Clostridium botulinum is a type of toxic bacterium in soil that can be present in certain types of food--especially fruits and vegetables that have been canned at home. Consuming a contaminated food product can cause a patient to develop botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 10 to 30 outbreaks of this foodborne illness occur each year.
Vision Changes
Patients who develop botulism poisoning typically experience vision changes within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the contaminated food, explain Food Safety, a website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Initially, botulism patients can develop vertigo, which causes them to feel as though their surroundings are spinning uncontrollably. Blurred, double or cloudy vision can also arise, making it difficult for infected patients to see normally. These vision symptoms can contribute to additional side effects, including dizziness and headache.
Severe Fatigue and Weakness
Health officials at the FDA explain that a patient with botulism can develop severe symptoms of fatigue and weakness 18 to 36 hours after ingesting contaminated food. Fatigue can also cause drooping of the eyelids in patients with botulism. Affected patients may sleep for long periods of time, making it difficult for them to attend work or school. As the toxin spreads through the body, fatigue symptoms may become progressively worse and can lead to loss of consciousness or coma.
Slurred Speech or Difficulty Swallowing
As the bacteria spread, patients may develop difficulty speaking or swallowing, warn health professionals at the Indiana State Department of Health. Dry mouth symptoms and increased thirst may compound swallowing difficulties. Slurred or unintelligible speech can make it difficult for patients to communicate.
Paralysis and Breathing Difficulties
Patients can develop extensive muscle weakness or total-body paralysis as a symptom of this bacterial infection. If this occurs, botulism patients may begin experiencing difficulty walking or breathing normally, explains the Indiana State Department of Health. If treatment is not sought immediately, certain patients may stop breathing, which can lead to death. If you suspect that you or a loved one have been exposed to food containing Clostridium botulinum bacterium, seek immediate emergency medical care to prevent further complications.
