What is botulism? These are your symptoms

The botulism outbreak associated with packaged potato tortillas has so far left seven cases in Spain, with three people requiring treatment in the ICU. Four of them -two citizens of Italy who consumed this product in Valladolid, one in Asturias and a fourth in Galicia- have been confirmed, and three -in Madrid, Andalusia and the Valencian Community- have a compatible clinical situation.

Both the two confirmed cases from Galicia and Asturias -two people aged 49 and 50, respectively, who ate this product between June 19 and July 5- and the probable one from Madrid -49 years old and who started symptoms last day 10- have required treatment in the ICU, as reported by the Center for Coordination of Health Emergencies and Alerts (CCAES) this Wednesday.

What is botulism?

Botulism is a rare but serious disorder that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.. These toxins produce weakness or paralysis in the nerves.

How does it contract?

Clostridium botulinum bacteria are found in soil and untreated water around the world.. They can reach the human organism in different ways. The most frequent types of botulism are alimentary, which is produced by the consumption of food contaminated with the toxin; Wound botulism can also occur if bacteria enter the body through a wound and produce the toxin. There is also the so-called infant botulism, which occurs when the spores of the bacteria multiply in the intestine of the affected baby.. Botulism associated with an incorrect injection of botulinum toxin for cosmetic or medical reasons is less frequent. This type is called iatrogenic botulism.

What are the symptoms?

Among other problems, difficulty swallowing or speaking may appear; facial weakness on both sides of the face; blurred or double vision; drooping eyelids; difficulty breathing; paralysis: nausea and vomiting, etc.. In the case of infant botulism, constipation is often the first symptom. Muscle weakness and head control problems also appear; weak cry, irritability, drooling, drooping eyelids, tiredness, problems sucking or feeding, or paralysis, among others. It is essential to quickly seek medical help when botulism is suspected, as it can be deadly.

How is it treated?

In a case of botulism, it is necessary to administer a substance that blocks the action of toxins (antitoxin) as soon as possible.. In many cases, activated charcoal is also used to remove any toxins that have not yet been absorbed.. Close monitoring of vital signs is necessary, as the infection can be very serious and require admission to an intensive care unit.

For what uses is botulinum toxin authorized?

The Spanish Medicines Agency (AEMPS) has authorized the marketing in Spain of 16 presentations of nine drugs that contain botulinum toxin in their composition. Each product is authorized for a series of specific indications, presentations are not interchangeable. The best-known licensed use of botulinum toxin is to temporarily improve facial lines such as those that occur between the eyebrows, crow's feet, or lines around the mouth, in adults younger than 65 years of age, “when the intensity of these lines has an important psychological impact for the patient”, indicates the data sheet.

However, beyond aesthetic medicine, some presentations of botulinum toxin are also indicated in disorders such as focal spasticity secondary to stroke, cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), blepharospasm, or for the relief of symptoms in adults who meet the criteria for chronic migraine, among others.

This treatment is also indicated in cases of idiopathic overactive bladder, urinary incontinence or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).