Why does watermelon allergy occur and how is it related to the reaction to ragweed?

A large number of people suffer from allergic reactions to various foods.

In the summer, allergies to watermelon are common, since many people love this berry very much and try to purchase it as soon as it hits the shelf.

In the summer-autumn period, most people try to replenish their vitamin reserves as much as possible, and the easiest way to do this is by consuming various vegetables and fruits. But not everyone has such an opportunity. The thing is that many people are allergic to seasonal foods. This is very unpleasant and dangerous. At the same time, an allergic reaction often begins to appear with age, but it can also disappear as one gets older.

Despite the fact that everyone loves watermelon, not everyone knows whether there is an allergy to it. The pulp of this delicate giant berry is juicy, sweet and very healthy. It contains a huge amount of vitamins that saturate the body and make it less vulnerable to various diseases. Watermelon pulp is very rich not only in various vitamins, but also allows a person to get many microelements. Watermelons are often used as a preventative against various ailments. For example, consuming them in moderation can cleanse the kidneys and rid the human body of excess fluid accumulation, since this berry is an excellent diuretic. In addition, watermelons help in the fight against excess weight.

However, many are still interested in the question of whether there can be an allergy to watermelon. It is worth noting that this berry also has contraindications, so it should not be consumed by everyone indiscriminately. It is quite possible that this berry will cause deterioration in health. The most common cause of poor health is an allergic reaction, which can be quite severe to watermelon. People with this pathology should completely avoid using this product, as it can cause a serious problem.

The concept of cross-allergy in action

As you know, watermelon grows in melon fields, where, in addition to watermelon, you can also find other plants that parasitize nearby. Here it is necessary to remember the concept of hay allergy, or pollen allergy.

The worst enemy of all allergy sufferers is ragweed. Its pollen, when transferred to a watermelon, can play a cruel joke on you. So, when you eat watermelon, you don’t suspect that the terrible allergen is already close.

Attention: cross-allergy is quite common: if you are allergic to ragweed, you should not eat watermelon, otherwise there is a risk of exacerbation of cross-allergy.

Possible reasons

Let's look at what factors can influence the occurrence of this allergy.

1. High sensitivity to the components that make up the berry.
2. Functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys.
3. The presence of viral diseases or chronic infection.
4. Hormonal abnormalities.
5. Cross allergy.
6. The presence of car exhaust residues and toxic elements on the watermelon peel if this product was sold or sprouted in a place near highways.
7. Hereditary predisposition.
8. The presence of pollen from a plant that is a strong allergen, in particular ragweed, on the peel of the berry.
9. The result of overeating. In fact, it occurs when the product is abused, that is, in small doses, watermelon will not cause an allergic reaction.
10. The presence of preservatives, food additives or dyes, if watermelon is not consumed fresh, but as juices or desserts.

Allergy symptoms

Every allergy sufferer should know what the symptoms of a watermelon allergy are.

• soreness in the mouth, throat;
• cough and itchy mouth;
• labored breathing;
• small rash;
• swelling of the tongue, throat and area around the mouth in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle;
• attack of suffocation;
• the appearance of urticaria (most often on the hands and in the area up to the elbow);
• the appearance of a huge number of itchy spots on the body (rare).

Symptoms of developing an allergic disease after eating watermelon

Despite the fact that watermelon is not a very allergenic product, the following occurrences in the form of:

• swelling of the tongue and nasal mucosa, sneezing, rhinitis,
• redness of the eye sclera,
• headache,
• pain and cramping in the abdominal area, intestinal disorders,
• nausea, vomiting,
• skin redness in some parts of the body, itching, rash.

Allergens present in other plant products can also cause watermelon intolerance. Similar symptoms appear some time after consuming these representatives of the flora:

• oranges, bananas,
• kiwi, papaya,
• avocado, peaches,
• celery, tomatoes.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics are carried out in the laboratory. A lancet (a device for cutting the top layer of skin) is inserted into the watermelon fruit, and then immediately transferred to the top layer of skin on your arm to see the reaction. If severe redness appears and a papule appears, this means that you will have to discard the fruit. We will immediately reassure especially impressionable patients: the procedure is practically painless, even children react to it very calmly. Testing for major allergens is also carried out.

Treatment of an allergy to watermelon is traditional: the doctor prescribes antihistamines that stop the effect of the antigen and calm the immune system, which is agitated due to the entry of a foreign element into it. Suprastin, Diazolin, Cetrin have established themselves as means whose effectiveness has been proven thousands of times.

External effects on the skin are also necessary. Fenistil-gel or compresses made from chamomile and calendula infusion will help relieve itching. Choose according to your taste what to give preference to: medication or folk advice from your grandmother.

How will a child's allergy to watermelon be diagnosed and treated?

A specialist will be able to accurately determine the allergen through skin testing or a blood test. If the doctor determines that the allergy was caused by watermelon, he will prescribe appropriate therapy.

The consumption of watermelons is completely excluded. Sometimes (with mild signs of a child’s allergy to berries) this is quite enough.

The doctor will also name foods that should be consumed with caution or even advise removing them from the child’s diet.

In some cases, the child will require a course of treatment.

