Child Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Serdal Güngör underlined that honey fed to babies under the age of 1 has a risk of poisoning and said that it can cause serious problems up to muscle weakness and paralysis in babies.
Prof. Dr. Serdal Güngör, Pediatric Neurology Specialist at Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex, drew attention to “Infantile botulism”, popularly known as honey-induced food poisoning in babies aged 1 and under. Prof. Dr. Güngör gave information about the disease and explained the treatment methods.
“It can cause muscle weakness and paralysis”
Referring to the problems that the disease may cause, Prof. Dr. Serdal Güngör said, “Infantile botulism is a rare but serious disease that affects children under the age of one, often in the first 6 months. It occurs as a result of ingestion of spores of the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The intestinal tract of infants lacks protective bacterial flora and clostridium-inhibiting bile acids. Bacterial spores are extremely resistant to environmental conditions. The neurotoxin produced by these spores in the intestines of infants blocks communication between nerve cells, causing progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Infantile botulism can usually occur as a result of honey consumption or contact with bacterial spores found in soil.”
“It can result in respiratory failure and death”
Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, Prof. Dr. Güngör said, “Symptoms of infantile botulism usually appear 12-36 hours after toxin ingestion. Symptoms such as muscle weakness (floppy baby syndrome), droopy eyelids, decreased tears and saliva, expressionless face, weak sucking reflex and gagging, hypoactivity, constipation and intestinal immobility, weak crying, breathing difficulties can progress rapidly and result in respiratory failure and death. Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease and rapid initiation of treatment is of vital importance.”
“Do not dip pacifiers in honey”
Referring to the important steps in the prevention of infantile botulism, Prof. Dr. Güngör said, “Babies under the age of 1 should not be given honey and contact with soil should be avoided. The most common mistake made by families is dipping pacifiers in honey and letting babies suck on them. In addition, proper food hygiene and preservation methods play a critical role in reducing spore contamination. Infantile botulism is a disease that can be successfully managed with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment but can lead to serious complications. Increasing awareness of this disease in infants and taking preventive measures play a key role in reducing mortality and morbidity.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240729AW256652