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 foods are a great source of proliferation of this bacterium. Thus, the bacteria can enter the baby's body through the consumption of contaminated food and start to produce a toxin that results in the appearance of symptoms.
The presence of the toxin in the baby's body can result in severe impairment of the nervous system, and the infection can be confused with stroke, for example. The most common source of infection in babies under 1 year of age is the consumption of honey, because honey is a great means of spreading the spores produced by this bacterium.
Symptoms of botulism in the baby
The initial symptoms of botulism in the baby are similar to that of the flu, however they are followed by paralysis of the nerves and muscles of the face and head, which later evolves into the arms, legs and respiratory muscles. Thus, the baby may present:
- Difficulty swallowing; Weak suction; Apathy; Loss of facial expressions; Drowsiness; Lethargy; Irritability; Little reactive pupils; Constipation.
Baby botulism is easily confused with the paralysis of a stroke, however the lack of proper diagnosis and treatment of botulism can aggravate the condition and lead to death due to the high concentration of botulinum toxin circulating in the baby's blood.
The diagnosis is easier when there is information about the child's recent food history, but it can only be confirmed through blood tests or stool culture, in which the presence of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum should be checked.
Here's how to recognize the symptoms of botulism.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of botulism in the baby is done with stomach and intestinal washing to remove any contaminated food remains. Intravenous anti-botulism immunoglobulin (IGB-IV) can be used, but it produces side effects that deserve attention. In some cases it is necessary for the baby to breathe with the help of devices for a few days and, in most cases, he recovers completely, without major consequences.
In addition to honey, see other foods that the baby cannot eat until 3 years of age.
