Diphtheria - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Diphtheria is a fatal bacterial infection which usually affects the membranes producing mucous in the nose and throat. Though it can easily spread from one person to the other, it can be prevented by the use of vaccines. If diphtheria is not treated on time, it can lead to acute damage to your heart, nervous system and kidneys.

A form of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria causes this disorder. This medical condition spreads through contact with a infected person and through contact with various objects that have diphtheria causing bacteria like a used tissue or cup. You are also prone in developing diphtheria if an infected person blows their nose, coughs or sneezes in front of you. Even if the person affected with diphtheria doesn’t show symptoms, they can still transmit the bacteria to a healthy person. This bacteria releases a harmful substance known as toxins. This toxin spreads through the bloodstream and causes a thick gray layer to form in the throat, nose, tongue and airway. In severe cases, all these toxins damage the kidneys, brain and heart. Diphtheria can give rise to many complications like kidney failure, paralysis and myocarditis.

• Adults over the age of 60 and children under the age of 5 are more likely to develop diphtheria.
• People who haven’t received their vaccinations can develop diphtheria.
• Visiting a country which doesn’t have access to proper immunization.
• An immune system disorder like HIV/AIDS can also make you more prone in developing diphtheria.
• Living in a crowded and unclean condition can also cause diphtheria.

It is vital to visit a general physician to diagnose diphtheria. The doctor will most lkely perform a physical examination to check for any swollen lymph nodes. A gray coating on your tonsils and throat is also an early sign of diphtheria. The infected tissue is scraped and given to the lab for testing.

Diphtheria should be treated as fast as possible. The first step is to use an antitoxin injection. This antitoxin is used to counteract toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria. Antibiotics like penicillin and erythromycin are also prescribed to fight the infection. It is vital to get yourself admitted in the hospital if you have diphtheria so that the infection is not passed to other people.

Diphtheria can be prevented by the use of vaccinations. The vaccine used for diphtheria is known as DTaP. This vaccine is generally given along with a tetanus and a pertussis.