What is botulism?

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Botulism is a rare but dangerous condition brought about by toxins released by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin is considered as one of the most potent and attack the nervous system and result to paralysis.

Many individuals can fully recover with proper treatment, but the paralysis can reach the muscles responsible for breathing if not promptly started. The condition is deadly in 5-10% of cases.

What are the indications?

Remember that the time it takes to develop the symptoms tends to vary from a few hours up to several days after being exposed to the Clostridium botulinum bacteria or its toxins.

botulism
Remember that the time it takes to develop the symptoms tends to vary from a few hours up to several days after being exposed to the Clostridium botulinum bacteria or its toxins.

Depending on the precise form of the condition, some cases develop symptoms such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Feeling sick
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Constipation

If not treated, botulism eventually leads to paralysis that spreads down the body starting from the head down to the legs. The usual symptoms include:

  • Drooping eyelids
  • Slurred speech
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weakness of the facial muscles

Management of botulism

Botulism requires care in a healthcare facility. The mode of treatment is based on the type of botulism present, but it generally includes:

  • Neutralizing the toxins using special antibodies or antitoxins
  • Supporting the bodily functions such as breathing until the individual recovers

Take note that the treatment could not reverse any paralysis that was brought about by the toxin but can stop it from worsening.

In most cases, paralysis that occurred prior to treatment will steadily improve over a few weeks or months.

Prevention

With the high standards in food hygiene, the likelihood of acquiring the food-borne type is low. Nevertheless, there is a slightly higher risk if canning is done.

It is also vital to avoid eating food from cans that are visibly protruding or damaged, foods stored at an incorrect temperature, foul-smelling preserved foods and out-of-date foods.

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