Botulism is a rare condition, but extremely serious, caused by toxins from bacteria. Three common forms of botulism are:
Foodborne botulism appears due to the presence of bacteria in environments with little oxygen, such as canned food. Some symptoms are: difficulty swallowing or speaking, dry mouth, facial weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and paralysis. Sings appear between 12 and 36 hours after bacteria is consumed.
Wound botulism is a dangerous infection due to bacteria entering a cut. In this case, its symptoms include difficulty swallowing or speaking, facial weakness, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, trouble breathing and paralysis. Sings appear about 10 days after bacteria has entered the body.
Lastly, infant botulism is the most common and stars with bacteria growing in a baby’s intestinal tract. Symptoms are a bit different in this case: constipation, muscle weakness, trouble controlling the head, weak crying, irritability, drooling, drooping eyelids, tiredness, difficulty feeding and paralysis. Usually, signs begin withing 18 to 36 hours after bacteria grows in the body.
All of these types can be deadly and botulism should be taken seriously.