Injection Wound Botulism Treatment In Denver
When you inject drugs with a needle, you have used before, or if you fail to clean the skin first with an alcohol swab, there is a chance of introducing bacteria into the wound that can cause infection. Clostridium botulinum is a species of bacteria that, if it gets into the wound, produces a byproduct that is toxic to humans. This toxin can cause muscle weakness and breathing problems by attacking the nerves. Without injection wound treatment in Denver, it could prove fatal.
Wound botulism is treated with a medication called antitoxin. This treatment counteracts the toxin so that it does not cause any further harm. However, it cannot reverse the damage that has already been done. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment immediately for suspected botulism.
Injecting any illicit drugs carries a risk of developing an infection. However, the risk of wound botulism is greatest with muscling or skin popping black tar heroin. In other words, if you inject the drug directly into your muscle or under your skin, your risk for botulism increases.
How Drug Injections Can Give You Botulism
- Production
- Transportation
- Preparation for use
- Mixing or cutting it with other substances

What To Watch For
Once introduced into the body, it takes time for the bacteria to multiply and produce the toxin. Therefore, it may be several days or weeks after injecting the contaminated drugs that you start experiencing symptoms of wound botulism. Early symptoms include the following:
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooping eyelids
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred speech
- Thick-feeling tongue
These symptoms are similar to those of opioid overdose. If receiving a dose of naloxone does not resolve the symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away to assess for botulism.
Over time, botulism can produce more serious symptoms of paralysis or difficulty breathing. Left untreated, a chronic wound can eventually be life-threatening.

Magnolia Medical Group of Denver Can Help With Injection Wound Treatment

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