Diseases
botulism
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. This toxin is made by Clostridium botulinum and sometimes Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii bacteria.
Symptoms
- trouble swallowing or speaking
- dry mouth
- facial weakness on both sides of the face
- blurred or double vision
- drooping eyelids
Causes
- foodborne botulism
- wound botulism
- infant botulism: it's more likely to be exposure to soil contaminated with the bacteria.
Risk factors
- people who inject certain drugs, such as black tar heroin
- people who drink certain kinds of alcohol they make themselves
- people who eat home-canned or home-fermented foods
Diagnosis
- brain scan
- spinal fluid examination
- nerve and muscle function tests
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. This toxin is made by Clostridium botulinum and sometimes Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii bacteria.
What are the symptoms of botulism?
trouble swallowing or speaking, dry mouth, facial weakness on both sides of the face, blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids
What causes botulism?
foodborne botulism; wound botulism; infant botulism: it's more likely to be exposure to soil contaminated with the bacteria.
Which medicines are used for botulism?
penicillin g
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