Protect Your Baby From Infant Botulism
September 1, 2009
Infant botulism is a rare illness, which occurs when an infant swallows the spores of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Once the bacteria enter the digestive tract of the infant, they start producing toxins, which cause immense harm to the baby.
Fortunately, nearly every baby suffering from botulism recovers completely from the illness. Nonetheless, caution should be taken to ensure that your baby does not ingest spores of these toxin-producing bacteria.
Usually infants between 3 weeks and 6 months are susceptible to botulism. As the baby’s digestive system develops, it can easily eliminate the bacteria spores from the digestive tract of the child.
Hence, older children are less likely to suffer from botulism. Nonetheless, infants until their first birthday are vulnerable to botulism. Once the bacteria spores enter the baby’s body they start to multiply. The bacteria produce toxins that adversely affect the baby’s muscles and nervous system.
Causes of infant botulism
The harmful botulism causing bacteria spores enter the infant’s body through food. These bacteria are present in the dirt. Foods produced in unhygienic conditions are the major sources of bacteria spores. Most cases of infant botulism occur from honey intake. Although, more prominent in the case of botulism in adults, wounds infection might cause infant botulism.
Symptoms of infant botulism
Between 8 and 36 hours after the child ingests bacteria spores, the signs of infant botulism start appearing. The first symptom of infant botulism is constipation. Other more severe symptoms of the disease soon follow. Other signs of infant botulism include muscle weakness, poor crying, poor feeding, weak sucking, and difficulty in swallowing and breathing difficulties.
Infant botulism home remedies
If you notice any of these signs, which might indicate infant botulism, you should immediately take your child to the hospital. Infant botulism is treated in the intensive care unit. An antitoxin known as Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous is given to cure the infection. To reduce the respiratory difficulties the child may be put on a ventilator.
Infant botulism prevention
To prevent infant botulism do not give your child honey before he/she is one year old. Corn syrups and low-acid canned foods are also believed to cause infant botulism.
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