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The Effects of Toxic Constituents of Smoked Fish

Smoking is a popular method of preserving fish, but it does carry some risks. Since much smoked fish is never heated, it can become a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause botulism. Even when vacuum packed, smoked fish may contain dangerous levels of Clostridium botulinum toxin. While botulism now rarely kills, it can still be dangerous. According to the Mayo Clinic, botulism appears between 12 and 36 hours after toxin ingestion.

  1. Throat Problems

    • People suffering from the toxic effects of botulism may feel as though their throat is closing up. They often have trouble speaking or swallowing and may suffer from breathing difficulty. According to the World Health Organization, botulism may also be accompanied by a dry mouth. Both sides of the face may feel weak or unresponsive.

    Nausea and Digestive Symptoms

    • Botulism toxin affects the digestive system, causing nausea and vomiting. Victims of this toxin may also experience diarrhea or constipation and swelling of the abdomen. According to the Mayo Clinic, abdominal cramps are common. The presence of digestive symptoms can help doctors determine that smoked fish or other food was the cause of poisoning.

    Muscle Spasms and Weakness

    • As the condition progresses, botulism sufferers may experience weakness in muscles all over the body. This begins in the neck and arms but soon progresses to the respiratory muscles and the lower body. Breathing becomes more difficult. According to the World Health Organization, when treated promptly and with proper respiratory care, this weakness can be entirely reversed. In serious cases, respiratory care, including mechanical breathing, may be required for weeks or months after exposure to the toxin. If botulism is allowed to progress without treatment, complete paralysis and death may eventually occur.

    Impaired Vision

    • When Clostridium botulinum toxin affects the muscles of the eyes, it may cause problems focusing, which eventually progress to blurred vision or double images. According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, sufferers may also feel overly sensitive to light--a condition called photophobia. The eyelids may droop. In serious cases, the muscles of the eyes can become entirely paralyzed.

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