Symptoms of Botulism

The signs and symptoms of Botulism may vary, depending upon the type. In case of Infant Botulism and Food-borne Botulism, the symptoms normally make an appearance within 12 hours to 36 hours after the toxins enter the body. However, at times, the signs may become evident much earlier, or even later. In case of Wound Botulism, the symptoms take much longer to show up. Wound Botulism symptoms generally begin around 10 days after exposure to the bacteria.

Given below are some of the common symptoms of Infant Botulism:

Paralysis
Constipation
Weakened cry
Problems in feeding or sucking
Drooping of the eyelids
Irritability
Muscle weakness & inability to control the head, that leads to floppy head movement
Extreme tiredness or lethargy
Drooling

Given below are some of the common symptoms of Wound and Food-borne Botulism:

Paralysis
Difficulty in breathing
Blurriness in vision
Troubling speaking
An inability to speak properly and slurring
Drooping of the eyelids
Weakness on both sides of the face
Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting (only in case of Food-borne Botulism)

At times, Wound Botulism may be accompanied by fever. However, most patients do not experience elevated heartbeat rate, rise in blood pressure or confusion.

It is absolutely essential to seek emergency medical assistance as soon as any of the signs and symptoms of Botulism become evident. This is because early treatment improves the chances of survival.

Causes

Diagnosis