Overview
Botulism is a serious illness caused by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria produce a poison (toxin) that can attack your body’s nervous system. If left untreated, botulism can be fatal.
Botulism poisoning is rare. But because it can cause death, you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you or your child develop botulism symptoms. Symptoms may include drooping eyelids and other signs affecting the muscles of your face, eyes and throat. It can eventually affect muscles related to breathing.
What happens if you get Clostridium botulinum?
Clostridium botulinum toxins attack your nerves. This can cause weakness and paralysis of your muscles, like those that help you move, talk and swallow. If the toxins attack the nerves that control your breathing, it can be fatal.
There are several different types of botulism. The most common kinds include foodborne botulism, infant botulism and wound botulism. Iatrogenic botulism and adult intestinal toxemia botulism are other rare forms of botulism.
Foodborne botulism
Foodborne botulism can happen when you eat foods contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores. When food is stored improperly, bacteria can grow. As the bacteria grow, they release toxins into your food.
Foodborne botulism commonly occurs when homemade canned foods are improperly preserved or stored. Though rare, improperly canned store-bought foods can also cause botulism. Other sources of foodborne botulism include:
- Oils infused with herbs.
- Potatoes baked in aluminum foil.
- Canned cheese sauces.
- Bottled garlic.
- Canned tomatoes.
- Carrot juice.
- Foods kept warm or left unrefrigerated for too long.
Infant botulism
Botulism in babies can occur when Clostridium botulinum spores are ingested. When the spores reach your baby’s intestines, they grow and release the toxin. The source of the spores isn’t always known. But they’re commonly found in soil and dust. When the soil and dust become airborne, your baby may breathe them in.
The spores may also be present in honey. Ingesting botulinum spores doesn’t cause botulism in healthy older children and adults. But for reasons unknown, the toxin is released in infants younger than 12 months old. This is why experts advise that babies shouldn’t eat honey until they’re at least 1 year old.
Wound botulism
Wound botulism can develop when Clostridium botulinum spores get into a wound. When the spores get into a wound, they can grow and release toxins into your bloodstream.
Wound botulism most often occurs in people who use needles to inject drugs into their veins. In rare cases, it can also develop after surgery or a serious injury.
Iatrogenic botulism
Iatrogenic botulism can occur when you have too much botulinum toxin (Botox®) injected. Botox uses a purified and heavily diluted form of Clostridium botulinum. You may receive botulinum toxin treatments for cosmetic reasons, such as wrinkles. Or you may receive them for medical reasons, such as migraine headaches.
Botox botulism is rare. But you should only get botulinum toxin injections from a licensed medical professional. They’ll know the safest and correct amount to give you.
Adult intestinal toxemia botulism
Adult intestinal toxemia botulism is also known as adult intestinal colonization. It’s a very rare kind of botulism that can happen when Clostridium botulinum spores get into your intestines. The spores grow and produce toxins the same way they do in infants. If you have a serious health condition that affects your digestive system, you may be more likely to develop this form of botulism.
How common is botulism?
Botulism is rare. In 2018, 242 confirmed botulism cases were reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of the cases involved infant botulism.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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