Botulism symptoms: Should I rush to the doctor?
Clostridium botulinum: Sounds odd and irrelevant, but in fact, it’s life-threatening. Botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. Botulism may cause life-threatening symptoms. A type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum produces the toxin. Botulism can occur as a result of food or wound contamination. The condition can also occur when bacterial spores grow in the intestines of infants. In rare cases, botulism can also be caused by medical treatment or bioterrorism.
Three common forms of botulism are:
- Foodborne botulism. The harmful bacteria thrive and make the toxin in environments with little oxygen, such as in home-canned food.
- Wound botulism. If these bacteria get into a cut, they can cause a dangerous infection that makes the toxin.
- Infant botulism. This most generic form of botulism begins after spores of C. botulinum bacteria grow in a baby’s intestinal tract. Botulism in babies typically occurs between the ages of 2 months and 8 months. In rare cases, this form of intestinal botulism also affects adults.
Occasionally, botulism happens when too much botulinum toxin is injected for cosmetic or medical reasons. This rare form is called iatrogenic botulism. The term “iatrogenic” means an illness caused by medical exam or treatment.
Another rare form of botulism can occur from inhaling toxins. This may happen as a result of bioterrorism.
All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies.
Symptoms
Foodborne botulism
Symptoms of foodborne botulism typically begin 12 to 36 hours after the toxin gets into your body. But depending on how much toxin you consumed, the start of symptoms may range from a few hours to a few days.
Symptoms of foodborne botulism include:
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Dry mouth
- Facial weakness on both sides of the face
- Blurred or double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps
- Paralysis
Wound botulism
Symptoms of wound botulism appear about 10 days after the toxin enters your body. Wound botulism symptoms include:
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Facial weakness on both sides of the face
- Blurred or double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Trouble breathing
- Paralysis
The area around the wound may not always appear swollen and show a change of color.
Infant botulism
Problems generally begin 18 to 36 hours after the toxin enters the baby’s body. Symptoms include:
- Constipation, which is often the first symptom
- Floppy movements due to muscle weakness and trouble controlling the head
- Weak cry
- Irritability
- Drooling
- Drooping eyelids
- Tiredness
- Trouble sucking or feeding
- Paralysis
Certain symptoms don’t typically occur with botulism. For example, botulism doesn’t usually raise blood pressure or heart rate or cause fever or confusion. Sometimes, though, wound botulism may cause fever.
Iatrogenic botulism
In iatrogenic botulism — when the toxin is injected for cosmetic or medical reasons — there have been rare occurrences of serious side effects. These may include headache, facial paralysis, and muscle weakness.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent medical care if you suspect that you have botulism. Initial botulism treatment increases your survival chances and lowers your risk of complications.
Getting medical care quickly can also alert public health officials about episodes of foodborne botulism. They may be able to keep other people from eating contaminated food. Keep in mind, though, that botulism can’t spread from person to person.
An unusual cluster of botulism — especially in people with no clear link — that develops in about 12 to 48 hours may raise suspicion of bioterrorism.