Things That You Need to Know About Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that affect the upper respiratory tract.
Usually, diphtheria is characterized by sore throat, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, increased temperature, and difficulty in breathing.
These days, cases of diphtheria are already rare because of immunization; however, there are some countries wherein immunization is not a part of public health standard.
Diphtheria is a fatal disease with approximately 5-20% fatality rate.
The bacterium that causes diphtheria is Corynebacterium diphtheriae which multiplies rapidly in the upper respiratory tract wherein it causes inflammation.
There are also some instances wherein it can produce a toxin which enters the bloodstream and affects the brain, the nerves, and the heart.
This contagious disease can be contracted by inhaling the aerosolized secretions of a person with diphtheria.
Sneezing and coughing are the most common ways of spreading this infection.
A person can also contract the disease if he/she has had a direct contact with the skin ulcer of an infected person, or with the secretions from the nose and the mouth of an infected person.
Diphtheria is most common in crowded and unsanitary environments, people who did not receive any immunity, individuals who are undernourished, and epidemic areas.
Once you have contracted diphtheria, there are different manifesting signs and symptoms.
These include pallor, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, weakness, nasal discharge, and pain when swallowing.
As for children who are suffering from diphtheria, they may experience nausea, vomiting, high fever, and chills.
However, there are some children who do not show these signs and symptoms.
Diphtheria is treated with two types of medications namely antibiotics and antitoxins.
Antibiotic treatment is usually with penicillins or macrolides.
The best way to prevent diphtheria is to keep updated with vaccinations.
A booster shot is also needed whenever you are travelling to places where diphtheria is endemic.
Complications of diphtheria may include pneumonia, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and paralysis.
Fighting against infection can be done if the body is healthy and properly nourished.
It is also important to keep the body active by doing regular exercises.
Usually, diphtheria is characterized by sore throat, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, increased temperature, and difficulty in breathing.
These days, cases of diphtheria are already rare because of immunization; however, there are some countries wherein immunization is not a part of public health standard.
Diphtheria is a fatal disease with approximately 5-20% fatality rate.
The bacterium that causes diphtheria is Corynebacterium diphtheriae which multiplies rapidly in the upper respiratory tract wherein it causes inflammation.
There are also some instances wherein it can produce a toxin which enters the bloodstream and affects the brain, the nerves, and the heart.
This contagious disease can be contracted by inhaling the aerosolized secretions of a person with diphtheria.
Sneezing and coughing are the most common ways of spreading this infection.
A person can also contract the disease if he/she has had a direct contact with the skin ulcer of an infected person, or with the secretions from the nose and the mouth of an infected person.
Diphtheria is most common in crowded and unsanitary environments, people who did not receive any immunity, individuals who are undernourished, and epidemic areas.
Once you have contracted diphtheria, there are different manifesting signs and symptoms.
These include pallor, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, weakness, nasal discharge, and pain when swallowing.
As for children who are suffering from diphtheria, they may experience nausea, vomiting, high fever, and chills.
However, there are some children who do not show these signs and symptoms.
Diphtheria is treated with two types of medications namely antibiotics and antitoxins.
Antibiotic treatment is usually with penicillins or macrolides.
The best way to prevent diphtheria is to keep updated with vaccinations.
A booster shot is also needed whenever you are travelling to places where diphtheria is endemic.
Complications of diphtheria may include pneumonia, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and paralysis.
Fighting against infection can be done if the body is healthy and properly nourished.
It is also important to keep the body active by doing regular exercises.
