1. Take the Botulin Antitoxin
In cases of botulinum poisoning, a doctor can administer an antitoxin to treat it. The medicine treats the botulism in the victim's bloodstream before it has time to attach to the nerves. Because of that, it's important to have the antitoxin administered within 72 hours of the first symptoms. Infants with botulinum poisoning should not be treated with antitoxin. They can be treated with botulism immune globin (BIG), which addresses the poisoning in much the same way. In either case, only a trained doctor should administer the medication.
2. Keep the Victim Breathing
Botulinum poisoning causes serious breathing difficulties as well as gastrointestinal problems like vomiting. The victim may have difficulty swallowing or speaking. Make sure he is breathing, give him CPR if necessary and get him to an emergency room as soon as possible. A medical facility can provide respiratory support and administer nourishment intravenously if the victim is having trouble swallowing.
3. Administer Gastric Lavage
Gastric lavage is a hospital procedure in which a tube is inserted in the victim's stomach through her nose. Doctors pump water or a saline solution gently through the stomach and then suction out the fluids. The goal is to get the poisoned food out of the victim's system, preventing the botulinum poisoning from doing more damage. Gastric lavage should only be performed in a proper medical facility by trained professionals.
4. Have Surgery
Surgery may be required if you acquired the botulinum through a wound or injury. The surgery will clean the bacteria out of the wound, thus removing the source of the poisoning. In some cases, the doctor may administer antimicrobial therapy as well.
5. Report It
Doctors and hospitals must report cases of botulinum poisoning to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, and other countries may have similar procedures. The authorities need to know about it so that they can remove any poisoned food from the shelves and prevent the botulinum from spreading to other victims. Make sure you report any cases of botulism. Once the victim has been stabilized in a hospital, try to determine the source of the poisoning.
