Improper consumption of pineapple can easily cause allergies in children
A two-year-old child kept complaining of discomfort after eating pineapple, which turned out to be an acute allergic reaction. A pediatric specialist reminds that there is a correct way to eat pineapple.
Recently, Ms. Li, who lives in Xinqiao, Shapingba, Chongqing, saw an enticing pineapple at the market and bought a peeled one for her two-year-old son, Linlin. After getting home, her son saw it and clamored to eat it. Ms. Li quickly rinsed the pineapple in salted boiling water and gave it to her son to eat. To her surprise, after the child ate less than half of it, he started sticking out his tongue and saying he felt unwell, which frightened Ms. Li into rushing the child to the hospital for treatment.
Associate Professor Zhang Yuping, deputy director of the Pediatrics Department at Xinqiao Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, explained that Linlin was allergic to bromelain in the pineapple, which led to an acute allergic reaction. Fortunately, he didn't eat much, and the allergic symptoms disappeared after an hour or two. If too much is consumed, it can also lead to vomiting, generalized itching, flushed skin, numbness of the lips and limbs, and profuse sweating. Severe cases can also involve tachycardia, pale complexion, confusion, and even shock, which can be life-threatening.
Experts remind the public that the correct way to eat pineapple is to cut it into thin slices, soak it in light salt water for at least half an hour, or cook it, then rinse it with cold boiled water before consumption. This is because after soaking in salt water or cooking, the bromelain is completely destroyed, thus preventing allergic reactions. Other common fruits that can cause allergies include oranges, peaches, and apricots, which generally symptoms such as oral numbness or lip swelling, and urticaria. When an allergy occurs, consumption of that fruit should be stopped. (Li Chunmei)