Diphtheria disease is a severe bacterial disease that occurs in the throat and nose. It is caused by respiratory droplets and may lead to severe complications if not treated early. In this blog, we are going to discuss the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of diphtheria. Read on to know how you can keep yourself and your family members safe from this contagious disease.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces a toxin that is harmful to tissues in the respiratory tract, which causes difficulty in breathing and other problems. Diphtheria mainly occurs in the throat and nose but can also occur in the skin in a few instances.
Symptoms of Diphtheria
Symptoms of diphtheria appear in different ways, typically 2 to 5 days after the infection has occurred.
1. Common Symptoms
- Sore throat
- Swallowing difficulty
- Swollen neck glands
- Fever and chills
- Weakness and fatigue
2. Severe Symptoms
- Thick, grayish covering on the tonsils and throat
- Trouble breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Blue color of the skin due to insufficient oxygen
- Shock (in extreme cases)
In a few instances, diphtheria may lead to ulcers on the skin, particularly in individuals with poor personal hygiene or who live in unsanitary environments.
Causes of Diphtheria
Diphtheria disease is very contagious and is transmitted through:
Respiratory droplets: Sneezing or coughing by an infected person.
Direct contact: Contact with infected wounds or touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria.
Sharing personal items: Sharing utensils or cups of an infected person.
Who is at risk?
Some groups are more susceptible to diphtheria, such as:
- Unvaccinated individuals
- Individuals who live in crowded or unsanitary environments
- Children and elderly with compromised immune systems
- Travelers to areas where there has been an outbreak of diphtheria
How is diphtheria diagnosed?
Physicians diagnose diphtheria by:
Physical examination: Examination of swollen glands and membrane of the throat.
Lab tests: throat or nasal swab sample for bacterial culture.
Blood tests: Monitoring the level of diphtheria toxin in the blood.
Treatment of Diphtheria
Early treatment is essential to avoid complications and transmission of infection.
1. Antitoxin Therapy
- Inactivates the diphtheria toxin in the body.
- Given as an injection or IV.
2. Antibiotics
- Penicillin or erythromycin to destroy the bacteria.
- Decreases the risk of transmission to others.
3. Supportive Care
- Bed rest and hydration.
- Watching for breathing and heart rate.
Complications of Diphtheria
Diphtheria, if not treated, may cause serious complications, including
- Difficulty in breathing due to airway obstruction
- Damage to the heart (myocarditis)
- Damage to nerves and paralysis
- Kidney failure
- Death in severe cases
-
How to Avoid Diphtheria?
1. Immunization
The best method of preventing diphtheria is through the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, which is administered during childhood, and then booster doses are given later in life.
2. Proper Hygiene Measures
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
- Stay away from close contact with those who are infected.
- Employ a face mask in crowded places during outbreaks.
3. Travel Precautions
- Take a vaccine before traveling to areas with cases of diphtheria.
- Drink pure water and consume hygienic food during travel.
Diphtheria vs. Strep Throat: What’s the Difference?
Both share sore throat and fever, but they are different in severity:
Diphtheria: Produces a grayish membrane over the throat and can cause fatal complications.
Strep Throat: Brought on by Streptococcus bacteria and is treatable with antibiotics.https://theechowriters.com/category/health-and-fitness/
Conclusion
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial disease that is preventable by vaccination and proper hygiene.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17870-diphtheria With awareness of the symptoms, causes, treatment, and preventive measures, individuals and populations can be protected against this highly infectious disease.
Through awareness and proper immunization, we can collectively help eradicate diphtheria and protect public health.