All You Need to Know About Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. Although rare in developed countries due to widespread vaccination, it remains a threat where immunization is not common. 

The bacteria causing diphtheria produce toxins that can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death if not treated.

Symptoms of Diphtheria Symptoms usually start two to five days after infection and may resemble a mild cold. As the disease progresses, a thick, gray coating can form on the throat and tonsils, which can lead to:

Fever

A barking cough

Swollen glands in the neck

A sore throat and hoarseness

General malaiseIn severe cases, symptoms can worsen to include:

Difficulty swallowing

Slurred speech

Excessive sweating

A rapid heartbeat

Skin lesionsTypes of DiphtheriaRespiratory diphtheria: Affects the throat and sometimes the nose.

Cutaneous diphtheria: Affects the skin, causing ulcers.

Malignant diphtheria: A severe form with extensive toxin production.

Nasal diphtheria: Affects only the nasal tissues.Treatment of Diphtheria Treatment involvesAntitoxin injections to neutralize the diphtheria toxin.

Antibiotics, such as erythromycin or penicillin, to kill the bacteria and clear the infection. Patients with diphtheria are usually isolated in the hospital to prevent the spread of the infection.Prevention of Diphtheria Prevention is primarily through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine, which also protects against tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), is administered in five doses at the following ages:

2 months

4 months

6 months

15 to 18 months

4 to 6 yearsA booster shot, known as the Td vaccine, is recommended every ten years in adulthood. Rare allergic reactions to the vaccine can occur, including hives or seizures, but these are typically short-lived.

Maintaining good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and keeping environments clean, is also crucial in preventing the spread of diphtheria, especially in settings where vaccination rates are low.