Diptheria : causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a respiratory infection caused by Bacteria. The causative organism of diphtheria is corynebacterium diphtheriae. Children below age of five and adults above 60 are at risk diphtheria infection. Individuals living in dirty environment, weak immune persons also will get Diphtheria.
Immunization against Diphtheria has reduced the incidence of Diphtheria.
Causes of diphtheria:-
Diphtheria is caused by the respiratory droplets of infected person, when the infected person sneezes, cough, the bacteria spreads to air and causes infection in who inhales that infected droplet.
Nose and throat are commonly infected by diphtheria. Throat infection causes a tough fibre like structure which obstructs the airway. in some cases Diphtheria, first affects skin and causes skin lesions.
After establishment of infection in the body, the bacteria spreads to other parts of body. Infecting the heart, causes myocarditis, and by infecting the nerves, may cause paralysis.
Symptoms of Diphtheria:-
* Upper respiratory tract infection,
* Sore throat,
* Formation of thick coating in the throat and nose,
* hoarseness of voice,
* pain during swallowing,
* runny nose,
* fever, recurrent chills,
* Dry cough or barking cough,
* Difficulty in breathing,
* Skin lesions, blurred vision,
Treatment of Diphtheria:-
As soon as the diphtherial infection is confirmed, Diphtherial anti toxin is given through intramuscular, or intravenous route.
Antibiotics such as erythromycin and penicillin are used to treat Diphtheria.
Bed rest, administration of IV fluids, airway clearance and symptomatic treatment is given for Diphtheria treatment.
Prevention of diphtheria:-
DPT immunization, is the effective preventive measure of Diphtheria.
DPT immunization in the immunization schedule has reduced the cases of Diphtheria.
DPT immunization should be given at the age of:
one and half month,
two and half month, and
Three and half month.
The booster dose is given after 12 to 16 months of immunization.
Booster dose is given after 6 to 8 years to prevent Diphtheria.
Redness and tenderness are present at the site of immunization. Mild fever may follow DPT immunization given to prevent Diphtheria.
