Botulism is a serious and severe form of food poisoning that is toxic to the nervous system. Symptoms will occur within a few days of ingesting the toxin. If you observe any of these medical symptoms, you must be evaluated by a medical physician as soon as possible to avoid life-threatening complications.
The signs of botulism may involve any mix of the following:
weakness
exhaustion
blurred or double vision
drooping eyelid
dry mouth
sore throat
slurred talk
problems swallowing
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
Infants may present with a feeble cry and an incapability to suck.
What Leads to Botulism?
This serious form of food poisoning results from ingesting foods contaminated by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This bacteria may be produced in raw or improperly canned or preserved meal items, particularly meats (ham and sausage), or some vegetables (green beans).
The bacterial micro organism should be destroyed if the meal items are prepared at 176F (80C) for 30 mins or boiled at 212F (100C) for 10 minutes. Raw honey must not be given to infants below 1 year old simply because it may cause botulism.
Diagnosis and Remedy for Botulism
A diagnosis of botulism first stems from the observation of the above mentioned symptoms. When botulism signs and symptoms are seen it's very important to contact your health care facility for an evaluation by a physician as this issue can be deadly if not treated properly. This health-related evaluation must include a discussion as to the probable source of the toxin, particularly an inquiry into what foods the person has eaten during the previous few days. Also to a physical examination, blood tests may be employed to formulate the full diagnosis.
When it comes to remedy, very early detection and therapy with antitoxin is really important. An outbreak of botulism is a general public wellbeing crisis and the local health department ought to be notified if botulism is found so the source of the contamination can be brought in control. Hospitalization may be vital depending on the degree of the signs and symptoms.