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Botulism - Symptom

Symptoms:

Symptoms usually appear between 8 - 36 hours after consuming contaminated food.

In adults, symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Breathing difficulty that may lead to respiratory failure
  • Difficulty swallowing and speaking
  • Double vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Temporary lack of breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness with paralysis

Symptoms in infants may include:

  • Constipation
  • Weakness, loss of muscle tone
  • Weak cry
  • Poor feeding and weak sucking
  • Respiratory distress
  • Alertness, despite weakness

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam. There may be signs of:

  • Speech impairment
  • Muscle function/feeling loss
  • Eyelid drooping
  • Absent or decreased gag reflex
  • Absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes
  • Paralyzed bowel
  • Urine retention with inability to urinate

Blood tests can be done to identify toxin. A stool culture may also be ordered. Lab tests can be done on the suspected food to confirm botulism.

  • Reviewed last on: 8/16/2007
  • Arnold L. Lentnek, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.