Diphtheria
On this page, you will find everything you need about diphtheria.
What Is Diphtheria?
It is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria that affect the nose and throat, leading to severe infections that result in swallowing and breathing difficulties. Diphtheria can sometimes be a serious illness, especially in children, if not treated promptly.
What Are the Symptoms of Diphtheria?
- The bacteria commonly infect the respiratory system, and common symptoms of diphtheria include:
- Sore throat.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Fever.
- Swollen neck glands.
- Breathing difficulties due to the formation of a layer of tissue from accumulated bacteria in the nose and throat.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Problems with the nerves, kidneys, or heart (if the bacteria enter the bloodstream).
Symptoms typically appear in an infected person about two to five days after exposure.
What Causes Diphtheria?
- Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria. The diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through:
- Direct contact via the respiratory system, such as coughing or sneezing.
Touching open sores or infected wounds.
How Is it Diagnosed?:
- The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination, and might order additional procedures as needed, such as:
A swab to take a throat sample.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Diphtheria?
- Treatment involves several procedures or as necessary, and may include:
- Antibiotics.
Diphtheria antitoxin.
After treatment ends, tests will be conducted again to ensure the bacteria have disappeared. Once the bacteria are eliminated, you will receive a vaccine to prevent future infections, God willing.
What Are the Prevention Methods for Diphtheria?
Various vaccines are available to prevent diphtheria infection, many of which protect you from multiple infections simultaneously, such as whooping cough and tetanus, as well as diphtheria. There are different vaccination schedules for receiving a series of doses, including booster doses after the initial ones.
The diphtheria vaccine is one of the most important vaccines included for children in the primary vaccination schedule worldwide.
What Are the Complications of Diphtheria?
- Diphtheria can lead to several long-term complications, including:
- Airway obstruction.
- Heart muscle damage.
- Lethargy.
- Paralysis (loss of ability to move).
Lung infection or loss of lung function.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or a family member experiences the aforementioned symptoms of diphtheria. If you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated against diphtheria, schedule an appointment immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diphtheria contagious?
Yes, diphtheria is highly contagious, spreading through airborne dropletsor contaminated personal items. Vaccination can completely prevent diphtheria.
Is diphtheria curable?
Yes, when treated promptly, diphtheria can be successfully managed with antitoxins and antibiotics.
Who is at risk of contracting Diphtheria?
