However the main function of the small intestine is the absorption of the small food particles resulting from digestion. It contains many villi which increase the surface area for absorption. The large intestine moves the material that has not been digested from the small intestine and absorbs water.
Respiratory failure caused by botulism can result in death. About 50 years ago half of all patients with botulism died, compared to just 8% today. Patients with severe symptoms may need a breathing machine, intensive medical and nursing care for several months. Fatigue and shortness of breath may linger for many years.
These are all symptoms of the muscle paralysis caused by the bacterial toxin. In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food, but they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days after.otulism. Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.