Definition
The term "botulism" refers to a serious intoxication sustained by botulinum, an anaerobic bacterium that can contaminate food; we are talking about a very serious "intoxication, which can seriously endanger the patient's life. Botox is the most toxic natural" substance ": from here we understand the danger of a disease sustained by this pathogen.
Causes
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the bacterium itself that triggers the disease, rather the toxins it releases into food. Botox can be transmitted by eating infected food (especially canned fish and meats, cured meats and preserves in oil), or through contact with the blood of a sick person (eg infected syringes). Botox is not a contagious disease .
Symptoms
Botox poisoning shows the first symptoms after 2-8 days from the ingestion of the toxins: diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are the first signs with which the disease makes itself felt. Subsequently, the clinical picture worsens and the victim complains of altered vision, difficulty in swallowing and speaking, dry mouth and respiratory tract. An "eventual uncontrolled degeneration of botulism can lead to death from respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation.
Botox in food
The information on Botulism - Drugs for the treatment of botulinum poisoning is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Botulism - Drugs for the treatment of intoxication from Botulino.
Medicines
Prevention first of all: botulism is a serious and dangerous food poisoning which, as analyzed, can be fatal. Botox is an anaerobic microorganism, whose presence in preserves or canned foods, unfortunately, cannot be perceived either by taste or by smell. In any case, Botox is sensitive to oxygen, acidity and heat , therefore it is quite simple to eradicate it: from what has been said it follows that boiling or in any case a heat treatment is sufficient to guarantee the removal of the beating. Compliance with some simple behavioral and hygienic rules during food preparation is essential to guarantee the healthiness of food.
The food industry has mobilized to prevent botulism: the use of specific food preservatives, in fact, is essential to remove the risk of botulinum development / proliferation.
But what to do and how to proceed for the treatment of botulism? Is there a cure?
The chances of survival from botulism increase in function of the immediacy with which help is sought: the best antidote is represented by an antitoxin (or botulinum serum), associated with assisted artificial respiration. The administration of laxatives and drugs stimulating the vomiting (emetics) can constitute a "further therapeutic practice to speed up the removal times of the toxin. Often, antibiotic therapy with penicillin is also recommended.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in botulism therapy, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:
Botulinum serum (botulinum antitoxin): the drug works by binding with the botulinum toxin (still in circulation in the bloodstream), preventing damage to the nerves; the antitoxin, if given in time, it can reverse any damage already developed by Botox. It is not indicated for infants with botulism, since the antitoxin, in this case, does not interact with the pathogens in the digestive tract of the child; for children the antitoxin is replaced with another drug called "Botulism Immune Globulin "
BotulismImmune Globulin: for the treatment of botulinum intoxication in children who have not yet reached the age of one, it is recommended to take 2ml / kg (100 mg / kg) of drug intravenously (single dose) as soon as the diagnosis. For injectable preparations, add 2 ml of sterile water to the 100 mg vial, then administer 50 mg of solution. The infusion should take place within 2 hours of onset of symptoms, by slow intravenous injection; indicatively, administer 0.5 mg / kg / hour (corresponding to 25mg / kg / hour). If no side effects occur after 15 minutes, the infusion rate can be increased to 1 mg / kg / hour (50mg / kg / hour). The therapeutic effect of the drug should occur within 2 hours of the initial administration.
If the botulism was contracted from a wound, it is possible that the patient undergoes a surgical removal of the contaminated tissue.
Antibiotics: to be administered exclusively in the event of an established intestinal infectious complication. The most used drug for this purpose is penicillin.
- Penicillin G (eg. Benzyl B, Penicillin G): for botulinum wounds, it is recommended to take it at dosages of 3-4 million IU every 4 hours, intravenously for 1-2 weeks. After the first improvement in symptoms, it is recommended to take the penicillin V potassium variant, at a dose of 250-500 mg orally. Consult your doctor before taking the antibiotic.
Laxatives: indicated to favor and speed up the elimination of botulinum toxin. Here are some examples:
- Bisacodyl (eg. Dulcolax, Stixenil, Alaxa): take orally 5-10 mg of anthraquinone drug in the evening (effect in 10-12 hours); alternatively, take 5 mg of the drug rectally in the morning, in the form of suppositories (effect in 20-60 minutes).
- Glycerin (eg San Pellegrino Glycerin Suppositories): in the form of enemas, take 5.6 grams of the drug rectally; alternatively, insert a 2-3 gram suppository.
- Lactulose (eg Duphalac, Epalfen, Normase): it is recommended to start the treatment to facilitate the elimination of botulinum toxins with a rather low dosage (15 ml of 62-74% solution), twice a day. modified according to the severity of the condition.
- Magnesium hydroxide (eg. Magnesia, Maalox): these are saline laxatives, used when rapid bowel emptying is required, such as in the case of botulinum intoxication. Take the drug preferably in the morning: usually a teaspoon of produced with plenty of water (the drug is available as a powder for oral suspension of 90 grams of active on 100 grams of product). Excessive use can cause colic.
Emetic drugs, stimulating vomiting, can help to facilitate the expulsion of botulinum toxins contained in the stomach. For example, Ipecac (eg. Ipecac FN) in high doses: the therapeutic effect generally occurs after 15-30 minutes from taking.
