Botulism: causes, symptoms, treatment

Botulism is an acute infectious disease, caused by toxin poisoning sticksbotulism. These sticks can be found in animals, fish, birds and even humans. In nature, they are found in the forest soil in the form of spores. When the bacteria of botulism multiply, a dangerous toxin is released, which, when ingested, is not split by gastric juice.

We are all preparing food for the winter. But not always mushrooms or jam cooked at home, bring us pleasure. Botulinum toxin multiplies by spores in such conditions, especially when the preparation technology is violated. That's what it is causes of this disease. These disputes will not kill either boiling or disinfection methods. They can not be dried or frozen. Threat to us are canned food, meat, fish, sausages, cooked houses. Exactly from these products we can be more affected.

What are the symptoms of botulism?? Botulism paralyzes the musculature. But it starts to show itself gradually. In the beginning, there is a headache, weakness in the body, the temperature rises. The patient loses his visual acuity, a veil, double vision appears on his eyes, strabismus develops, the pupil does not react to light. With the ingress of other microbes into the affected organism, botulism causes vomiting and a loose stool or its complete absence for several days. In a day, these symptoms can stop and change to others. The voice goes down, sometimes even completely disappears, there is dryness in the mouth, muscle weakness increases. Botulism disrupts swallowing. With this symptom it is difficult for a person to swallow anything, even water, as a result of which it goes through the nose of the patient.

Botulism is dangerous with toxin concentration. If the toxin in the body is exceeded, strangulation can occur. it may cause to death. 20% of people die from botulism.

If there was a suspicion of botulism</ strong>, immediately consult a doctor. A patient with this diagnosis requires urgent hospitalization. At home it is necessary to give the patient a lot of water, make sure to rinsestomach with boiled water with the addition of 2% soda solution. Washing with soda prevents the exposure of most toxins to the human body and slows the absorption into the blood. If there are difficulties with breathing, signs of suffocation - urgently need to do artificial respiration.

Botulism requires careful treatment. Although botulism is not transmitted from person to person, the patient is placed in the infectious department. It is treated with a special serum that kills botulism. To prevent transformation of the spores of botulism into vegetative forms, prescribe antibiotics.

Botulism to treat pretty long. Treatment can last for months. The most great danger - death.

To avoid such a disease as botulism, it must be prevented. It is necessary to observe all precautionary measures. If you decide to conserve anyproduct, observe the rules of cooking techniques at home, so that botulism can not hit it. Add the necessary amount of acid and salt, marinate in open dishes for air. Since botulism reproduces more in fish and meat, it is not recommended that they be preserved at home. Before you cook food, including mushrooms at home, they need to be washed thoroughly in boiling water.

Another one precautionary measure: if you have already preserved the product - do not overdo it so that the expiry date does not expire. If the jar of jam has long been worth - it is better to throw it away. Do not buy conservation in the market.

Botulism Is a very dangerous disease. Observing all precautions, you not only protect yourself, but also your relatives and friends.