Infant botulism
Botulism is a disease that occurs when a child receives bacteria that produce a toxin inside the body can.
The condition can be scary, because it can cause muscle weakness and breathing problems. But it is very rare: less
than 100 cases of infant botulism occur each year in the United States, and most babies who get botulism ask again
full.
Botulism is treatable, but because of its severity, it is important to know the symptoms so you can recognize it
early. Also know that honey is a known source of bacterial spores that cause botulism. For this reason, honey
should not be given to infants under 12 months.
About infant botulism
Botulism may occur when a child takes spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which are provided in the dirt and dust
and contaminate honey. This disease typically affects babies who are between 3 weeks and 6 months old, but they are
susceptible to it until their first birthday.
These bacteria are usually harmless, older children and adults because their mature digestive system can move the spores
before they cause damage throughout the body.
But very young babies have not developed the ability to handle the spores yet. So, if a child receives them,
Bacteria germinate, multiply and produce a toxin. The toxin interferes with the normal interaction between the muscles
and nerves and can hinder a child's ability to move, eat and breathe.
Two other types of botulism tend to affect older children and adults: Wound botulism occurs when the bacteria infect a wound
and produce the toxin in it; Foodborne botulism is usually caused by the consumption of home-canned foods that contain caused
Toxin.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of botulism appear between 3 to 30 days after a child consumes the spores. Constipation is often the first
Application of botulism that parents notice (although many other diseases can also cause constipation). Call your doctor if
My baby had a bowel movement in 3 days.
Other symptoms may include:
flat facial expressions
poor diet (weak sucking)
faint cry
decreased movement
Swallowing with excessive drooling
Muscle weakness
Breathing problems
Botulism can be treated, but it is important to obtain the medical care as quickly as possible. Call your doctor at once
if you see any of the warning signs in your baby.
Treatment
Botulism is treated in the hospital, usually in the intensive care unit, where doctors try to limit the
Problems caused the toxin in the body of the baby. The toxin can affect the respiratory muscles so the doctors can put the child
on a ventilator. Since the toxin can affect the swallowing muscles, they can give the baby intravenous (IV) fluids
provide food.
An antidote is now available for the treatment of infant botulism called Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (BIGIV) available
that should be given as early as possible in the disease. Babies with botulism who received BIGIV sooner and recover
spend less time in the hospital.
With early diagnosis and proper medical care, a baby should fully recover if the effects of the toxin wear off.
Prevention
How many germs that Clostridium botulinum spores that cause botulism in infants everywhere in the environment.
You are in dust and dirt, and even in the air. Experts do not know why some infants contract botulism, while others do not.
One way to reduce the risk of botulism, is no infants honey or no processed foods, honey (like honey
Graham crackers) before their first birthday. Honey is a good source of bacteria and has led to botulism in infants
who have taken it. Light and dark corn syrups were thought to be a source of spores, but no proven cases of infant
Botulism they have attributed to ingestion. However, your physician before this. Infant to a