infections
Botulism
Symptoms of Botulism
The various forms of botulism cause many of the same symptoms: Dry mouth Blurred or double vision Drooping eyelids Difficulty focusing on nearby objects Pupils that do not constrict normally when exposed to light Slurred speech Difficulty swallowing Nerve damage by the toxins affects muscle strength but not sensation. The mind usually remains clear. Because swallowing is difficult, food or saliva may be inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs, causing choking or gagging and increasing the risk of pneumonia (called Aspiration Pneumonia and Chemical Pneumonitis ). Typically, after strength is lost in the muscles of the face and head, strength is then gradually lost in the muscles of the arms and legs and in the muscles involved in breathing. Muscles become progressively weaker. Paralysis of breathing muscles can cause death if Mechanical Ventilation (use of a machine to assist breathing) is not provided. In foodborne botulism, symptoms develop suddenly, usually 18 to 36 hours after toxins enter the body, although symptoms can start as soon as 4 hours or as late as 8 days after ingesting the toxins. The more toxin ingested, the sooner people become sick. The first symptoms of foodborne botulism are often nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Over time, many people become constipated. These digestive symptoms usually occur before muscles are affected. People with wound botulism do not have digestive symptoms. 