• Botulism a paralytic disease caused by botulinum toxin which is produced by Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum is naturally available as spores on the ground. The bacteria is anaerobic, meaning it needs to live in an area without air to thrive. It commonly develops in sealed, preserved food, such as canned food.World Health Organization: Botulism

• Fast Facts

  1. Caused by botulinum toxinWorld Health Organization: Botulism
  2. Affects the nerves to cause paralysisWorld Health Organization: Botulism
  3. Deadly 5 to 10% of the timeWorld Health Organization: Botulism
  4. Recovery usually takes several weeks to monthsWorld Health Organization: Botulism
  5. Treated with an antitoxin and respiratory supportWorld Health Organization: Botulism
  6. Botox is a controlled use of the toxinWorld Health Organization: Botulism
  7. Caution: Sterilization is critical in home canning of foodsMedlinePlus: Botulism
  8. Caution: Do not give honey to infants younger than a yearMedlinePlus: Botulism
  9. Honey may carry botulism sporesMedlinePlus: Botulism

• Types

  There are three types of botulism: Infant, foodborne and wound botulism. Infant botulism occurs when spores of clostridium botulinum get into an infant's intestines. Symptoms usually start half a day to a day and a half after infection. Usually occurs in infants six weeks to six months old.CDC: Facts about Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

  Foodborne botulism occurs when the food that has a high level of the bolulinum toxin is ingested. The toxin builds up as the bacteria lives off of the food for some time. Symptoms usually start half a day to a day and a half after infection.CDC: Facts about Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

  Wound botulism occurs when a wound is infected with Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms usually start 10 days after infection. CDC: Facts about Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

• Symptoms

  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weak muscles
  • Double vision
  • Drooping eyelids
  • ParalysisMedlinePlus: Botulism MayoClinic.com: Botulism Symptoms

• Botox

  The botulinum toxin the same toxin involved in botox treatments. Botox is a paralysis of the facial muscles from controlled injections of the botulinum toxin.World Health Organization: Botulism

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have botulism, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Botulinum Toxin | Clostridium Botulinum | Honey | Botox | Food Poisoning | Chili Sauce Botulism Warning | Paralysis | Paralytic Illnesses | Campylobacteriosis | Food Irradiation

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