cardiovascular system, you should abandon the watermelon.

It should be eaten one hour before or after a meal. It is not recommended to combine it with white or black bread. This can provoke excessive gas formation, and in the future - a violation of the functioning of the digestive system.

From July to October, the risks of getting watermelon poisoning increase, which is accompanied by severe symptoms of intoxication, sometimes leading to hospitalization. Therefore, it is necessary to know how the first signs of malaise appear, in which cases you can help the victim yourself, and when you should call the doctors.

Causes of watermelon poisoning

There are 2 factors leading to a characteristic clinical picture:

Today it is difficult to purchase fruits and vegetables that do not contain chemicals that stimulate growth and ripeness. For the early ripening of a huge berry, manufacturers use nitrates. These compounds, poisonous to the human body, negatively affect the functioning of the nervous, cardiovascular, and alimentary tract systems. Substances bind hemoglobin, disrupting tissue oxygen supply.
Sweet overripe pulp, humid hot weather are ideal conditions for the development of putrefactive bacteria, which leads to infectious poisoning. At the same time, buyers often become the culprits of the problem, demanding to cut the watermelon to make sure it is fully ripe. Mechanical damage to the crust and causes the penetration of pathogens.

Intoxication is possible as a result of non-compliance with hygiene, a decrease in immune defense. People with chronic kidney disease are also at risk. The deterioration of filtration contributes to the accumulation of nitrate compounds and increases the risks when eating the striped fruit.

Symptoms of poisoning

With an insignificant concentration of chemicals, a mild degree of intoxication is likely, with which the human body successfully copes on its own. The critical content of nitrates leads to their transformation into nitrites, which are much more dangerous, and the presence of pathogens seriously worsens the picture.

The daily dose of nitrogen compounds for an adult should not exceed 60 mg per 1 kg of body weight. For the elderly, children and people with kidney problems, the rate is much lower.

If you use low-quality watermelon, the following general signs will soon develop:

pain in the epigastric region, lower abdomen;
increased flatulence;
nausea and urge to vomit;
weakness;
subfebrile temperature;
cephalgia;
increased sweat compartment:
diarrhea.

Symptoms of watermelon poisoning in severe intoxication include hypoxia, oxygen starvation. In this case, the clinical picture is supplemented:

Paleness, and often blue of the skin, nail plates, lips.
Dizziness, drop in temperature.
Hypotension and decreased heart rate.
Convulsions.

Watermelon poisoning can lead to serious irritation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, destruction of the surface layer. Therefore, diarrhea with bloody streaks is not uncommon. If mechanical damage is in the stomach or duodenum, the blood has time to clot and the feces become black.

Dangerous signs include a bitter taste and yellow sclera, which indicate damage to the liver and pancreas or the presence of problems even before intoxication

The first symptoms are noticeable after 4-6 hours. But in a child and an elderly person, the picture can appear much earlier.

Patient examination

Diagnosis is necessary to verify watermelon poisoning and identify the pathogen.

Perform according to the following scheme:

General analysis of blood and urine. Thus, the presence of inflammatory processes, anemia, impaired renal function is determined.
ultrasound. Indicated for assessing the condition of paired urinary organs, pancreas and liver.
Gastroscopy. Helps to eliminate suspicions of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Biochemistry. Detects electrolyte shifts.

It is advisable to send a piece of watermelon to the clinical laboratory. This will allow you to quickly identify the substance that led to intoxication, as well as the bacteria contained in the fetus.

First aid

In case of severe poisoning, a medical team is called. Doctors at home resort to the following treatment regimen:

Washing. It is done with a probe, if necessary, for babies up to 3 years of age.
Elimination of dehydration. They put droppers with Disol, Reopoliglyukin, glucose.
The introduction of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Relieve intestinal cramps and nausea.
Normalization of blood pressure, heart rate.

Before the arrival of the ambulance, you can independently alleviate the condition of the victim of watermelon poisoning.

Often and in large quantities, the patient is given ordinary or mineral water to drink, causing repeated and profuse vomiting. It is recommended to consume at least 2-3 liters to remove nitrates from the body. Continue until an almost clear liquid exits the digestive tract.

You also need to remove toxins from the intestines. It is not advised to resort to medicinal and herbal solutions, use warm water.

Sorbents

As drugs that bind toxic substances, apply:

activated black or white charcoal;
Polysorb;
Smecta;
Enterosgel.

Before use, you must read the instructions to determine the correct dosage for poisoning.

Plentiful drink

Watermelon intoxication gradually leads to fluid loss. To restore the body recommend:

Oralite;
Regidron;
Glucosolan.

Prepare a solution of 1 sachet and 1 liter of water.

The advantage of the method is that the drugs contain potassium and sodium salts, and this has a positive effect on the electrolyte balance. In the absence of drugs, it is allowed to give the patient plenty of warm black tea with added sugar.

Peace and fresh air

It is necessary to put the victim to bed before the arrival of the doctors and open the window. In the absence of consciousness, the head of a sick person is turned to one side and carefully monitored so that he does not choke on vomit.

medical treatment

It is important to understand that in case of watermelon poisoning, home procedures are done to reduce symptoms, and in the future, the victim should be treated under the supervision of a doctor or in a hospital - it depends on the degree of intoxication.

