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Occasionally, botulism happens when too much botulinum toxin is injected for cosmetic or medical reasons. This rare form is called iatrogenic botulism. The term "iatrogenic" means an illness caused by medical exam or treatment. Another rare form of botulism can occur from inhaling toxins. This may happen as the result of bioterrorism. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. SymptomsFoodborne botulismSymptoms of foodborne botulism typically begin 12 to 36 hours after the toxin gets into your body. But depending on how much toxin you consumed, the start of symptoms may range from a few hours to a few days. Symptoms of foodborne botulism include:
Wound botulismSymptoms of wound botulism appear about 10 days after the toxin enters your body. Wound botulism symptoms include:
The area around the wound may not always appear swollen and show a change of color. Infant botulismProblems generally begin 18 to 36 hours after the toxin enters the baby's body. Symptoms include:
Certain symptoms don't typically occur with botulism. For example, botulism doesn't usually raise blood pressure or heart rate or cause fever or confusion. Sometimes, though, wound botulism may cause fever. Iatrogenic botulismIn iatrogenic botulism — when the toxin is injected for cosmetic or medical reasons — there have been rare occurrences of serious side effects. These may include headache, facial paralysis, and muscle weakness. When to see a doctorSeek urgent medical care if you suspect that you have botulism. Initial treatment increases your survival chances and lowers your risk of complications. Getting medical care quickly can also alert public health officials about episodes of foodborne botulism. They may be able to keep other people from eating contaminated food. Keep in mind, though, that botulism can't spread from person to person. An unusual cluster of botulism — especially in people with no clear link — that develops in about 12 to 48 hours may raise suspicion of bioterrorism. CausesFoodborne botulismThe typical source of foodborne botulism is homemade food that is improperly canned or preserved. These foods are typically fruits, vegetables, and fish. Other foods, such as spicy peppers (chiles), foil-wrapped baked potatoes and oil infused with garlic, may also be sources of botulism. Wound botulismWhen C. botulinum bacteria get into a wound, they can multiply and make toxin. The wound may be a cut that wasn't noticed. Or the wound may be caused by a traumatic injury or surgery. Wound botulism has increased in recent decades in people who inject heroin, which can contain spores of the bacteria. In fact, this form of botulism is more common in people who inject black tar heroin. Infant botulismBabies get infant botulism when the bacteria spores get into their intestines and make toxin. In some cases, the source of infant botulism may be honey. But it's more likely to be exposure to soil contaminated with the bacteria. In rare cases, this form of intestinal botulism also affects adults. Iatrogenic botulismRarely, botulism happens when too much botulinum toxin is injected for cosmetic reasons, such as removing wrinkles, or for medical reasons, such as treating migraines. ComplicationsBecause it affects muscle control throughout your body, botulinum toxin can cause many complications. The most immediate danger is that you won't be able to breathe. Being unable to breathe is a common cause of death in botulism. Other complications, which may need rehabilitation, may include:
PreventionFoodborne botulismUse proper techniques when canning or preserving foods at home to make sure botulism germs are destroyed. It's also important to prepare and store food safely:
Wound botulismTo prevent wound botulism and other serious bloodborne diseases, never inject or inhale street drugs. Keep wounds clean to prevent infection. If you think a wound is infected, seek medical treatment right away. Infant botulismTo lower the risk of infant botulism, avoid giving honey — even a tiny taste — to children under the age of 1 year. Iatrogenic botulismTo prevent iatrogenic botulism, be sure to go to a licensed health care provider for any cosmetic or medical procedures using various forms of botulinum toxin. They include onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) and others. Which of the following foods should not be fed to infants because of the risk of botulism group of answer choices?Honey can contain the bacteria that causes infant botulism, so do not feed honey to children younger than 12 months.
Which type of food is responsible for infant botulism?The typical source of foodborne botulism is homemade food that is improperly canned or preserved. These foods are typically fruits, vegetables, and fish. Other foods, such as spicy peppers (chiles), foil-wrapped baked potatoes and oil infused with garlic, may also be sources of botulism.
What foods should you not give to babies?Foods to avoid giving babies and young children. Salt. Babies should not eat much salt, as it's not good for their kidneys. ... . Sugar. Your baby does not need sugar. ... . Saturated fat. ... . Honey. ... . Whole nuts and peanuts. ... . Some cheeses. ... . Raw and lightly cooked eggs. ... . Rice drinks.. What food should never be served to an infant under a year old because of the risk of infant botulism?Parents can help prevent infant botulism by not giving their baby honey or any processed foods containing honey (like honey graham crackers) until after their child's first birthday. Light and dark corn syrups might also contain botulism-causing bacteria, but a link hasn't been proved.
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