Medical treatment for botulism

Medical treatment for botulism involves administering antitoxin to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria. This antitoxin can stop the progression of symptoms if given early. Patients often require hospitalization, where they may receive supportive care such as mechanical ventilation if breathing muscles are affected. In some cases, a doctor might also perform wound cleaning or surgical removal of infected tissue to eliminate the source of bacteria. Antibiotics are generally not effective against the toxin itself but may be used if there's an associated bacterial infection. Early treatment is crucial for reducing severity and improving recovery chances.