Please don't feed babies with honey, cause of botulism risk

HealthyTips - Before you try any honey remedies or recipes, keep in mind that honey should not be fed to infants younger than one year of age due to the possibility of a serious illness called botulism. Infant botulism is caused by bacterial spores. Although these spores may sound dangerous, they can in fact be found throughout our environment and in soil, dust, air, and in raw fruits and vegetables. These spores are routinely consumed without problems by children and adults. 

However, because infants lack a fully developed gastrointestinal tract, these spores can cause the disease known as botulism. While incidents of infant botulism caused by honey are rare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Honey Board agree that the honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age.

Infant botulism is a potentially life-threatening disease in which a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum grows inside a baby's gastrointestinal tract. Infant botulism occurs mostly in young infants between 6 weeks and 6 months of age. It has been reported to occur as early as 6 days and as late as 1 year. Babies get infant botulism after consuming spores of the bacteria, which then grow and multiply in their intestinal tracts and make toxins.

Symptoms

1. Breathing stops or slows 
2. Constipation Eyelids sag or partially close 
3. Infant appears "floppy" 
4. Infant doesn't gag 
5. Loss of head control 
6. Paralysis that spreads downward 
7. Poor feeding and weak suckling 
8. Respiratory failure 
9. Tired all the time (lethargy) 
10. Weak cry

Botulism immune globulin is the main treatment for this condition. Infants that receive this treatment have shorter hospital stays and less severe illness.

Any infant with botulism must receive supportive care during their recovery. This includes:

• Ensuring proper nutrition
• Keeping the airway clear
• Watching for breathing problems

If breathing problems develop, breathing support, including the use of a breathing machine, may be needed.

Antibiotics do not appear to help the baby improve any faster, and are not needed unless another bacterial infection such as pneumonia develops. The use of human-derived botulinum antitoxin may also be helpful.