The most dangerous type of gastroenteritis known as botulism, is produced by poisons from certain spore-forming germs. These toxins or poisons cause serious changes in the nervous system and may even result in death. This serious condition arise from eating food that has not been properly preserved. It occurs most often in home canning and preserving.

The patient may have double vision and also difficulty in swallowing. The muscles of his  arms and legs become weak, almost resembling polio. It may be difficult for him to breathe for some days, and he may suffer from broncho-pneumonia. Such patients must be treated in hospital.

Botulism Prevention:

Botulism prevention is most important in this condition. Be sure your foods are properly preserved and canned. Remember, all home-canned meats and vegetable should always be heated before serving. Any food showing evidence of spoilage should be discarded. Patients suspected of having boutalism should be treated in hospital, for this is a most serious emergency.

Mushroom or toadstool poisoning is serious type of poisoning caused by eating poisonous mushrooms of the type known as Amanita phalloides. The victim soon complains of vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, thirst, dizziness and confusion. This may be followed by convulsions, complete collapse, and juandice due to serve liver damage. The  blood pressure drops, the heart beats rapidly, and the nervous system is damaged and unable to carry on its normal activities. At least half of these victims die.

Botulism Treatment:

Keep the patient in bed. Encourage vomiting if the food has been eaten whithin the last one or two hours, for much of  it may be in the stomach. After the stomach is emptied, follow the outline of treatment suggested for accute gastroenteritis. Sever cases of mushroom poisoning should be treated in hospital.