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Botulism

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Botulism

Definition

Botulism is a rare illness that affects the nerves. It can be deadly, so it needs to be treated right away.

Causes

Botulism is caused by bacteria that make toxins. It can cause a type of food poisoning. Rarely, the bacteria enter the blood through wounds, or the toxins are inhaled.

A very small amount of the toxin can cause illness.

Risk Factors

The risk of botulism is higher in:

  • People who eat poorly preserved, cooked, canned, or fermented foods
  • Babies who are fed honey
  • People who have a dirty or infected wound (rare)
  • IV drug users (rare)

Symptoms

Symptoms range from mild to severe. Adults may have:

  • Tiredness
  • Constipation
  • Sore throat
  • Dry mouth
  • A feeling of spinning while standing still
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Vision or speech problems
  • Problems swallowing or breathing

Babies may have:

  • Constipation
  • Problems feeding
  • Lack of energy
  • Floppy muscles
  • A weak cry

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms, diet, and past health. A physical exam will be done. You may be asked about any high risk foods that were recently eaten. If the doctor suspects botulism, treatment may be started while tests are still being done.

Tests will be done to look for signs of the bacteria or toxin. These may include:

Treatment

Emergency care will be needed. The goal of treatment is to stop the toxin from causing more damage. This may involve:

  • Medicines such as:
    • Antitoxin—to stop further nerve damage
    • Antibiotics—to treat any infected wounds
  • Machines to help with breathing
  • Surgery to clean an infected wound if one is present
Intubation to Help Breathing.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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Prevention

The risk of botulism may be lowered by:

  • Learning how to can and cook food safely
  • Not feeding honey to babies under 1 year of age
  • Refrigerating oils that have garlic or herbs
  • Not eating food from a bulging can
  • Seeking care for wounds
  • Not using IV drugs
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Botulism. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism.
  • Botulism. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/botulism.
  • Botulism. Food Safety—US Department of Health & Human Service website. Available at: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning/bacteria-and-viruses#botulism.
  • Botulism. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/anaerobic-bacteria/botulism.
  • Friziero A, Sperti C, et al. Foodborne botulism presenting as small bowel obstruction: a case report. BMC Infectious Diseases, 1/12/2021; 21(1): 1-4.
  • Infant botulism. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/botulism.html?ref=search.

Contributors

  • David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.