The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Botulism food poisoning includes the 38 symptoms listed below:
Research symptoms & diagnosis of Botulism food poisoning:
Review the available symptom checkers for these symptoms of Botulism food poisoning:
Review the available Assessment Questionnaires for the symptoms of Botulism food poisoning:
Review medical complications possibly associated with Botulism food poisoning:
Diagnostic testing of medical conditions related to Botulism food poisoning:
Do I have Botulism food poisoning?
Home medical tests related to Botulism food poisoning:
The list of other diseases or medical conditions that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses for Botulism food poisoning includes:
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
More information about symptoms of Botulism food poisoning and related conditions:
Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions, or drug side effect causes of that symptom.
Onset of symptoms in foodborne botulism is usually 18 to 36 hours after ingestion of the food containing the toxin, although cases have varied from 4 hours to 8 days. Early signs of intoxication consist of marked lassitude, weakness and vertigo, usually followed by double vision and progressive difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention, and constipation may also be common symptoms.
Clinical symptoms of infant botulism consist of constipation that occurs after a period of normal development. This is followed by poor feeding, lethargy, weakness, pooled oral secretions, and wail or altered cry. Loss of head control is striking. Recommended treatment is primarily supportive care. Antimicrobial therapy is not recommended. Infant botulism is diagnosed by demonstrating botulinal toxins and the organism in the infants' stools. 4. Diagnosis of Human Illness: Although botulism can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms alone, differentiation from other diseases may be difficult. The most direct and effective way to confirm the clinical diagnosis of botulism in the laboratory is to demonstrate the presence of toxin in the serum or feces of the patient or in the food which the patient consumed. Currently, the most sensitive and widely used method for detecting toxin is the mouse neutralization test. This test takes 48 hours. Culturing of specimens takes 5-7 days. (Source: FDA Bad Bug Book)
The classic symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone. These are all symptoms of the muscle paralysis caused by the bacterial toxin. If untreated, these symptoms may progress to cause paralysis of the arms, legs, trunk and respiratory muscles. In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food, but they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days. (Source: excerpt from Botulism General: DBMD)
A neuroparalytic illness characterized by symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis of motor and autonomic nerves, always beginning with the cranial nerves. Symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. If untreated, illness might progress to cause descending paralysis of respiratory muscles, arms and legs. (Source: excerpt from Botulism: DBMD)
When considering symptoms of Botulism food poisoning, it is also important to consider Botulism food poisoning as a possible cause of other medical conditions. The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Botulism food poisoning may cause:
Incubation period for Botulism food poisoning: 18 to 36 hours (or longer)
Incubation period for Botulism food poisoning: In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food, but they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days. (Source: excerpt from Botulism General: DBMD)
These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Botulism food poisoning. This signs and symptoms information for Botulism food poisoning has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Botulism food poisoning signs or Botulism food poisoning symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Botulism food poisoning may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Botulism food poisoning symptoms.
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (4:47)
