Botulism is a serious condition that is caused by a toxin that attacks the nerves in the body. Botulism can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. A bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum causes this condition. Botulism can affect the health of people of all ages. There are three kinds of botulism, but foodborne botulism is the most common of the botulism types.
Foodborne botulism often begins to cause symptoms within 12-36 hours after the toxin has entered a patient’s body. If a large amount of botulism has been ingested, symptoms could begin earlier. The symptoms of foodborne botulism are:
The cause of foodborne botulism is usually homemade food that has been canned incorrectly or preserved improperly. Fruit, vegetables, and fish are the most common foods that can be impacted by this bacterial overgrowth. Spicy peppers, foil-wrapped baked potatoes, and oil that is infused with garlic can also be impacted by botulism.
The risk factors for getting foodborne botulism include:
Diagnosis of foodborne botulism requires that your doctor looks for signs of muscle weakness or a lack of coordination in the limbs. Symptoms like droopy eyelids and a weak voice will also be verified during your examination. Doctors will usually ask questions related to your activities or check to see if you have wounds or other possible entry points for the bacteria to have entered your body. If food is the suspected source of the infection, you will be asked about food storage processes in your home or you might be asked if you eat canned foods frequently.
Treatment of foodborne botulism is often done by inducing vomiting to remove contaminated material from the digestive tract. Medication to move the bowels might also be given. Once the material with the toxin has been removed from the patient’s digestive tract, supportive care can be provided. Patients will typically be given intravenous fluids and might also need to be placed on a ventilator if their breathing has been impacted by the presence of the toxin in their system.
Antibiotics cannot be given for this kind of botulism as it causes the release of additional toxins due to the death of the bacteria. Patients often need long-term digestive support after this kind of illness, and you might also need supportive care to return the use of your limbs if you have suffered from paralysis. The severity of the infection will dictate the care that is necessary after the original infection has been resolved.
Prevention of foodborne botulism requires that you use careful and correct canning processes at home and that you do not consume spoiled food. Make sure that you are storing oils that are infused with herbs or garlic in a refrigerated location. Also, be sure that you are not storing leftover food items that have previously been canned at room temperature. Always be sure that you are not consuming fish products that have been improperly stored or have been fermented.