icon
icon

About Us

Success Stories

Careers

Quick Links

Contact

Media

Botulism

Book an Appointment arrow Book a Health Checkup arrow
Acute

What is Botulism?

Botulism (“BOT-choo-liz-um”) 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.

Book an Appointment arrow Book a Health Checkup arrow
  • 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.

Botulism also can weaken the muscles involved in breathing, which can lead to difficulty breathing and even death. If you or someone you know has symptoms of botulism, see your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Sometimes a wound can get infected with C. botulinum.

Botulinum toxins are ingested through improperly processed food in which the bacteria or the spores survive, then grow and produce the toxins. Though mainly a foodborne intoxication, human botulism can also be caused by intestinal infection with C. botulinum in infants, wound infections, and by inhalation.

  • Refrigerating leftovers promptly.
  • Using foods that are stored in oil within 10 days of opening.
  • Keeping foods stored in oil, like vegetables and herbs, in the fridge.
  • Making sure products marked 'keep refrigerated' are kept in the fridge.

People who inject certain drugs, such as black tar heroin, put themselves at greater risk of getting wound botulism. People who drink certain kinds of alcohol they make themselves, such as prisoners who drink “pruno” or “hooch” made in prisons, put themselves at greater risk of getting foodborne botulism.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors treat botulism with a drug called an antitoxin, which prevents the toxin from causing any more harm. Antitoxin does not heal the damage the toxin has already done. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may need to stay in the hospital for weeks or even months before you are well enough to go home.

Book an Appointment arrow Book a Health Checkup arrow

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

For cases of foodborne botulism, health care providers sometimes clear out the digestive system by causing vomiting and giving drugs to help you move your bowels. If you have wound botulism, a provider may need to remove infected tissue in a surgery.

Consult with experienced Doctors

MGMCH is home to some of the most eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective arenas and are renowned for developing
innovative and revolutionary procedures

Book an Appointment Book an Appointment
Specialities Specialities
Patient Support Patient Support
Menu Menu

Book an Appointment

arrow arrow
  • icon

    18001806002

  • icon

    guestrelations@mgumst.org

  • icon

    RIICO Institutional Area, Sitapura, Tonk Road, Jaipur - 302 022 (Rajasthan) INDIA

    • International Patient
    Test & Health Packages
    Contact Us