Diphtheria Specialists in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, and produces a toxin affecting the heart and nervo…
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What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, and produces a toxin affecting the heart and nervous system. It is largely preventable through vaccination.
Severe
Rare in vaccinated countries; thousands of cases per year in unvaccinated populations
Yes
Causes of Diphtheria
Caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, or contact with contaminated objects.
Symptoms of Diphtheria
Sore throat, mild fever, weakness, swollen neck glands, gray or white membrane over tonsils and throat (pseudomembrane), barking cough, difficulty breathing, heart problems, nerve damage in severe cases
Treatment & Types of Diphtheria in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Diphtheria antitoxin (to neutralize the toxin), antibiotics (penicillin or erythromycin to eliminate bacteria), airway management, hospitalization, bed rest
Diphtheria is classified by the site of infection as respiratory diphtheria, affecting the throat and airway with the characteristic grey pseudomembrane, or cutaneous diphtheria, causing skin lesions, which is generally milder but still contagious. Respiratory diphtheria is further considered more dangerous when the pseudomembrane spreads enough to obstruct the airway or when the toxin affects the heart and nerves.
Infectious Disease Specialists in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (0)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is diphtheria still a threat if vaccination rates are high?
In well-vaccinated populations diphtheria is now rare, but outbreaks can still occur wherever vaccination coverage drops, which is why staying current with childhood vaccines and adult Td boosters every ten years remains important.
How is diphtheria treated?
Treatment combines diphtheria antitoxin, which neutralises the circulating toxin, with antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, and requires hospitalization since the toxin can affect the heart and nerves even after the infection is controlled.
Can diphtheria be prevented after exposure?
Close contacts of a diagnosed case are typically given prophylactic antibiotics and their vaccination status is checked, since prompt action can prevent them from developing the disease.
What makes diphtheria dangerous even after treatment starts?
The bacterial toxin can cause lasting heart and nerve damage even once the infection itself is treated, which is why antitoxin needs to be given as early as possible in the illness.
Do adults need diphtheria boosters?
Yes, immunity from childhood vaccination fades over time, so a Td or Tdap booster every ten years is recommended to maintain protection into adulthood.