A disease caused by a toxin released by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.
The toxin is found naturally in soil and can contaminate food that when ingested causes the disease. It can also infect by penetrating through a wound, being a typical entry point in heroin users.
It manifests with drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty in swallowing and speaking, dry mouth and generalized muscle weakness. Other symptoms: dilated pupils, intermittent abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation and dullness.
Diagnosis is reached by a detailed history and complete physical examination.
The treatment is an antidote called trivalent equine botulinum antitoxin. If breathing is affected, intubation and connection to mechanical ventilation may be necessary until the effect of the toxin subsides.
It is a very serious disease that requires an immediate visit to a hospital, due to the associated risk of death.
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