Infant botulism is a rare but serious disease, caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that can be found in the soil and can contaminate water and food, for example, in addition, poorly preserved food is an important source of proliferation of this bacterium . It can enter the baby’s body through the consumption of contaminated food and begin to produce a toxin that results in the appearance of symptoms.
The presence of the toxin in the baby’s body can cause serious damage to the nervous system and infection can be mistaken for a stroke, for example. The most common source of infection in infants under one year of age is the consumption of honey, as honey is an excellent way to spread the spores produced by this bacteria.
- The first symptoms of botulism in babies are similar to those of the flu.
- But are followed by paralysis of the nerves and muscles of the face and head.
- Which then progresses to the arms.
- Legs and respiratory muscles.
- So the baby may have:.
Baby botulism is easily confused with stroke paralysis, but lack of proper botulism diagnosis and treatment can worsen the condition and lead to death due to the high concentration of botulinum toxin circulating in the child’s blood. baby.
Diagnosis is easier when information about the child’s recent nutritional history is available, but it can only be confirmed by blood or stool tests, which should check for the presence of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Here’s how to recognize botulism symptoms
The treatment of botulism in babies is done by washing the stomach and intestines to remove the remains of contaminated food. Intravenous anti-botulinum immunoglobulin (IV-GBI) can be used, but it has side effects that warrant attention. The baby needs to breathe with devices for a few days and, in most cases, makes a full recovery, without major consequences.
In addition to honey, see other foods your baby can’t eat until age 3.