Botulism

Symptoms of botulism

Source: NHS

In this topic (6)

The time it takes to develop symptoms can vary from a few hours to several days after exposureto the Clostridium botulinum bacteria or their toxins.

Depending on the exact type of the condition (see Causes and types of botulism below),some peopleinitially have symptoms such asfeeling sick, vomiting,stomach cramps, diarrhoea or constipation .

Without treatment,botulismeventually causes paralysis thatspreads down the body from the head to the legs. Symptoms can include:

Affected babies may also have a weak cry, find it difficult to feed and have a floppy head, neckandlimbs.

Articles for Botulism

Causes and types of botulism

Clostridium botulinum bacteria are found in soil, dust, and river or sea sediments. The bacteria themselves aren't harmful, but they can produce highly poisonous toxins when deprived of oxygen such as

Introduction

Read about botulism, a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.

Preventing botulism

As a result ofhigh standards of food hygiene in the UK, the chances of getting food-borne botulism from food bought in this country are tiny. There's a slightly higher risk if you produce your own fo

Symptoms of botulism

The time it takes to develop symptoms can vary from a few hours to several days after exposureto the Clostridium botulinum bacteria or their toxins. Depending on the exact type of the condition (see

Treatment for botulism

Botulism needs to be treated in hospital. Thewayit's treated depends onwhichtype of botulism you have, but treatment will usually involve: neutralising the toxins with injections of special antitox

When to get medical advice

Botulism is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or dial 999 for an ambulancestraight awayif you or some