- June 17, 2016
- Posted by: emobile
- Category: Trending Topic
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Emobileclinic Trending Topic:Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It is highly contagious; however it is preventive through the use of vaccines. It can cause severe damage to the kidneys, nervous system, and heart. It is fatal in about 3 percent of cases.
Causes
It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria. Its mode of transmission is through person-to-person contact or through contact with objects that have the bacteria on them, such as a cup or used tissue. Close contact with infected person when they sneeze, cough, or blow their nose can also make one to be infected.
The bacteria releases dangerous substances called toxins. The toxins spread through the bloodstream and often cause a thick, gray coating to form in the:
Nose
Throat
Tongue
Airway
In some cases, these toxins can also damage other organs, including the heart, brain and kidneys. This can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as Myocarditis, paralysis, or kidney failure.
Risk Factors for Diphtheria
Those who have higher risk of contracting diphtheria are:
Incomplete vaccinations
Visited countries with no immunizations
Suffer from immune system disorder, such as AIDS
Habiting in an unclean or crowded conditions
Symptoms
It appears within two to five days after the infection occurs in some while others people do not experience any symptoms. The common symptoms are:
Thick, gray coating on the throat and tonsils
Fever
Chills
Swollen glands in the neck
Loud barking cough
Sore throat
Bluish skin
Drooling
Discomfort
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Changes in vision
Slurred speech
Signs of shock, such as pale and cold skin
Sweating
Rapid heartbeat
Diagnosis
Physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes
Information from medical history and the symptoms you have been having
Throat culture
Treatment
Antitoxin injection to counteract the toxin produced by the bacteria