The reasons for hospitalization are:

loss of consciousness;
profuse liquid bowel movements;
indomitable vomiting;
temperature above 39 ̊С;
drop in blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg. Art.;
deterioration of visual function;
dyspnea;
convulsions.

If the arrival of the ambulance is delayed, you can take the patient to the hospital by personal transport after first aid.

Poisoning in a child

In young patients, intoxication is much more severe than in adults. This is due to a small volume of blood, the imperfection of the immune apparatus. As a result, symptoms often appear an hour after the body has been negatively affected.

By the way, doctors strongly recommend not to offer watermelon to babies, especially one-year-olds. It is advisable not to eat berries for mothers who use natural feeding. When giving breasts, a woman should remember that chemical compounds easily penetrate into milk and poison the body, for example, a month-old baby. Even older children are allowed to consume no more than 100-150 g.

Therapy for poisoning an adult or a small one has no differences:

If the patient is older than 5 years, they resort to gastric lavage using solutions of mustard, salt. You can make weak soapy water and drink no more than 1/4 tbsp.
Induce vomiting only when conscious.
Regidron is used in limited portions to prevent fluid loss.
Perform an enema in the absence of blood in the feces.
Give the sorbent.

Do not use painkillers, as they mask symptoms and complicate diagnosis. With severe spasms, it is better to give No-shpu.

It is necessary to transport to the hospital when there is no positive effect of home therapy for 1–2 hours.

During pregnancy

A woman should consider the risks to the baby and not eat watermelon. For poisoning, 400–500 g of nitrates are sufficient. As a result of intoxication, hypoxia develops, which leads to thickening of the blood, and sometimes thrombosis. This negatively affects both the condition of the mother and the fetus.

Of course, the berry contains many useful substances, reduces toxicosis, eliminates heartburn, and helps to remove swelling of the legs. But chemical compounds have become an almost mandatory additive in the cultivation of gourds. Therefore, using watermelon or melon, a person runs the risk of poisoning.

If trouble has already occurred, you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible. In case of severe symptoms, a doctor is called to the house.

Consequences

Light intoxication does not lead to significant complications. But in case of severe poisoning and the lack of competent treatment, the following manifestations are possible in the future:

Exacerbation of chronic pathologies of the liver and kidneys, pancreas.
The clinical picture of brain tissue damage, which persists for a long time.

To avoid such symptoms, after therapy, the patient is prescribed a sparing diet. Prohibited for use:

alcohol;
fatty ingredients, including meat;
smoked meats;
seafood;
spices.

Such components enhance the secretion of the stomach, which irritates the inflamed mucous membranes and is quite capable of leading to complications. Food should be light, contain a minimum of fiber.

Do not drink watermelon at the same time as alcohol-containing drinks. Alcohol syndrome will interfere with accurate diagnosis in case of poisoning.

How not to get poisoned by watermelons

Simple rules will help to avoid intoxication:

Do not buy berries in the off-season. At this time, the popular fruit is still immature, "ripeness" is achieved by chemical treatment.
Minimize use during pregnancy.
Do not cut in a vegetable kiosk or store - in this case, it is easy to introduce putrefactive bacteria into the fetus that can poison the body.
In order not to get sick, observe hygiene - thoroughly wash the peel with soap, pour boiling water over a clean berry.
Do not eat if there are white seals and yellow streaks in the pulp - a sign of feeding with nitrates.

You can test a watermelon for the presence of harmful substances by dipping a piece in water. If the liquid turns pink, refrain from dessert.

Although deaths from berry poisoning are rare, you should not risk your health. Already at the first signs of intoxication, immediately call a doctor and do not feed small children with a sweet fruit.

Watermelon poisoning is a common cause of hospitalization during the summer season. Intoxication appears quickly after the use of a sour or nitrate-containing product. Even if early watermelon looks safe, its use causes dangerous symptoms.

Fresh watermelon - fragrant, sweet and tasty, does not harm the body. But unripe or overripe, it is better not to eat. If the product is exposed to the sun for a long time, it will turn sour. With cracks, dents, dirt and microorganisms penetrate, an enterovirus infection can settle inside.

In melons and gourds, there is often an increased content of nitrates, which accumulate due to the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers. They are used to accelerate the growth of fruits and vegetables. When using ammonium nitrate, the proportions must be strictly observed. In small quantities, it can activate the growth of fruits and vegetables, but an overabundance in plants will be harmful, fruits will be hazardous to health. Once in the body, nitrates cause severe intoxication.

You can get poisoned for banal reasons. It is enough to rinse the watermelon badly after purchase. Harmful bacteria and dirt from the peel will be inside. Food intoxication will occur if you eat too much pulp. It is especially dangerous for the child's body.

Symptoms of nitrate intoxication in watermelon

Symptoms of watermelon poisoning in an adult differ little from the usual food. These include:

Nausea, vomiting.
Frequent diarrhea.
Cramps in the stomach.
Headache.
Weakness.
Chills.
Elevated temperature - from 38 to 39 degrees.

