Doctor Ekaterina Kashukh named the symptoms of botulism.
Doctor Kashukh recalled that botulism occurs as a consequence of poisoning the body with a poison (botulinum toxin), which is secreted by a bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Without providing the necessary medical care for botulism, death occurs in 60% of cases.
“The first symptoms of the disease appear within 2-24 hours. The severity of the condition correlates with the incubation period: the shorter it is, the more difficult the disease progresses,” Kashukh told Izvestia.
The doctor noted that the onset of botulism resembles poisoning, but then the nervous system is affected and neurological disorders appear. So, at the initial stage, a general feeling of malaise is felt, the person suffers from nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. After a while, fog or double vision appears, problems with speech are observed due to paralysis of the tongue and larynx, breathing is impaired, and convulsions occur.
“At the first symptoms, you should immediately call an ambulance,” the doctor warned.< br>Kashukh added that many cases of botulism in Russia are associated with the consumption of homemade canned mushrooms, dried and smoked fish. The specialist advised never to buy fish and canned products from someone, and to keep kitchen surfaces clean at home. As for industrial products or ready-to-eat services, their packaging should not have any damage or swelling, and the brine should not be cloudy, and air bubbles are unacceptable.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote that a person with botulism can die from losing the ability to breathe independently.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Ekaterina Kashukh Health gastroenterologist, expert physician at the Hemotest laboratory