Diphtheria - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Diphtheria Definition

Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease. Diphtheria may be caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria may be characterized by the production of a systemic toxin and the formation of a false membrane on the lining of the mucous membrane of the throat and other respiratory passages, causing difficulty in breathing, and weakness.

The bacterium usually enters through the tonsils, nose, or throat and multiplies there, forming a thick membrane that adheres to the tissues. The toxin is particularly harmful to the tissues of the heart and central nervous system.

Diphtheria Causes

Diphtheria may be usually transmitted by contact with respiratory droplets from infected persons or asymptomatic carriers. Diphtheria can also be transmitted by contaminated objects like contaminated milk. The most serious complications are caused by a toxin produced by the diphtheria bacterium that can damage the heart, nervous system and, less often, the kidneys. Very rarely, food contaminated with the diphtheria bacterium can infect others.

Diphtheria usually occurs in children of preschool age. Diphtheria may also be spread via the bloodstream to other organs, where it can cause significant damage. The bacteria primarily infect the nose and throat, although they may initially infect the skin, and producing skin lesions. Skin diphtheria causes a nasal discharge and excoriated skin around the nose.

Diphtheria Symptoms

Most infections go unrecognized, especially in partially immunized individuals. Diphtheria may be mistaken for a severe sore throat.

The symptoms of the diphtheria may be included:

• Sore throat
• Arrhythmia
• Drooling
• Fever
• chills
• Neck swelling
• Bloody drainage
• Difficulty swallowing
• Heart failure
• Croup cough
• Extreme weakness
• Stridor breathing
• Muscle paralysis
• difficulty breathing
• Absent breathing
• Skin lesions
• Difficulty swallowing
• watery drainage from nose

Diphtheria Treatments

Treatment must not wait for confirmation by culture. Treatment with antitoxin is begun as early as possible. People with diphtheria may be require hospitalization for supportive treatment and during the administration of antitoxin.

Penicillin or erythromycin may also be given, particularly to guard against complicating factors such as pneumonia or streptococcal infection.

DTP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) and DTaP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis ) vaccines are designed to prevent the diptheria.

If the membrane in the back of the throat obstructs breathing, a tube may be passed through the mouth or nose; in very serious cases, a tracheostomy may be needed.