Respiratory Diphtheria - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Cure
An acute bacterial
disease that is characterized by the production
of a systematic toxin and a membrane that is formed
on the lining of mucous membrane of throat and
other respiratory passages leading to high fever
and breathing problems that can also cause harm
to nervous system and heart.
An infectious disease caused by Corynebactreium
diphtheria that can infect body in two areas the
throat and the skin and affects the respiratory
tract. It leads to formation of a false membrane
on the lining of the mucous membrane of throat
and respiratory passages blocking oxygen.
It is an upper respiratory tract illness that
is accompanied by sore throat, low grade fever
and swelling of the tonsils. Efforts were made
to eliminate this disease as it is highly contagious,
and vaccines are recommended to prevent it.
How Is Respiratory Diphtheria Transmitted?
- The bacteria can enter through the nose and
mouth.
- It can also be transmitted though a wound
or broken skin where bacteria exist.
- It can also transfer from one to another
by respiratory secretions as well as droplets
in the air.
Symptoms Of Respiratory
Diphtheria
It has an incubation period of 1-4 days, he symptoms
include;
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Chills
- Husky voice
- Enlarged lymph glands
- Nasal drainage
In some patients low blood pressure may also be
notices, however, the symptoms are clearer when
the infection has proceeded further.
Diagnosis Respiratory
Diphtheria
- The bacteria that causes this infection is
separated from a clinical specimen
- Blood test is taken to determine the bacteria
- Extent of the infection, so as to know that
actual symptoms
- Medical and family history
Treatment of Respiratory
Diphtheria
- Penicillin is usually given to treat the respiratory diphtheria before the toxins are released in
the blood
- Anti-toxins are also prescribed to help control
the infection.
- Another drug called erythromycin is given
to control the bacteria.
- Bed rest is recommended.
- Isolation to avoid the infection from spreading.
- Antibiotics
- Intravenous fluids
Prevention of Respiratory Diphtheria
- Methods of prevention may include
- Vaccination
- DPT vaccination that combines diphtheria,
tetanus and pertussis
- Combined diphtheria-tetanus vaccine
Although, now this infectious disease has not
been reduced to fewer people catching it, yet
it is still possible that an infection can be
caused due to any of the causes stated above.
In this case, doctor should be immediately consulted
as ignorance may lead to heart or nervous failure. |
