ToxinA toxin is a poison made by living cells or organisms. Toxins can cause health problems on contact or when they are absorbed by the body. The severity of a reaction to a toxin varies greatly. A bee sting causes a minor reaction in most people. But eating food containing botulinum toxin can cause a deadly reaction. Usually, the severity of the health problem caused by a toxin depends on: - How often a person is exposed to the toxin.
- How much toxin was in contact with or absorbed by the body.
- How poisonous the toxin is.
Treatment can be as simple as staying away from the toxin and limiting future exposure. In some cases, treatment with substances, such as anti-venom, can prevent serious illness. Fortunately, the levels of most toxins in the environment are low. Current as of:
July 29, 2016 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & R. Steven Tharratt, MD, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine |
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