Botulism Symptoms

Botulism is a medical condition in which a person develops weakness of muscles involved in crucial activities like chewing, swallowing and in most cases, even gets paralyzed. Botulism is caused by a nerve toxin, that is produced from the bacteria of the class, Clostridium botulinum. Botulism symptoms are observed when a person acquires the disease from infected food or wound infection. According to medical experts, botulinum neurotoxin is an extremely deadly poison and an infection needs immediate treatment.

Symptoms of Botulism

In many cases, botulism poisoning symptoms in children or in adults occur within a time period of 18-36 hours, or at the most 8-10 days. The food borne botulism, which is quite similar to food poisoning, is quite dangerous as the consumed toxin reaches the intestine and causes many health problems to the person. Clostridium botulinum are found in the soils over many parts of the world and since they've the ability to survive in an anaerobic environment, they can easily adapt to any environment. These bacteria are of seven types (named as A, B, E, and F) and are responsible for botulism. Botulism symptoms vary in intensity for infants, children and adults. In infants, the symptoms include lack of appetite, lethargy and muscle fatigue. The infant may show restlessness by crying continuously and this may be frustrating for any parent. The health of muscles will be severely affected and they would appear to have lost their elasticity. The skin may droop and appear poorly toned. The infant may also suffer from constipation in the initial stages of the illness. Generally, symptoms of Botulism in adults may include muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, dry mouth, and difficulty in swallowing.

Treatment Options for Botulism

An untimely treatment of botulism may result in advancement of the illness into a serious stage, causing paralysis of the arms, legs and hands. Severe cases of botulism result in paralysis of the respiratory system and this may result in the patient being kept on a ventilator. The treatment of botulism consists of giving an anti toxin and carefully monitoring the health of the patient. If the illness is detected in the initial stages, then immediate supportive care must be provided to the patient. Through the electromyogram (EMG), tensilon test, lumbar puncture, computerized tomography (CT) scan of the head and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) doctors will be able to determine the intensity of botulism poisoning. Serum, stool and left over food samples (if botulism has occurred due to food infection) are analyzed for the severity of the illness. When the patient is provided hospital treatment, he will be forced induced to vomit or gastric lavage is recommended, to release the unabsorbed toxins from the body. The gastrointestinal tract also gets rid of unabsorbed toxins by the help of cathartic agents or enemas.

The only known medications for botulism are antitoxins and they must be strictly approved by a medical practitioner. During the initial stages of botulism (24 to 48 hours), if the antitoxins are given, health of the patient can be effectively controlled. That is why it's important to take the patient to the doctor in the initial stages.

Like many poisoning cases, preventing food poisoning is more important than cure. Though after the introduction of food canning, botulism cases have reduced, one must take utmost care, to eat hygienic food, so that the risk of food contamination reduces. Children must not be allowed to play outdoors with open wounds or else they can get a bacterial infection. The wound must be dressed and antiseptic treatment must be provided frequently to prevent any infection. Botulism symptoms can be controlled if you timely respond to the symptoms. So, always rush to the hospital and inform the doctor, so that any possible outbreak of contaminated food can be prevented. Moreover, earlier the patient is taken to the doctor, the better would be his cure.