Even with antitoxin and intensive medical and nursing care, some people with botulism die from respiratory failure. Others die from infections or other problems caused by being paralyzed for weeks or months.
What happens if botulism is not treated?
If untreated, the disease may progress and symptoms may worsen to cause full paralysis of some muscles, including those used in breathing and those in the arms, legs, and trunk (part of the body from the neck to the pelvis area, also called the torso).
Can you survive botulism without treatment?
Although botulism can cause severe and prolonged symptoms, most people recover completely from the illness. Early treatment reduces the risk of permanent disability and death. However, even with treatment botulism can be fatal. Without treatment, more than 50% of people with botulism would die.
Will botulism go away on its own?
When your case is mild, you may need weeks or months for a full recovery. It may take months or years to completely get over a very serious case. If the illness isn't treated, botulism can be life-threatening. But people recover in about 90% to 95% of cases.
How long until botulism is fatal?
Respiratory failure generally causes death in untreated individuals. Symptoms generally begin 12 to 36 hours after consuming the toxin in food but in rare cases symptoms can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 2 weeks after exposure. Most people recover from botulism but the recovery period can take months.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
How common is botulism in dogs?Can dogs get food poisoning from old food?
