Coturnism
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Coturnism[edit | edit source]
Coturnix coturnix (Warsaw zoo)
-1.JPG)
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
