Medical Description

Botulism is the name of the disease caused by the consumption of foods containing the neurotoxin produced by C. botulinum. Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) is a spore-forming bacterium causes seven different types of botulism. Types A, B, E and F can cause botulism in humans.

Spores that have not been killed in processed or cooked food live to grow in the human intestinal tract. While cases of human botulism are rare, botulism is a serious illness with a frighteningly high mortality rate. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, most of the approximately thirty outbreaks of botulism are linked to inadequately prepared foods canned at home.

Onset of symptoms is usually between 18 and 36 hours after a person consumes a food containing C. botulinum spores. Some cases of botulism may go undiagnosed because symptoms are transient, mild, or misdiagnosed as Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Diagnose of Botulism

Botulism can be diagnosed through the patient’s history and physical examination. However, other diagnostic testing may be necessary to distinguish botulism from other diseases. Other diagnostic testing may include:

•CT or CAT scan (Computed Tomography Scan) – a detailed x-ray scan that produces horizontal and vertical cross-sectional images, or slices, of any body part including the brain, bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

•Spinal Tap (Lumbar puncture) – a special needle placed into the spinal canal, around the area of the spinal cord. This to measure pressure in the spinal canal and the brain. A small amount of fluid can be removed for testing.

•EMG (Electromyogram) – a detection test to measure a muscle or a group of muscles abnormal electrical activity

•Tensilon Test (for Myasthenia Gravis) - a test to determine the cause of muscle weakness

Source: “Clostridium botulinum,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bad Bug Book, retrieved July 24, 2007.; University of Maryland Medical Center, Bioterrorism: Botulism, retrieved September 20, 2007.

Symptoms

• Double vision
• blurred vision
• drooping eyelids
• slurred speech
• difficulty swallowing
• dry mouth
• muscle weakness that moves down the body
• lethargy
• progressive difficulty speaking

General Information

If untreated, symptoms of botulism may progress to cause paralysis of one’s arms, legs, trunk, and respiratory muscles. Respiratory paralysis and respiratory failure may occur, requiring a patient to be placed on a ventilator for many weeks. Muscle paralysis can be permanent and even lead to death in affected patients.

Treatment for Botulism

There are many factors in determining the right treatment for botulism including age, overall health, and medical history.

Treatments for botulism may include:

•During early diagnose, an injection of antitoxin may be used to reduce chances of complications

•Clearing out of the digestive system by removing undigested food or receiving medication to induce vomiting or bowel movements

•If infected, surgical procedure to remove infected tissue

•If trouble breathing, a ventilator may be used to provide respiratory assistance

•Intensive medical and supportive care may be needed

Recovery from botulism may take several weeks to several months. Patients who have survived botulism may suffer from fatigue, shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms for many years after the initial attack of botulism has passed.

Source: “Botulism,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, retrieved July 24, 2007.; University of Maryland Medical Center, Bioterrorism: Botulism March 28, 2006, retrieved September 21, 2007.

Medical Advice Disclaimer

The consumer health information content on this site is for informational and marketing purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. THE SITE DOES NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE, AND NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT IS INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. You should not use the site to diagnose a health or fitness problem or disease.

Use of the site does not replace medical consultation with qualified health or medical professionals. Never disregard the medical advice of a physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on any website, including this one. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen or altering the dosage or schedule of any medications you may take. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The content on this site is presented in a summary fashion and is not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, course of action, or medical or healthcare provider. We do not endorse any product or service referenced on the site.

The site may contain, or link to, health- or medical-related materials that are sexually explicit. If you find these materials offensive, you may not want to use the site. The site and the content are provided on an “as is” basis.

Reliance on any information provided by productsthathurt.com or other visitors to the site is solely at your own risk.