• An allergist can prescribe local medications if the skin is affected (ointments and gels Fenistil-gel, Gistan, Elidel, Desitin, Menalind are suitable for both infants and older children).
• Local remedies for rhinitis and conjunctivitis may also be prescribed: Cromoglin and Hi-Krom for eye drops can be used from one month of life, Zodak is used in children after one year, Cromohexal after two years, Okumetil and Opatanol for children from three years, Lecrolin after four , from the age of six Allergodil. For rhinitis, the doctor will recommend instilling Cromoglin, Lomudal or Cromosol into the nose.
• The doctor can prescribe antihistamines that cope well with all children’s allergic reactions to watermelon, blocking histamine release in the body. Very popular, for example, are Lomilan and Clarisens tablets, Loratadine and Claritin. The list of drugs is extensive; the doctor will select the necessary medicine and the form in which it can be used. Such drugs are not prescribed to infants.
• In order to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, enterosorbents are prescribed.
• Hormonal agents for oral or external use are rarely prescribed, in the most severe cases. These are Elokom, Advantan, Akriderm, Prednisolone, Lotoprednol, Dexamethasone, etc. Corticosteroid medications can be used in different forms: ointments, drops, tablets, injections. These products are not suitable for infants.

All medications, their doses, and duration of therapy are determined only by a specialist. The doctor may also recommend traditional medicine. For example, a decoction of string has proven itself well.

Category Doctors advise

1. Like any other berries, watermelon needs heat treatment before eating. It needs to be washed with warm water before cutting.
2. You need to purchase fruits from trusted manufacturers, whose products have been previously tested for the content of harmful nitrates.
3. Immunologists advise patients experiencing allergies to create a so-called food passport, which will reflect food products to which the body has even the slightest atypical reaction. A food diary should also be kept to track dangerous foods. Allergy tests do not always help identify all allergens, but they will certainly show the main ones.

How not to confuse food poisoning with allergies?

Watermelons have a reputation as a product that is extremely popular among the population. Therefore, manufacturers, in pursuit of increased profits, often use nitrates when growing them, which leads to food poisoning when eating the fruit.

It is useful to know how to distinguish poisoning from allergies: we discussed the symptoms of an allergy to watermelon above. Food poisoning entails disturbances in the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, indigestion, and the temperature may also rise. If there is vomiting, dehydration occurs. If you have an allergy, your temperature will not rise.

Treatment of an allergic reaction

If the allergy is mild (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, itchy skin), then you can cope with it with the help of antihistamines. Depending on the symptoms, the use of medications such as:

• Suprastin,
• Tavegil,
• Claritin,
• Zyrtec,
• Erius,
• Fenistil.

In case of more severe symptoms, glucocorticosteroids may be used. Only an allergist can formulate a correct course of treatment.

If breathing difficulties, disturbances of consciousness occur, blood pressure drops sharply, swelling of the tongue and neck appears, then it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. - you can’t hesitate. Only a doctor can treat anaphylactic shock!

Before the ambulance arrives, the patient is placed on his back with his legs elevated. If possible, an auto-injector with epinephrine (adrenaline) should be used. An antihistamine should also be given.

Interesting Facts

Please note that not only the fruit itself is considered an allergen. Allergies can be caused by both fresh watermelon and watermelon honey. You can’t eat soaked watermelons, which are so popular in the southern regions. Although jam and preserves have been heat-treated, it is better for you to refrain from these delicacies as well. Otherwise, exacerbation of the disease cannot be avoided.

Contraindications for use

In addition to allergies, watermelon can cause exacerbation of kidney failure; its consumption can lead to problems with the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, if you have previously encountered these ailments. Therefore, you should not abuse this product. Everything needs moderation. Pediatricians do not recommend eating it for children under two years of age. The child's immune system may not be ready for this product, and therefore, you and your baby may not avoid health problems. Pregnant women can enjoy watermelon, remembering that it puts a strain on the kidneys, which are already working to the limit.

The norm for an adult to consume this product is considered to be an average of half a kilo per day. Don’t let an allergy to watermelon darken your life with unpleasant symptoms, and if this happens, hurry to our website for useful advice. We still have a lot of interesting and educational material for you. Be healthy!

Precautionary measures

1. If you know that your child has an increased tendency to allergic reactions, then it is better not to introduce him to watermelon at all.
2. Do not buy this berry earlier than early August. You need to understand that early ripening is due to the use of chemicals that accelerate growth.
3. You need to learn to control yourself and not eat this berry in large quantities. You need to understand that even a small amount can provoke an allergy if you eat a lot, and you are guaranteed serious consequences from allergies.
4. There is no need to buy berries that are too large. It is possible that chemicals that affect accelerated growth are to blame. Give preference to berries that have a tail and a yellow spot on one side.
5. Do not give your toddler watermelon before checking to see if the color of the water will change due to the piece of pulp placed in it. If the water turns pink or red, nitrates are present. It should not be given to a child, and neither should adults.
6. Even if you are convinced that there are no nitrates, it is better to give your baby the pulp, which is located in the central part of the watermelon, that is, as far as possible from the peel.
7. If this is the first acquaintance with this berry, it is recommended that the little toddler be given juice squeezed out of the pulp through cheesecloth. If the child refuses, there is no need to insist. Please try this product later.

Everyone in our family loves to eat watermelon. We were lucky; no one developed allergies. We always carefully consider the choice of product, we select a given berry, taking into account all the rules, we also check for nitrates, determining the change in color of the water poured into a glass when a piece of pulp is immersed in it.

Now you know whether watermelon can cause allergies . You need to know that its development is possible in any baby. Do not forget that children with a history of allergies should be introduced to new foods with caution.

Hello, dear readers! In the article we will talk about why allergic reactions to watermelon may occur in children, what signs indicate this allergy.

How it is diagnosed, what therapeutic methods are used to treat it, and we also talk about how to choose a watermelon that does not contain harmful nitrates that can cause allergic symptoms in a child.