Diphtheria - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

This article discuss about the causes, symptoms and the treatment procedure of the bacterial disease called diphtheria. This disease is a serious bacterial infection which can lead to death. The causes for this disease are bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria. This can be identified by a gray covering which is thick on the back of your throat, which could make breathing difficult. This bacterium also infects your skin. Long back this disease turned out be very deadly among children, but due to the widespread vaccination the disease is now under control. The bacteria which causes Diphtheria is found in the droplets of moisture when you cough. These bacteria multiply in the mucus membrane of the mouth which leads to inflammation. Certain types of Corynebacterium diphtheria discharge a fatal toxin. This could damage the heart, nervous system, kidneys. The skin is affected only if it is the milder form of the bacteria which is normally found in the adults and is more common among the people who have poor hygiene.

Diphtheria is also a bacterial infection which affects nose, skin and larynx. This bacterium covers the area of inflammation with a thick membrane. Below 5years and above 60years are the people who are more prone to this disease.

Causes of Diphtheria:

This bacterium which causes Diphtheria is transmitted through intimate contact or by respiratory droplets which is airborne from convalescing patients. Contaminated objects such as contaminated milk can also transmit the disease. It is a rare situation that the food contaminated by the bacterium would infect others. The toxin produced by the bacterium causes serious complications which would lead to the failure of kidneys, nervous system, heart etc. Blood stream is also a path by which the bacterium can be spread and a significant damage can be caused. The disease first infects the nose and also the skin leading to skin lesions.

People below the age of 5 and above the age of 60, if they are not regularly immunized then the risk of getting affected by the disease are higher. Addictions to alcohol and drugs also could be responsible for getting affected by the disease. Homosexuality and poor hygiene can also lead to diphtheria.

Symptoms of Diphtheria:

Diphtheria either affects the nose and throat or the skin of a person. Sore throat, swollen lymph glands found in the neck and fever are the symptoms of the disease. Breathing would get hard as the throat is covered by a grey membrane Treatment of Diphtheria:

Penicillin and Erythromycin are the normal medicines prescribed by doctors for the treatment of the disease. Diphtheria antitoxin is used and is made to be in the Intensive care unit if the nervous system of kidneys is damaged. Complete vaccination is provided for those cured of the disease and other treatment would be provided according to the clinical status of the victim.