Coturnism: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:19, 16 February 2025

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

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

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

Severe muscle pain
Weakness
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 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 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

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.

Related pages

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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.
+{{Short description|A condition caused by eating quail}}
+{{For|the bird|Common quail}}
+[[File:Coturnix_coturnix_(Warsaw_zoo)-1.JPG|thumb|right|Common quail (''Coturnix coturnix'')]]
+'''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==
-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
+* Weakness
+* [[Nausea]]
+* [[Vomiting]]
+* [[Diarrhea]]
-==Causes==
+In more severe cases, individuals may experience rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to [[kidney failure]].
-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.
 ==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 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 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==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Food poisoning]]
-* [[Quail]]
+* [[Rhabdomyolysis]]
-* [[Hemlock]]
+* [[Common quail]]
 [[Category:Foodborne illnesses]]
-[[Category:Toxicology]]
+[[Category:Birds and humans]]
-[[Category:Zoonoses]]
-{{medicine-stub}}