Botulism Botulism is a very rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These toxins are some of the most powerful known to science. They attack the nervous system (nerves, brain and spinal cord) and cause paralysis (muscle weakness). Most people will make a full recovery with treatment, but the paralysis can spread to the muscles that control breathing if it isnt treated quickly. This is fatal in around 5 to 10% of cases. Symptoms of botulism The time it takes to develop symptoms can vary from a few hours to several days after exposure to the Clostridium botulinum bacteria or their toxins. Depending on the exact type of botulism, some people initially have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick (vomiting), stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation. Without treatment, botulism eventually causes paralysis that spreads down the body from the head to the legs. Symptoms can include:
Affected babies may also have a weak cry, find it difficult to feed, and have a floppy head, neck and limbs. When to get medical advice Botulism is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Go to your nearest A&E department or immediately dial 999 if you or someone you know has symptoms of botulism. Treatment is more effective the earlier its started. Causes and types of botulism Clostridium botulinum bacteria are found in soil, dust and river or sea sediments. The bacteria themselves arent harmful, but they can produce highly poisonous toxins when deprived of oxygen, such as in closed cans or bottles, stagnant soil or mud, or occasionally, the human body. There are 3 main types of botulism:
All these types of botulism are very rare in the UK, but occasional cases do occur. Treatment for botulism Botulism needs to be treated in hospital. The way its treated depends on the type of botulism, but usually involves:
Treatment wont reverse any paralysis thats already been caused by the toxin, but will stop it getting any worse. In most people, paralysis that occurred before treatment will gradually improve over the following weeks or months. Preventing botulism As a result of high standards of food hygiene in the UK, the chances of getting food-borne botulism from food bought in this country are tiny. Theres a slightly higher risk if you produce your own food, particularly if this involves canning. But following food hygiene procedures and canning recommendations will reduce any risk. Dont eat food from bulging or damaged cans, and avoid eating foul-smelling preserved foods, foods stored at the incorrect temperature, and out-of-date foods. Heroin users should avoid injecting heroin into their muscles. Injecting heroin into a vein or smoking it can reduce the risk of botulism, although not using heroin at all is by far the best course of action. Find out how to get help to stop using heroin In many cases of infant botulism, the specific cause isnt identified so it may not always be possible to prevent it. But you should avoid giving babies under the age of 1 honey as its been known to contain Clostridium botulinum spores. BestCareCompare | ||||||
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