Identify Botulism

Botulism is a form of very serious food poisoning that occurs after eating food that has been contaminated by a toxin or toxins. Caused by the bacteria germ Clostridium botulinum, found in contaminated or uncooked foods, the bacteria may also be found in improperly canned or preserved foods. The bacteria spreads a toxic poison that is first absorbed into the digestive tract, and then makes its way through the central nervous system and then to other body systems. Other types of botulism may be caused by wounds or by surgical procedures that involve bowel surgery or other intestinal operations. Botulism may strike anyone, but most commonly affects adults who have eaten poorly prepared or home-prepared canned fruits or vegetables. It may also be found in some smoked meats, and undercooked sausages, fish and in milk products. Learning identify botulism may help provide prompt treatment and avoid complications such as nervous system issues, lung infections or respiratory failure.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to your eyesight. One of the first symptoms of botulism poisoning is blurred or double vision. Sometimes, individuals also experience drooping eyelids.

2. Watch for signs like a dry mouth or slurred speech patterns that are not normal or that are not relieved by hydration. Trouble swallowing may also be noticed.

3. Be alert for episodes of diarrhea or vomiting anywhere from two hours to 36 hours after eating contaminated foods. These episodes of vomiting or diarrhea may be mild or violent, but most often are severe.

4. Pay attention to ongoing or increasing weakness in the arms or legs. Some individuals may even experience some paralysis or extreme difficulty moving. These symptoms may or may not be accompanied by symptoms of nausea or blurred vision. Botulism poisoning rarely causes a fever, so take temperature to ascertain the presence of one, or other symptoms that may be relayed to your physician.

5. Carefully watch infants for signs of constipation or weakened bouts of crying. Infants and small children may also appear unable to feed from bottles or by breastfeeding methods. In such cases, contact your pediatrician or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Tags: after eating, also found, foods bacteria, nervous system