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'''Coturnism''' is a rare form of [[food poisoning]] that results from the consumption of cooked or raw [[quail]] meat. The condition is named after the bird genus ''Coturnix'', which includes several species of quail.  
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Coturnism
| image          = [[File:Coturnix_coturnix_(Warsaw_zoo)-1.JPG|250px]]
| caption        = ''[[Coturnix coturnix]]'', the common quail
| field          = [[Toxicology]]
| symptoms        = [[Rhabdomyolysis]], [[myalgia]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[dizziness]], [[dyspnea]]
| complications  = [[Kidney failure]], [[cardiac arrhythmia]]
| onset          = Hours after consumption of quail meat
| duration        = Several days
| causes          = Consumption of quail that have ingested [[hemlock]]
| risks          = Eating quail during migration season
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation, history of quail consumption
| differential    = [[Food poisoning]], [[botulism]], [[trichinosis]]
| prevention      = Avoid eating quail during migration
| treatment      = Supportive care, [[hydration]], [[analgesics]]
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{Short description|A condition caused by eating quail}}
{{For|the bird|Common quail}}
'''Coturnism''' is a form of food poisoning that occurs after the consumption of quail, specifically the [[common quail]] (''Coturnix coturnix''). This condition is characterized by symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, and in severe cases, [[rhabdomyolysis]]. Coturnism is a rare condition and is primarily associated with the consumption of quail during their migratory season.
==Pathophysiology==
The exact cause of coturnism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the diet of the quail during migration. Quail may consume certain [[plants]] or [[seeds]] that contain toxic compounds, which are then stored in their tissues. When humans consume these quail, they may ingest these toxins, leading to the symptoms of coturnism.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The symptoms of coturnism can vary widely, but typically include [[muscle weakness]], [[muscle pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[diarrhea]]. In severe cases, the condition can lead to [[paralysis]] and [[respiratory failure]]. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours of consuming the quail meat, but can sometimes take up to two days to manifest.
The symptoms of coturnism typically appear within a few hours after consuming the affected quail. Common symptoms include:
 
* Severe muscle pain
==Causes==
* Weakness
Coturnism is caused by a toxin found in the muscles of quail. The toxin is believed to be produced by the bird's diet, which includes [[hemlock]] seeds. The toxin is not destroyed by cooking, and can therefore be present in both cooked and raw quail meat.
* [[Nausea]]
 
* [[Vomiting]]
* [[Diarrhea]]
In more severe cases, individuals may experience rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to [[kidney failure]].
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of coturnism is typically based on the patient's symptoms and their recent dietary history. There are no specific laboratory tests for the condition, but blood tests may be used to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Diagnosis of coturnism is primarily based on the clinical presentation and a history of recent consumption of quail. Laboratory tests may show elevated levels of muscle enzymes such as [[creatine kinase]], which is indicative of muscle damage.
 
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for coturnism is primarily supportive, and includes [[hydration]], [[pain management]], and [[respiratory support]] if necessary. There is no specific antidote for the toxin.
Treatment for coturnism is mainly supportive. Patients are advised to rest and may require [[rehydration therapy]] to manage dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. In cases of rhabdomyolysis, more intensive treatment may be necessary, including [[intravenous fluids]] to prevent kidney damage.
 
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Prevention of coturnism involves avoiding the consumption of quail meat, particularly during the bird's migratory season when they are more likely to have consumed hemlock seeds.
To prevent coturnism, it is advisable to avoid consuming quail during their migratory season, especially if the source of the quail is unknown. Proper cooking methods may reduce the risk, but the effectiveness of cooking in eliminating the toxins is not well established.
 
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Food poisoning]]
* [[Food poisoning]]
* [[Quail]]
* [[Rhabdomyolysis]]
* [[Hemlock]]
* [[Common quail]]
 
[[Category:Foodborne illnesses]]
[[Category:Foodborne illnesses]]
[[Category:Toxicology]]
[[Category:Birds and humans]]
[[Category:Zoonoses]]
 
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 13:55, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Coturnism
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Rhabdomyolysis, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dyspnea
Complications Kidney failure, cardiac arrhythmia
Onset Hours after consumption of quail meat
Duration Several days
Types N/A
Causes Consumption of quail that have ingested hemlock
Risks Eating quail during migration season
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, history of quail consumption
Differential diagnosis Food poisoning, botulism, trichinosis
Prevention Avoid eating quail during migration
Treatment Supportive care, hydration, analgesics
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


A condition caused by eating quail


Coturnism is a form of food poisoning that occurs after the consumption of quail, specifically the common quail (Coturnix coturnix). This condition is characterized by symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, and in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis. Coturnism is a rare condition and is primarily associated with the consumption of quail during their migratory season.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The exact cause of coturnism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the diet of the quail during migration. Quail may consume certain plants or seeds that contain toxic compounds, which are then stored in their tissues. When humans consume these quail, they may ingest these toxins, leading to the symptoms of coturnism.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of coturnism typically appear within a few hours after consuming the affected quail. Common symptoms include:

In more severe cases, individuals may experience rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of coturnism is primarily based on the clinical presentation and a history of recent consumption of quail. Laboratory tests may show elevated levels of muscle enzymes such as creatine kinase, which is indicative of muscle damage.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for coturnism is mainly supportive. Patients are advised to rest and may require rehydration therapy to manage dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. In cases of rhabdomyolysis, more intensive treatment may be necessary, including intravenous fluids to prevent kidney damage.

Prevention[edit]

To prevent coturnism, it is advisable to avoid consuming quail during their migratory season, especially if the source of the quail is unknown. Proper cooking methods may reduce the risk, but the effectiveness of cooking in eliminating the toxins is not well established.

See also[edit]