Do I Have Botulism?

Have you been eaten homemade canned, preserved, or fermented food?

Did your symptoms appear within 12 to 36 hours after eating homemade canned, preserved, or fermented food?

Do you have slurred speech?

Do you have difficulty swallowing?

Do you have double or blurred vision?

Do you have drooping eyelids?

Do you have a facial weakness on both sides of the face?

Do you have difficulty breathing?

Do you have a thick-feeling tongue?

Do you have dry mouth?

Do you have muscle weakness?

Do you have nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have botulism. Botulism is a serious disease caused by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria produce a dangerous toxin in a low oxygen environment. Botulinum toxins are deadly substances. They attack the nerves in your body which leads to breathing difficulties, muscle paralysis or even death. There are several types of botulism in humans: foodborne botulism, infant botulism, wound botulism, inhalation botulism, and iatrogenic botulism. Today, botulinum toxin is used for cosmetic purposes, to reduce wrinkles on the face. Iatrogenic botulism can occur if a person is injected with too much botulinum toxin for cosmetic reasons.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have botulism. Botulism is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulism can be transmitted through food, an open wound or contact with contaminated soil. Foodborne botulism is a common type of botulism that can occur when you eat food contaminated with botulinum toxin. Homemade food that is improperly canned is the main source of this type of disease. Wound botulism can happen when the bacteria get into a cut and produce a toxin. A diagnosis is based on a detailed physical examination and additional tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have botulism. Botulism is a rare, but serious illness that is caused by a lethal toxin made by bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. There are several types of botulism and all of them are extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Botulism is a medical emergency. A drug called an antitoxin is used to treat botulism. However, the antitoxin cannot undo the damage already caused by the botulinum toxin. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, treatment can last for weeks or months. Treatment of wound botulism involves removing the infected tissue surgically.