Diphtheria is a condition that is infectious and is highly contagious. This is usually caused by a particular bacteria, which produce exotoxins usually. This causes damage to human tissue. Furthermore, the condition mainly takes place in the throat’s mucous membrane as well as in the nose. Even though the condition is transmittable from one person to another, this can be treated by some effective treatments for diphtheria. Moreover, it may also be prevented through the use of various vaccines. Having enough knowledge and understanding about the condition is very important, this is since the condition is very serious. Having this knowledge can be very beneficial in not just treating the condition, but to also know whether you or someone close to you have the condition already. If you wan to know these things, then give this article a read.
Diphtheria: What is this condition?
This is a condition that is mainly caused by the bacteria species known as Corynebacterium. Furthermore, the disease is most commonly associated with fever, sore throat, and the growth of buff membrane on the nasopharynx and tonsillitis. The severe infections may affect some other organ systems like the nervous system as well as the heart. Additionally, some patients who have diphtheria may also experience some skin infections.
This is a serious and infectious disease that occurs because of the bacteria that enters the body by means of droplet transmission. The transmission may actually take place from the mouth. However, the bacteria may also enter through the eyes and nose. In most cases, the bacteria stays in the throat and there are general symptoms observed. These symptoms are because of the toxins that are spread and produced all throughout the bloodstream. If a person suffers from the condition, there is a hindrance to their respiration.
Diphtheria: What causes the condition?
As stated earlier, diphtheria is a disease caused by the bacteria, Corynebacterium. Furthermore, the condition is highly contagious and may spread from one person to another by direct contact with objects, which have existing bacteria in it. The accumulation of the bacteria causing diphtheria may also be because of the exposure and socialization to people who already have the infection. The accumulation may transfer by blowing of the nose, coughing, as well as sneezing.
Most commonly, the bacteria infect the nose and the throat. Once you get the infection, the bacteria will then release the dangerous substances known as the toxins. These toxins may spread through the bloodstream causing a thick gray coating which may form in:
- Airways
- Tongue
- Throat
- Nose
In some cases, the bacteria may also damage some other organs like:
- Kidneys
- Brain
- Heart
Which may lead to the possibly life-threatening situations.
Diphtheria: What are its symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of diphtheria may often appear within two to five days after accumulating the infection. However, there are some who do not experience any symptoms at all. He most common of all the symptoms of diphtheria is the thick and gray coating that lies on the tonsils and the throat. Some other symptoms include:
- Discomfort or feeling of uneasiness
- Drooling
- Bluish color of the skin
- A sore throat
- A load cough
- Swelling glands
- Chills
- Fever
Some other symptoms may occur as the infection progresses. This may include:
- Rapid heart beat
- Sweating
- Pale and cold skin
- Inaudible speech
- Changes in the vision
- Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
Diphtheria: What are its risk factors?
Some of the factors that may increase the risk of diphtheria include:
- Living in unclean or crowded places
- Having an immune system disease like AIDS
- Visiting a country that has no immunizations provided for the condition
- Has no up to date on vaccinations
Treatments for Diphtheria
Here are some of the most effective treatments for diphtheria:
- Antibiotics –penicillin and erythromycin are some of the best antibiotics and treatments for diphtheria. Antibiotics like these are beneficial in eradicating the bacteria and stop it from spreading.
- Antitoxin –this is also known as the anti-diphtheritic serum. It helps in neutralizing the toxin that the bacteria release.
- Vaccination –vaccinations are very effective for not accumulating the infection from other people who have However, always bear in mind that this can only be taken in the case that all other remedies or treatments for diphtheria have already failed.
- Table salt –mixing this in a warm water may be beneficial in reducing the effect of a sore throat. Furthermore, it is also beneficial in breathing conditions, which usually take place because of the lack of the body’s lack of salt.
- Herbal mixtures –inhaling a mixture of herbs or gargling with it may be beneficial in effectively getting rid of the bacteria causing the condition.
- Smoke tobacco –this treatment for diphtheria is very safe and is already tested by many. This is beneficial in reducing the signs and symptoms of the condition faster.
- Garlic juice –many diseases are curable by this amazing condiment. Regular consumption of garlic may be beneficial in getting rid of the infection that causes diphtheria.
