What is Botulism

Many people do not pay attention to what they eat. This lack of concern about the daily diet increases the risk of botulism. It is a condition that induces paralytic illness. In most cases, this illness is caused by eating food contaminated with bacterium botulinum. Upon entering the body, the bacterium produces a deadly toxin known as botulin, which is capable enough to launch a paralytic attack. Studies suggest that botulism is a rare disease as approximately 100 people suffer from this illness every year.

Causes
As aforementioned, ingesting food items spiked with bacterium botulinum is often the main culprit behind botulism. However, ingestion of contaminated food is not the only factor responsible for causing botulism food poisoning. An open wound can also contract a botulism infection. Once the wound gets infected, it won't take long for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spread its toxin. Accidentally consuming spores of the botulinum bacteria, which is more common in infants, can cause botulism. Due to spores, the bacteria multiply usually in the intestine, eventually leading to the onset of botulism infection.

Symptoms
Being a paralytic illness, botulism impairs the working of the muscles in a gradual manner. Initial botulism symptoms manifest in the form of constipation, lethargy, fatigue, poor reflexes, nausea and muscle weakness. The toxin disturbs the electrical activity of the brain, which is known to control muscle movement. So firstly, the eyelid muscles get affected and the person may suffer from drooping eyelids and vision problems. Botulism effect reaching the throat muscles may cause trouble swallowing food and sore throat. When the toxin impairs the nerves that controls breathing muscles, it triggers respiratory problems. This may be followed by the inability to talk properly. The neck muscles may eventually succumb to the toxin reaction. As a result, the neck muscles may no longer be able to bear the weight of the head. Over time, the limbs and the arms are likely to get involved in the paralytic illness.

Prevention
Storing food items in an incorrect way, often leads to formation of botulinum. Low acid foods preserved at temperatures that varies between 4.5 and 49 degree Celsius is the most suitable environment for botulinum spores to thrive. Improperly canned food products also favor the growth of this bacteria. Doctors suggest that commercial canned foods should not be purchased if the container appears tampered. Cans that show bulging ends need to be immediately discarded. In case low acid foods have to be canned, it is necessary to improve their acidity levels. This can be easily done by introducing citric acid, vinegar or lemon juice in the food item to be canned. When it comes to storing vegetables and meat, do not forget to use airtight containers and make sure they are kept in freezers. Also, when you come home, from the office and wish to eat food that was prepared in the morning, make sure to heat home cooked food properly for 4-5 minutes. This is because, the toxin is unable to survive in a hot environment (above 85 degree Celsius) and so heating the food before cooking can go a long way in preventing botulism.

Administering antitoxin medications is the standard treatment to stop the damaging effects of the toxin. So, after reading about what is botulism, it won't be wrong to conclude that keeping botulism at bay is not difficult. Food that is cooked in sanitary conditions and stored correctly as mentioned above can definitely play a significant role to prevent food borne illnesses like botulism from occurring.