How do you get diphtheria disease?

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium bacteria. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and formation of the lining of the tonsils and throat. In severe cases, the infection may spread to other organs such as the heart and nervous system. Some patients also develop skin infections. The bacteria that cause this disease produce harmful toxins if they spread to other parts of the body.

How common is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is common in developing countries such as Indonesia, where vaccination rates are low. This condition can occur in patients of any age. Diphtheria can be treated by reducing risk factors. Discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of diphtheria?
Although diphtheria bacteria can attack any tissue in the body, the most prominent signs are the throat and mouth. The common signs and symptoms of diphtheria are:

1. Throat coated with a thick gray membrane
2. Sore throat and hoarse
3. Swollen glands in the neck
4. Respiratory problems and swallowing
5. Liquids on the nose, drool
6. Fever and chills
7. A hard cough
8. Uncomfortable feeling
9. Changes to vision
10. Speechy talk
11. Signs of shock, such as pale and cold skin, sweating and fast heart pounding.

There may be signs and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

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When should I see a doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you or your child is exposed to contact with someone who has diphtheria. If you do not know whether you or your child has been given diphtheria vaccine or not, immediately arrange a meeting schedule with your doctor.

Cause

What causes diphtheria?
Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium, a bacterium that spreads the disease through particles in the air, personal objects, and contaminated household appliances.

If you inhale air particles from coughing or sneezing an infected person, you may get diphtheria. This method is very effective to spread the disease, especially in a crowded place.

Another cause is contact with contaminated personal objects. You may get diphtheria by holding an infected person's wipes, drinking from an unwashed glass, or similar contact with objects carrying bacteria. In rare cases, diphtheria spreads to shared household appliances, such as towels or toys.

Touching an infected wound can also expose you to the bacterium that causes diphtheria.

Triggers

What are the factors that increase a person's risk of diphtheria?
There are many factors that increase a person's risk of diphtheria, namely:

1. The location you live in
2. Not getting the latest diphtheria vaccinations
3. Have an immune system disorder, such as AIDS
4. Have a weak immune system, such as children or the elderly
5. Living in densely populated or unhygienic conditions

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose diphtheria?

To diagnose the disease, the doctor will perform a physical examination to check for swelling of the lymph glands. If your doctor sees a gray layer in your throat and tonsils, your doctor may suspect you have diphtheria. The doctor may also inquire about your medical history and symptoms.

However, the safest method to diagnose diphtheria is by biopsy. The affected tissue samples will be taken and then sent to the laboratory for review, whether you have diphtheria bacteria or not.

How to treat diphtheria?

Doctors will soon deal with this disease, because diphtheria is a very serious condition. First, the doctor will give an antitoxin injection, to fight the toxins produced by bacteria. If allergic to antitoxin, you need to let your doctor know that your doctor can adjust the medication.

In patients with allergies, doctors usually give a low dose of antitoxin and increase levels gradually. After that, the doctor will give antibiotics to help cope with the infection. Once given these medicines, doctors can recommend a dose of diphtheria vaccine boosters after a healthy, to build defense against diphtheria bacteria.

Normal if the doctor asks the patient to stay in the hospital to monitor the reaction to treatment and prevent the spread of the disease. If you or your child is in contact with someone with diphtheria, you should immediately visit a doctor for testing and possible treatment.

Treatment at home

What to do when exposed to diphtheria?

Here's what you need to do when exposed to diphtheria:

1. Many bed rest alias rest in bed. Limit physical activity if your heart is affected. You may need a bed rest for a few weeks or until you have fully recovered.
2. Isolation tight. You should avoid spreading the disease to others if you are infected.

Complications

What are the complications that can result from diphtheria?

If not treated properly, diphtheria can lead to dangerous complications, and may even lead to death. Some of these complications are:

1. A closed airway
2. Damage to the heart muscle (myocarditis)
3. Nerve damage (polyneuropathy)
4. Loss of mobility (paralyzed)
5. Pary infection (respiratory failure or pneumonia)

For some people, diphtheria can take lives. Even after treatment, 1 in 10 diphtheria sufferers usually die. However, if left untreated, the number of deaths may increase to 1: 2. Therefore, take precautions and immediately consult a doctor when symptoms appear.

Prevention

How to prevent diphtheria?

The best way to prevent diphtheria is by vaccines. In Indonesia, diphtheria vaccine is usually administered by immunization of DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), five times since the infant is 2 months old.

According to infoimunisasi, children should get DTP vaccination five times at the age of 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 18 months, and ages 4-6 years.

For children aged above 7 years given Td or Tdap vaccination. Td / Tdap vaccine will protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis should be repeated every 10 years. This is also included for adults.