The Systemic Side Effects of Botox

Botox is the medical procedure used to decrease the visual effects of aging by plumping skin and reducing wrinkles. However, botox is a dangerous toxin which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The toxin causes the life threatening disease called botulism. Botox is used in small doses to avoid the onset of botulism, but poor conditions or improper use of the chemical can lead to systemic botulism side effects, which are deadly.

How Botox Works

• The botulism toxin used in botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes the nerves in the affected area. The paralyzed nerves relax the skin's wrinkles in the forehead, mouth and eye areas. The injected toxin blocks the ability for nerves to function, making them relax and creates a flattened, smooth look in the skin. The injections are effective for about three or four months. Botox is also used for muscle spasms, headaches and scars.

Symptoms

• If injected incorrectly, the toxin enters the blood stream and causes systemic symptoms. The toxin blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for muscle activity. Acetylcholine also controls the secretion glands, so the first symptoms of botox poisoning are dry eyes and mouth. Because of the blockage of muscle control, patients with botox poisoning also experience weakness in the face, mouth and limbs. Weakness in the diaphragm muscle also occurs making it difficult to breathe.

Prevention

• Prevention of botox poisoning means destroying the cells that make up the toxin's spores. The spores are destroyed by direct heat at 120 °C (220 °F) for 30 minutes. It can also be destroyed by boiling it for 10 minutes. People who suspect gastrointestinal infection can eat acidic foods like fruit.

Treatment

• The best treatment for botox poisoning is with an antiserum. The disadvantage of this treatment is that it needs to be injected before it enters the neuron. If the antiserum is not applied quickly, then any toxin that enters the neuron will result in weakness in the muscles. The toxin is eventually destroyed by the body, but emergency care is needed especially to prevent breathing difficulties.

Botox Safety

• Before getting botox injections, it's imperative for your health to ensure that the procedure is done by a licensed doctor. For increased safety, check that the physician is specialized in facial plastic surgery. Before having plastic surgery, always know the health risks and concerns. Your physician should list the process for the procedure and give you the dangers. The office in which you have the procedure should also be equipped with emergency medicine in case of unforeseen complications.