If botulism is suspected, it is necessary to quickly seek medical help because it can be fatal.
He European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) has warned of the detection of at least 14 cases of botulism in patients who traveled to Turkey at the end of February to undergo cosmetic treatment. The authorities point to the origin of this outbreak in a weight loss treatment received in Turkey.
What is botulism?
Botulism is a rare but serious disorder that is caused by toxins produced by the bacteria. Clostridium botulinum. These toxins produce weakness or paralysis in the nerves.
How does it contract?
The bacteria Clostridium botulinum They are found in soil and in untreated water around the world. They can reach the human organism in different ways. The most common types of botulism are alimentary, which is produced by the consumption of food contaminated with the toxin; can also be produced wound botulism, if the bacteria enter the body through a body and produce the toxin. There is also the so-called infant botulism, which occurs when 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 crying, 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 as soon as possible a substance that blocks the action of toxins (antitoxin). 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, the presentations are not interchangeable. The best-known licensed use of botulinum toxin is to temporarily improve facial lines such as those 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).
Has the ECDC detected cases in Spain?
No, no cases of botulism associated with recent cosmetic treatments have been reported in Turkey, but the situation is constantly monitored and monitored. It has been suggested that the problems detected are due to the use of counterfeit remittances.
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