Botulism

Sam & Paige

Paige i got the symtoms done all you need to do is get the pics and cite the Website we used.

=Botulism= Botulism is a rare and serious illnes. When Clostridium Botulinum eneters the body through a wound or contaminated food the body contracts botulism.

=Causes and Risk Factors= Clostridium is found in contaminated water and soil throught the world. It can produce sopres that contaminate food and spread toxins. The most commonly contamiated foods are: If spores get into a wound they spread toxins and infect the wound. Botulism is most common in infants. Infants usually get it from eating corn syrup or honey. There are 110 cases of botulism in the U.S. each year, many cases are infants.
 * Canned Vegtables
 * Cured Pork
 * Cured Ham
 * Smoked or Raw Fish
 * Honey
 * Corn Syrup

=Symtoms and Signs= Signs of Botulism Are:
 * Absent or decreaseing deep tendon reflexes
 * Absent or decresed gag reflex
 * Eyelid drooping
 * Loss of musle function/feeling
 * Paralyzed Bowel
 * Speech Impairament
 * Urine retention

Symtpms of Botulism Are:
 * Abdominal cramps
 * Difficulty breathing or speaking
 * Dry mouth
 * Vomiting
 * Nausea
 * Weakness

Symtoms in Infants Are: =Tests and Treatment= When you get tested for Botulism they will normally take samples of your blood just to identify the toxin. A stool culture or also known as your fecal manner is tested as well and is sent to the lab immediatley. If you are tested positive, you will have to go through treatment.
 * Constipation
 * Weak cry
 * Weakness/ loss of musle tone
 * Poor feading/ weak sucking
 * Respiratory distress

If you have breathing troubles you will have to stay in the hospital. The health care assistance will clear out your airway with a tube, that is inserted through your nose and mouth then they will put you through treatment.
 * What will happen through treatment?**