Know All About
DIPHTHERIA
Definition:
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal throat infection, caused by Corynebacterium Diphtheriae.
Sex or Age most affected
Older children (5 years and above), adolescents and adults.
Signs & Symptons
Early stages:
- Sore throat with a milky white patch covering one or both tonsils.
- Low grade fever.
- Swollen glands in the neck.
Late stages:
- Airway obstruction and breathing difficulty.
- Shock (low blood pressure; rapid heartbeat; paleness; cold skin; sweating; anxious appearance).
Causes
A bacteria called, corynebacterium diphtheriae, infects the throat and sometimes the skin. The interval between contacting the infection and getting symptoms is 5 to 9 days. The germ produces poisons that spread to the heart, central nervous system and other organs.
Risk Increases With
- Poor nutrition.
- Outbreak in the community, and an unimmunized child.
- Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
- Lack of up-to-date immunizations.
Prevention
- Immunization with diphtheria vaccine.
- Improved nutrition and standard of living.
OTHER
- Notify the local health department of any case of diphtheria. Anyone having contact with the patient must be examined and treated.
Medication
- This is a medical emergency hence Hospitalization.
Public Complications
- Heart inflammation and heart failure.
- Suffocation.
- Nerve inflammation.
- Misdiagnosis as a less-serious infection, resulting in dangerous delay of treatment.
Diagnostic Measures
- Observation of symptoms.
- Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
- Laboratory studies, such as throat culture and blood counts.
Probable Outcomes
Usually curable in 1 week, followed by slow recovery for several weeks. A delay in treatment may result in death or long-term heart disease.
TREATMENT
General Measures
- Quarantine the patient until fully recovered. Protect susceptible individuals (the non-immunized, very young or elderly) from exposure.
- Dispose off all secretions (nose and mouth) and excretions (urine and feces) in an acceptable manner. Call the local health department for instructions.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe:
- Diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin.
- Antibiotics to fight remaining diphtheria germs.
Activity
Prolonged bed rest (2 to 3 months or until fully recovered), especially if the heart is involved. The patient may watch TV or read.
Diet
No special diet. except to eat heartily.
Contact your Doctor
- You observe symptoms of diphtheria in someone. This is an emergency!
- Anyone in your family is exposed to diphtheria.
- Your child’s immunizations is not up-to-date.
The following occurs during treatment:
- Temperature spikes to 102F (38.9C).
- Increasing breathing difficulty.
- Increasing shortness of breath.
- Confusion.