Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious condition that can lead to very severe complications, and it can be fatal in some cases as well.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

Although vaccinations are available, many areas around the world are still suffering from diphtheria outbreaks.

Causes of diphtheria

• A bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria, and it’s a highly contagious illness. The bacteria transfer through airborne droplets when a patient coughs or sneezes and through contaminated items.

Symptoms of diphtheria

Symptoms of diphtheria typically start 2-5 days after being infected, and they include:

• A gray and thick membrane that covers the throat and tonsils.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
• Hoarseness.
• Sore throat.
• Nasal discharge.
• Breathing problems.
• Fever and chills.
• Tiredness.
• A second type of diphtheria called skin (cutaneous) diphtheria causes pain, swelling, and redness, in addition to ulcers that are covered with a gray membrane.
• Diphtheria can lead to serious complications when it isn’t treated, including more serious breathing problems, heart damage (like myocarditis, heart failure, and sudden death), and nerve damage (which can cause difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness in the arms and legs, and paralysis in the breathing muscles).

Diagnosis of diphtheria

• Physical exam.
• A culture from the membrane.

Treatment of diphtheria

• Antibiotics.
• Patients are kept isolated to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Diphtheria can be prevented by vaccination.