sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Botulism: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for new or worsening trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly progressing weakness, blue or gray lips or skin, fainting, or difficulty waking.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for new coughing during meals, repeated choking, worsening fatigue, increasing wound redness or drainage, poor weight gain, or a decline in strength.

    Others who ate the same food should be informed and should seek urgent assessment if compatible symptoms develop.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After discharge, routine follow-up focuses on breathing, swallowing, nutrition, strength, mobility, and the ability to manage daily activities.

    A rehabilitation plan may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, or pulmonary care.

    Keep follow-up appointments even if recovery appears to be going well.

    Clinicians may adjust activity plans, reassess swallowing safety, monitor weight, and review whether equipment or home support is still needed.

    Return to work, school, driving, and strenuous exercise should be discussed in the context of remaining weakness and fatigue.

    These are not routine follow-up concerns.

The article also says

If foodborne botulism was suspected, follow public health instructions about leftover food and containers.

Do not throw away or open a suspected item unless officials tell you how to handle it.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Botulism. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.