Botulism Bacteria Toxin Causes Infant Constipation, Food Poisoning Symptoms, Antitoxin Treatment

Botulism is a very rare, yet really serious health problem. Annually, just under 150 cases are reported in the U.S. a year, the greatest number are infants.

Botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that has entered your body via contaminated food or a wound. The toxins this bacteria produces are extremely poisonous. Just consuming a bit can cause severe food poisoning.

All forms of botulism is considered a medical emergency, since any one of them can cause your death. Essentially, there are three types of botulism.

The most common is infant botulism. It gets started when this bacteria is ingested, which then grows in a baby’s gastrointestinal tract. Honey and corn syrup are frequent Clostridium botulinum carriers for causing infantile botulism. The main concern is with the 6 weeks to 6 months age group.

The other two types are food-borne and wound botulism. The health destructive botulism bacteria thrives in oxygen scant environments. So canned foods, particularly those done at home that are low in acid, are notorious conditions for its growth. Examples include:

  • corn
  • beets
  • asparagus
  • green beans

Basically, all canned fresh vegetables, except most tomatoes, red meats, seafood, poultry and milk are botulism causing potentials. However, botulism has been caused by chili peppers, oil infused with garlic and baked potatoes.

Botulism causing bacteria can also make its body entry using an open wound. Wound botulism has recently been on the rise in those injecting heroin.

Your symptoms of infant and swallowed botulism begin within the first two days after its toxin gains entry. Wound botulism typically takes over a week after you’ve been infected.

Infant constipation is often your first sign of infant botulism, Other symptoms may entail:

Symptoms in adults for botulism by food poisoning or a wound encompass:

Clostridium botulinum bacteria disrupts your nerve function. Thus, causing muscle movement type symptoms. If left untreated, botulism can progress to cause life-threatening respiratory muscle paralysis.

Botulinum toxin’s paralyzing effect does have medical benefits. A shot of botox contains a minuscule amount. And is sometimes used to treat:

Should you suspect botulism has infected your infant or yourself, immediate medical care is called for. Earlier the treatment, the better your chances of survival.

For severe botulism caused adult food poisoning, treatment will likely involve botulinus antitoxin injections. Antitoxin treatment blocks any further nerve function damage. As well as, inducing toxin evacuation through vomiting and bowel evacuation.

For botulism wound invasions, surgical removal of infected tissue may be necessary. Other botulism treatments may involve:

Antitoxin treatment is not used for infant botulism. And any damage done before antitoxin’s use still may require weeks of recovery.

Because botulism affects muscle control, the inability to breath is its primary complication. Some other botulism complications are:

Preventing botulism food poisoning and wound infection is your healthiest way to go. Suggested everyday anti-botulism measures:

  • if food smells toss it
  • never inject illegal drugs
  • prepare & store food safely
  • never eat food from a bulging can
  • use proper at home canning techniques
  • don’t feed honey or to an infant
  • store garlicor herb infused oil in refrigerator
  • boil home canned foods for 10 minutes before consumption
  • eat foil wrapped baked potatoes hot, never at room temperature

A health bout with botulism’s bacteria toxin is preventable.