Symptoms of nitrate poisoning in watermelon in extremely severe cases can be expressed in a sharp drop in pressure, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. There is a sharp lack of oxygen, blue lips and nail plates, the appearance of convulsions. The appearance of yellowness on the mucous membranes indicates liver damage.

How long does it take to appear

If the intoxication is caused by the presence of chemicals, the product turned out to be nitrate, the symptoms will begin to appear after 2-3 hours. The stomach starts to hurt, with increasing intensity. The infection spreads quickly, after a short period of time, diarrhea and vomiting begin. The patient's condition is deteriorating. Weakness sets in, chills set in. Assistance should be provided, a doctor should be called. Severe intoxication leads to complications.

With a viral intestinal infection, symptoms appear after 5-6 hours. The picture is not as critical as with nitrate poisoning. Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea continue until the intestines are cleared of toxins.

Poisoning watermelon juice is dangerous for children. Features of the child's body do not allow to resist the virus. Symptoms appear faster, the process is more difficult, the treatment lasts longer.

The danger of watermelon poisoning during pregnancy

Fresh watermelon, bought during the ripening season, will benefit pregnant women in the absence of contraindications. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular, nervous systems, helps to compensate for iron deficiency in the body. The low calorie content of the product allows you to arrange fasting days.

The first months of pregnancy are an important period. The organs and systems of the child are being formed. A woman's diet should be balanced, containing vitamins and minerals. Watermelon poisoning during pregnancy is dangerous, will lead to serious consequences. It is important to approach the choice of product carefully. At the slightest doubt about freshness and quality, put the harmful delicacy aside. Intoxication threatens with deviations in the development of the fetus.

In the later stages, use the product after consulting a doctor. It will tell you the norm - how many slices it is permissible to eat per day. The organs and systems of a woman work in an enhanced mode, an extra load on the kidneys is harmful. Intoxication in the later stages will provoke premature birth. If you suspect an infection, call a doctor, and drink activated charcoal before arrival.

First aid

If the watermelon looked fresh and the taste did not arouse suspicion, and nitrates became the cause of poisoning. A visit to the doctor is mandatory, he will decide whether therapy is to be carried out in a hospital setting. First aid at home before the arrival of the ambulance:

Give the victim a weak solution of potassium permanganate, induce vomiting. Salt solution will do.
Make gastric lavage.
Provide the patient with peace, put to bed.
Drink plenty of water.

Severe poisoning is a threat to life. Your doctor will take the next steps.

Treatment at home

For watermelon poisoning, home treatment will take several days, depending on the severity. To get rid of toxins accumulated in the body, you will have to use a large volume of fluid and gastric lavage to help enemas and solutions that cause vomiting. After the stomach has been cleared, the vomiting will stop, and the time for antidotes will come. Treatment consists in the use of coal tablets, smecta, polysorb, enterosgel. Means will remove toxins from the body, soothe the gastric mucosa. An antiviral medicine will help to recover faster, which one the doctor will tell you. With hyperthermia, the patient is given an antipyretic. The patient observes bed rest, consumes a large amount of liquid, adheres to a special diet.

Treating babies is more difficult. Adults with mild poisoning quickly recover, in children the recovery process is slower.

Is it possible to eat watermelon with food poisoning

Food poisoning occurs for a variety of reasons. Poor health can be caused by eating stale food, severe alcohol intoxication. Any is treated identically to watermelon poisoning. The list includes gastric lavage, induction of vomiting, the use of adsorbents, the use of large amounts of liquid, diet.

After intoxication, the patient has no appetite. Lemon tea is a good drink. Oatmeal, which does not irritate the stomach, will help. Fruits and vegetables are consumed with caution. Despite the benefits, the stomach is not ready for such food. It takes time to restore function.

But adults are not forbidden to eat watermelon, provided that it is 100% fresh and of high quality. It helps to remove toxins from the body and provide vitamins. But you need to use it within reason. 2-3 pieces a day is enough.

Possible complications and prevention

Complications after intoxication cause malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and allergic reactions are possible.

In order to prevent complications, you need to choose the right watermelon, observe the processing conditions before eating.

buy during natural ripening - in August, September. Spring, early summer is not the season for watermelon;
do not buy from dubious sellers located by the road, use shops, specialized markets;
do not buy cut fruits. Do not make an incision to ensure ripeness;
by tapping on a striped berry, you can find out if nitrates are present there. That there is no muffled sound;
at home, when cutting the fetus, you can find out whether the product is of high quality. Sugar grains speak of naturalness, a glossy surface should alert;
white areas in the pulp and yellow streaks indicate the presence of nitrates;
experience will help to insure: a piece of the product is dipped into clean water. The water turned pink - there are nitrates, it turned cloudy, but remained clean - the product is natural;
before use, the fruit is washed with running warm water and soap;
leftovers are stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in cling film, no more than a day.

By following the rules, you can enjoy the treat and avoid serious consequences.