Bad Reactions to Honey
Though sweet, honey can cause two types of bad reactions. Some individuals might be allergic to the pollen, bee venom or proteins in honey. For baby's under the age of 1, honey can cause a reaction from the bacteria. To avoid a bad reaction to honey, people who are allergic to it and children under age 1 should not consume it.
Allergy
A bad reaction to honey is an allergic reaction, which occurs when your body overreacts to the presence of a protein inside of a food. Your body signals a fight against the protein, causing your immune system to take action. Your immune system responds by releasing chemicals that cause swelling.
Causes and Symptoms
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Honey contains three potential allergens. An allergy to honey can be the cause of pollen, bee venom or the honey itself. Your doctor can help you determine which is the cause. Symptoms of a honey allergy include swelling, hives, watery eyes, nasal congestion, trouble breathing, vomit, diarrhea, stomach pain, confusion, dizziness, throat closing and anaphylaxis. If you suspect a honey allergy, seek medical help right away.
- Honey contains three potential allergens.
- An allergy to honey can be the cause of pollen, bee venom or the honey itself.
Infant Botulism
Honey has the potential to carry the bacteria clostridium. This bacteria can cause infant botulism. Though this bacteria cannot thrive in an adult's digestive system, the spores can thrive inside of an infant. Multiplying bacteria results in botulism and may cause trouble breathing or even death.
- Honey has the potential to carry the bacteria clostridium.
- Multiplying bacteria results in botulism and may cause trouble breathing or even death.
Honey and Children
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To reduce the risk of exposing an infant to botulism, do not introduce your child to honey until after he turns 1. After that, the digestive system has developed enough to fight off this bacteria. If your child has eaten honey and begins to exhibit signs including constipation, muscle weakness, a muddled cry or trouble suckling, seek medical help right away. These are the signs of a bad reaction to honey in infants.
- To reduce the risk of exposing an infant to botulism, do not introduce your child to honey until after he turns 1.
Related Articles
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Allergy Treatments
- "Allergy"; Allergy to Honey: Relation to Pollen and Honey Bee Allergy; A. Helbling, et al.; 1992
- Kids Health; Can I Feed My Baby Honey?; Steven Dowshen, MD; 2010
- MedlinePlus: Botulism
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. Honey. FoodData Central. 2019.
- Cianciosi D, Forbes-Hernández TY, Afrin S, et al. Phenolic Compounds in Honey and Their Associated Health Benefits: A Review. Molecules. 2018;23(9):2322. doi:10.3390/molecules23092322
- Oduwole O, Udoh EE, Oyo-Ita A, Meremikwu MM. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;4:CD007094. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007094.pub5
- Pasupuleti VR, Sammugam L, Ramesh N, Gan SH. Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1259510. doi:10.1155/2017/1259510
- Aguiar R, Duarte FC, Mendes A, Bartolomé B, Barbosa MP. Anaphylaxis caused by honey: A case report. Asia Pac Allergy. 2017;7(1):48-50. doi:10.5415/apallergy.2017.7.1.48
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Botulism. HealthyChildren.org. Updated November 19, 2018.
- National Honey Board. Honey Varietals. 2020.
Writer Bio
Laura Niedziocha began her writing career in 2007. She has contributed material to the Stoneking Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Lambertville, N.J., and her work has appeared in various online publications. Niedziocha graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. She also has her Associate of Arts in communications from the Community College of Philadelphia.