Diptheria

Diphtheria is an acute contagious disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It mainly affects the nose and throat. Children under 5 and adults over 60 years old are specifically at risk for contracting the infection. The disease basically causes a bad sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. The bacteria proliferate on the lining (mucous membrane) of the throat, nose or larynx, where they divide and excrete a poisonous substance or toxin. Once quite common, diphtheria has largely been extirpated in developed nations through wide-spread vaccination.

In 1993 and 1994, more than 50,000 cases were coveraged during a serious outbreak of diphtheria in countries of the former Soviet Union. Diptheria toxin produced by C. diphtheriae, can cause myocarditis, polyneuritis, and other systemic toxic effects. Due to the success of the immunisation programme in the Western world, generations of parents have grown up knowing nothing about this disease. The Schick test, in which a small quantity of diphtheria toxin protein is injected into the skin of the forearm, can show if you are still immune to diphtheria.

Diphtheria used to be a major cause of childhood disorder and death. Diphtheria is occassional in the United States and Europe, where health officials have been immunizing children against it for decades. An outbreak is a sudden widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a particular place or area. South America, South East Asia, parts of India and Russia have also had epidemics in the past few years. But the hallmark symptom is a thick, gray covering in the back of your throat that can make breathing difficult.

Diphtheria can also infect your skin. The membranous linning in the throat can become detached and obstruct the airways, making breathing difficult and occassionally causing asphyxiation. Few corynebacteria are part of the normal flora of humans, finding a suitable niche in eventuality every anatomic site. The best known and most broadly studied species is Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causal agent of the disease diphtheria. Medications are present to treat diphtheria. Nonetheless, in advanced stages, diphtheria can cause damage to your heart, kidneys and nervous system. About one out of every 10 people who get diphtheria die of it.

Causes of Diptheria

The common Causes of Diptheria :

• Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae , a bacterium.
• Complain of double vision.
• The bacterium produces a toxin (poison) which is carried in the bloodstream.
• Have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Even show symptoms of going into shock (skin which's pale and cold, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and an anxious appearance).
• Have slurred speech.

Symptoms of Diptheria

Some Symptoms of Diptheria :

• Bluish coloration of the skin
• Fever
• Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck
• Chills
• Hoarseness
• Croup-like (barking) cough
• Painful swallowing
• No breathing
• A sore throat and hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Nasal discharge

Treatment of Diptheria

• Penicillin or erythromycin may also be given, basically to prevent against complicating factors such as pneumonia or streptococcal infection.
• If the membrane in the back of the throat obstructs breathing, a tube may be passed through the mouth or nose; in very acute cases, a tracheostomy may be required.
• Those without symptoms but who carry diphtheria should be cured with antibiotics.
• Oxygen
• Bed rest
• Heart monitoring
• Insertion of a breathing tube
• Correction of airway blockages.