Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection impacting the mucous membranes located in the nose and throat. This condition can be transferred from person to person but is preventable with vaccines. The disease is very rare within the United States and the majority of developed countries due to widespread vaccinations.
If not treated, diphtheria can lead to heart, nervous system and kidney damage. Three percent of all individuals diagnosed with diphtheria do not survive. If the disease is not treated and advances past the throat, toxins enter the bloodstream and spread. The result is life-threatening issues impacting organs including the kidneys and heart.
In order to prevent diphtheria in children, the DTaP vaccination is necessary. Teenagers and adults not previously immunized receive a vaccination. After the first dosage, a booster is strongly recommended every 10 years. The majority of people diagnosed with diphtheria did not receive a shot or only received some.
Causes of Diphtheria
The cause of diphtheria is the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria which increases when close to or on the throat. The disease spreads in several ways including:
- Contamination: Diphtheria can occasionally be caught by touching contaminated personal items including used hand towels, washcloths and tissues. The bacteria can also be transferred when coming into direct contact with an infected wound.
- Airborne Droplets: Contaminated droplets can be released into the air in a mist through the cough or sneeze of someone infected with the disease. When this mist is inhaled, the condition can be spread easily. The risk of infection increases when large crowds are present.
Individuals infected with diphtheria that have not received treatment can infect anyone not given the vaccine regardless of whether symptoms are present or not. If any of the following are present, the risk of contracting diphtheria increases.
- Adults and children without current vaccinations
- Individuals traveling to countries where diphtheria is common
- Individuals living in unsanitary or crowded conditions
In countries where the majority of people receive the vaccination, diphtheria is only considered a threat to people with inadequate vaccinations traveling abroad coming into contact with infected people located in less-developed areas.
Signs of Diphtheria
Signs and symptoms of this condition can appear in two to five days after the infection has occurred. Some individuals experience mild symptoms much like the common cold while others have no symptoms at all. The most common and noticeable symptom is a thick, grayish coating found on the tonsils and throat. Some of the other common signs of diphtheria include:
- Glands in the neck begin to swell
- Overall feeling of discomfort or uneasiness
- Chills
- Skin with a bluish coloration
- Fever
- Loud hacking cough
- Sore throat
- Drooling
As diphtheria progresses, other signs often appear including:
- Vision changes
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of shock including rapid heartbeat, sweating and cold or pale skin
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slurred speech
Anyone living in a tropical area or with poor hygiene is at risk of developing diphtheria of the skin or cutaneous diphtheria. In this instance, the signs include redness and ulcers in the area infected.
Treating Diphtheria
If diphtheria is suspected, a physical exam is performed to see if the lymph nodes are swollen. Questions will be asked regarding any symptoms the individual experienced and their medical history. If a grayish coating is found on the tonsils or throat, the diagnosis is usually diphtheria.
If confirmation of the diagnosis is necessary, a sample is taken of the tissue affected and sent for testing to a lab. If diphtheria of the skin is suspected, the physician will most likely take a throat culture for verification. Diphtheria is extremely serious with fast and aggressive treatments required.
The first part of the treatment is an injection. This will counteract the toxin the bacteria produce. If there is any chance the person might be allergic to the injection, the physician must be told immediately. In this instance, it can be injected in smaller doses, then built up gradually until a higher amount is possible.
Antibiotics will also be prescribed to help eliminate the infection. While the treatment is performed, the person might need to remain in the hospital to eliminate the possibility of passing on the infection. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for the people closest to the infected individual.