Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease. Diphtheria usually attacks the throat and nose. In more serious cases, it can attack the heart and nerves. Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a bacterium. The bacterium produces a toxin (poison) that is carried in the bloodstream. Diphtheria typically causes a bad sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. Diphtheria is rare in the United States and Europe. Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets (such as those produced by a cough or sneeze) of an infected person or someone who carries the bacteria but has no symptoms.
Diphtheria spreads from person to person very easily. People get diphtheria by breathing in diphtheria bacteria after an contaminate person has coughed or sneezed. Symptoms usually occur 2 to 5 days after you have come in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, a mild sore throat and problems swallowing. Diphtheria can also cause paralysis in the eye, neck, throat, or respiratory muscles. Children infected have symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, chills, and a high fever, although some do not show symptoms until the infection has progressed further. In 10% of cases, patients experience neck swelling. These cases are associated with a higher risk of death. Diphtheria is a medical emergency. A delay in treatment can result in death or long-term heart disease.
Diphtheria anti-toxin is given as a shot into a muscle. The antitoxin neutralizes the diphtheria toxin already flow in your body. The antitoxin is injected into a vein (intravenously) or into a muscle (intramuscular injection). The infection is then treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin. Diphtheria vaccine is also recommended in sometimes. The diphtheria vaccine is usually given in a alliance shot with tetanus and pertussis vaccines. Diphtheria and tetanus boosters should be given every 10 years to provide continued protection. Avoid travel to areas with ongoing epidemics. Lifestyle changes is good prevention of diphtheria. Improvement of socioeconomic status of populations at risk. Bed rest is particularly important if the person’s heart has been affected by the disease.
Diphtheria Treatment and Prevention Tips:
1. A diphtheria antitoxin is also used for treatment.
2. Lifestyle changes is good prevention of diphtheria.
3. Sometime DTP vaccine is also recommended.
4. Bed rest is very important in diphtheria.
5. Avoid travel to areas with ongoing epidemics.
6. Improvement of socioeconomic status of populations at risk.
7. Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin and erythromycin also treat of diphtheria.
