How to Know If Your Child is Affected with Melamine Poisoning

There have long been issues that many well-known brands of dairy products such as milk powder, infant formula and yogurt as well being tainted with melamine.

Melamine, as a synthetic chemical, is used extensively to produce melamine foam and melamine plastic (also called a thermosetting plastic) by combining it with formaldehyde. The result of this chemical process produces the end results of fabrics, glues, fertilizers, inks, whiteboards, flame-retardants, cleaning agents, countertops, or dishware.

Some immoral manufacturers have even adulterated raw milk with water to raise its volume resulting in lower milk protein concentration. In order to add to extra protein into the raw milk, melamine is added into the milk to increase its protein content. As melamine is rich in nitrogen (about 66% by its mass), it can be used to significantly increase the protein content of the dairy products.

Certainly, products being contaminated with melamine do not just restrict to milk but it can also be found with any dairy based products sold in the market. In 2007, melamine found in pet food was reported to have caused many dogs and cats died on the cause of kidney failure in the United States.

Melamine Can Cause Detrimental Health Effects

Numerous animal studies reveal that melamine can cause bladder stones. When melamine is combined with cyanuric acid, it promotes the formation of crystals which is a primary cause of kidney stones. Over years, many clinical reports have also shown that overconsumption of melamine can be carcinogenic and has also been caused cancers in animals. This adverse effect can be inferred to humans, too, especially when they are constantly using products tainted with melamine.

How Do You Know If Your Child is Affected with Melamine?

Here are some of the apparent signs and symptoms showing you that your child is affected by melamine poisoning.

• Blood in urine
• Vomiting
• Abdominal/stomach pain
• High blood pressure
• Pain in the back
• Acute renal failure/ kidney failure- may cause little or no urine output
• Oedema or swelling of face, hands, or feet
• Excessive crying or irritability (especially in babies)

Is There any Treatment for Kidney failure, or Kidney Stones?

The treatment for kidney failure, or kidney stones will depend on the severity of the kidney problems. In this case, various options are available and these include correction of acid-base and fluids disturbance, infusion of fluids and urine alkalization, surgical removal of kidney stones, peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis.

Final Remark:

If your child has been exposed for a short period of melamine poisoning which does not show any symptoms or signs as stated herein, there is usually no point to worry much. However, I would advise you to bring your child to see a doctor for the sake of their health. If you are worried or are in doubt, I would suggest you to bring them to check with a doctor and to discuss with the doctor whether your child needs to do any urine, X-ray or blood test.

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Take care, stay well and have a nice day!