What is ergotism?
Ergotism is a state caused by the use of ergot, mushroom found on rye and some other grains. Mushrooms produce toxins with neurological and vascular effects, causing a number of symptoms. Human populations have experienced ergotism for centuries and many historical records, especially from the Middle Ages, documented this condition. Improvement of agricultural practices today reduced the risk of ergotism; Historically, this situation was a problem, because people had limited food choice and in harsh winters could be the only available food contaminated grain. Some patients develop reddish skin and burning sensation, explaining the alternative name "St. Anthony's Fire" historically to describe this condition. Because many communities relied on one -off sources for their grains, ergot contamination in fields and Mills could cause hundreds of people to be seriously ill throughout the community. The neurological form is characterized by convulsions, twitching and involuntary movements. Another form focused on the vascular system causesDry gangrene. Blood supply on the limbs is interrupted as a result of extreme vasoconstriction, causing the limbs to die. Historically, damaged limbs would blame and fall, and it was shown in Gory, but informative, details in a number of works of art.
It is possible that some populations actually used controlled doses of ergot recreational in religious ceremonies and other proceedings. These communities believed that hallucinations were a gift from God. This condition was also determined as the possible cause of several Mass hysteria incidents, and some people suggested that it could be responsible for repeated witch incidents in communities in different regions of the world because people began to experience hallucinations, paranoia and mood measurement in response to Ergot's exhibition.
Because it is unusual in medical authorities. Treatment of ergotism may include the administration of vasodilators to avoid gangrene, withA field with nerve blocks for patients suffering from extreme neurological symptoms. Support care may also include a sedation in patients with behavioral explosions. Once the fungus is excluded from the patient's system, treatment may be impaired and the patient should make complete recovery if no other ergot is used.