Clostridium botulinum is a type of bacterium responsible for a rare, toxic infection called botulism. Each year, approximately 100 people in the United States develop botulism by eating contaminated food products, such as canned vegetables or honey, according to MedlinePlus, a health information website supported by the National Institutes of Health. The neurotoxin produced by clostridium botulinum can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms in affected patients.
Stomach Upset
Consumption of a contaminated food product can cause stomach upset symptoms in patients. These stomach-related effects of Clostridium botulinum toxin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, explain medical experts with the World Health Organization. Patients who develop these stomach upset symptoms can also experience a decreased appetite or abdominal swelling.
Breathing Difficulties
Patients can develop breathing difficulties approximately 18 to 36 hours after consuming a food product contaminated by Clostridium botulinum, report health professionals with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nerve damage caused by this toxin can affect the way in which the respiratory muscles function. As a result, patients can develop shortness of breath or temporary cessation of breath. In cases of severe toxic poisoning, patients may go into respiratory distress or failure and stop breathing, warns MedlinePlus. Severe breathing difficulties experienced by patients exposed to Clostridium botulinum require prompt medical attention.
Weakness or Paralysis
Degradation of the nervous system caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum can cause muscle weakness or paralysis in affected patients, explain CDC medical experts. If this occurs, patients can have difficulty moving their facial muscles, arms or legs normally. Muscle weakness may initially begin within the shoulders before moving down the body towards the feet, report health officials with the New York State Department of Health.
Blurred Vision
Vertigo or blurred or double vision can occur as symptoms of Clostridium botulinum poisoning in patients, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Affected patients can appear unstable when standing or walking because of sensations of dizziness. Blurred vision can also contribute to headache pain in certain patients.
Difficulty Swallowing or Speaking
The toxic byproduct produced by Clostridium botulinum can damage a patient's central nervous system. When this occurs, patients can develop difficulty swallowing or speaking normally, warns MedlinePlus. As a result, patients may display a significant decrease in appetite. Children and adults can begin to slur their words when speaking, while infants may develop a weak cry. These symptoms can occur in conjunction with potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties. Affected patients should obtain medical care as soon as possible.
