WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually
strikes children under the age of 10 who have not had a shot to
prevent it. Adults can also get the disease. It is most common
in autumn and winter.
The disease usually first takes hold in the throat, nose,
or tonsils. Toxins from the bacteria then spread throughout the
body and may affect the heart and central nervous system. Left
untreated, diphtheria may cause heart and kidney
failure.
While recovery from this disease can be slow, with proper
treatment it's usually complete.
Causes
Diphtheria is caused by the
Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. It is spread by
direct contact with people who have the disease or carry it.
You are more likely to get the disease if you have not had a
series of DPT shots (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) as an
infant or young child. Adults who have had DPT immunization as
children should get a booster shot if they are likely to come
in contact with someone who has
diphtheria.
Signs/Symptoms
The first symptoms are a mild sore throat, problems
swallowing, a mild fever, and an increased heart rate. Children
may also have nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, fatigue, and
fever.
A dirty, fibrous, whitish-gray membrane develops at the
place where the bacteria entered the body---usually the tonsils
or the nose. In young children, this is usually the first sign
of the disease.
Although the disease may remain mild, the membrane may
interfere with eating, drinking, and breathing. Lymph glands in
the neck may swell, causing a "bull neck."
Care
This disease requires hospitalization in an isolation
room until it clears up. The victim must remain in bed, drink
plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet. Your doctor will
probably prescribe diphtheria antitoxin and an antibiotic such
as penicillin or erythromycin. If a membrane blocks the
victim's throat, the doctor may have to insert a tube in the
windpipe to keep the airway open.
Risks
Unless treated promptly, diphtheria can cause heart,
kidney, liver, and adrenal gland failure; paralysis; swelling
and pain in the lining of the stomach (gastritis); inflammation
of the nerves (neuritis); or inflammation of the liver
(hepatitis). Severe cases can be fatal.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You or your child develop a
gray, fibrous membrane in your throat or
nose.
-
You have been exposed to
someone who has diphtheria
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You or your child have an
extremely sore throat
-
-
You have trouble
breathing
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following procedures and equipment
during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
-
Diagnostic tests: The doctor will test the mucus in
your nose and throat for the presence of diphtheria
bacteria.
-
Isolation: To prevent the spread of the disease you
will probably have to stay in a room by
yourself.
-
Bed Rest: You will have to remain in bed and get
plenty of sleep until you are better.
-
Fluids: Drinking plenty of liquids is important for
your recovery.
-
Tracheostomy: If you cannot breathe well on your
own, the doctor may have to insert a tube into your
windpipe.
-
Medicines: You will probably receive diphtheria
antitoxin and an antibiotic such as penicillin or
erythromycin
After You
Leave
-
Shots: After you or your child has recovered, your
doctor will probably immunize you with diphtheria
toxoid.
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