Do you give your little one all the vaccines on time? We hope that those vaccines will protect your child from a number of dangerous diseases like whooping cough , measles, and more. But today we are talking about another disease that we have not heard much about, but which can be just as serious and deadly. That is diphtheria , or diphtheria in Sinhala . Thanks to our country's vaccination program, this disease is now very rare. But it is very important for us all to be aware of its seriousness.
What exactly is diphtheria?
Simply put, diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a bacterial infection. It is caused by a type of bacteria called `Corynebacterium diphtheriae` . The specialty of this bacteria is that when it enters our body, it produces a powerful toxin that destroys the body's cells. This toxin is what makes diphtheria more dangerous than some other bacterial infections .
This disease mainly affects the delicate, moist membranes inside our nose and throat. Sometimes it can also appear as skin lesions .
So how does this disease spread from person to person?
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease. It is very likely to spread from person to person.
- When coughing and sneezing: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the germs that enter the air through tiny droplets from their nose and mouth can be inhaled by a healthy person.
- By touching infected objects: This bacteria may be present on objects such as towels, handkerchiefs, and toys used by the patient. If you touch them and then touch your nose or mouth with the same hand, you may become infected.
- From skin lesions : If an infected person has a diphtheria lesion on their skin, the disease can also be transmitted by direct contact with that lesion.
Importantly, diphtheria can be transmitted from a person who has no symptoms but is carrying the germ in their body (a carrier). Even if such people do not show symptoms, they can spread the disease to others for up to 4 weeks.
What are the main symptoms of diphtheria?
When the diphtheria bacteria begin to grow in the tissues of the throat and nose, they produce large amounts of the aforementioned toxin. This toxin causes dead cells, bacteria, and debris to accumulate and form a thick, gray coating on the throat and tonsils . In medical terms, this is called a `pseudomembrane` .
This is the most obvious and dangerous symptom of diphtheria. This coating makes it difficult to breathe and swallow. In some cases, it can completely block the airway and even cause death.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Sore throat and gray coating | A thick, grayish coating that forms around the throat and tonsils is the main symptom of the disease. |
| Swollen lymph nodes in the neck | You can see a tumor-like swelling on both sides of the neck. |
| Difficulty breathing | It is caused by the airway being blocked by a covering in the throat. Rapid breathing may be seen. |
| Fever and malaise | The body's response to the infection may include fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue. |
| Runny nose | Sometimes a liquid mixed with blood may flow from the nose. |
| Skin lesions | Some people develop red, painful, swollen sores. These sores may also have a gray coating. |
Dangerous complications of diphtheria
If this disease is not treated properly, the toxin can accumulate in the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, causing serious complications.
- Airway obstruction: This is the most serious condition that can be life-threatening immediately.
- Heart damage (Myocarditis): Toxins can damage the heart muscle and impair heart function.
- Damage to the nervous system (Polyneuropathy): Damage to the nerves can cause problems such as speech difficulties, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis.
- Kidney failure: Toxins can damage the kidneys and cause them to lose function.
If you have the slightest suspicion that you or someone in your family has any of these symptoms, do not delay for a minute and see a doctor immediately. If necessary, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of a hospital. This is not an illness that can be treated at home.
Diagnosis and treatment methods
Usually, an experienced doctor can suspect diphtheria based on the patient's symptoms, especially the gray coating in the throat. However, to confirm the disease, a sample of mucus taken from the throat or nose is sent for laboratory testing.
If a doctor suspects this disease, they will start treatment immediately without waiting for lab reports. The reason for this is that starting treatment before complications occur is essential to saving lives.
The main treatments given to a diphtheria patient in a hospital are:
1. Antitoxin: This is given as a vaccine to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria.
2. Antibiotics: Antibiotics like `(Penicillin)` are given to kill bacteria in the body.
3. Treatment for breathing difficulties: If breathing difficulties are severe, you may even need to be connected to a ventilator.
4. Isolation: To prevent the spread of the disease, the patient is separated from others and treated in a special ward.
5. Treatment for close contacts: The patient's family and close contacts are also given antibiotics and, if necessary, an additional dose (booster) of the diphtheria vaccine to prevent the spread of the disease.
How can you protect yourself from this dangerous disease?
The best and only solution to this is vaccination. The diphtheria vaccine is a mandatory part of our country's national vaccination program.
The pentavalent vaccine, which is given at birth at 2, 4, and 6 months, also contains a component that protects against diphtheria. Then, booster shots are given at 1 1/2 years and 5 years. The Td vaccine is also given to young children in schools.
Even as an adult, getting an additional dose of the Td vaccine every 10 years can protect against both diphtheria and pertussis. This is especially important if you are traveling to a country where diphtheria is still common.
If you are unsure about your vaccinations, talk to your family doctor (doctor) and get the necessary advice.
Take-Home Message
- Diphtheria (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that is completely preventable with a vaccine, but can be fatal if left untreated.
- A thick, gray coating in the throat and difficulty breathing are its main and most dangerous symptoms.
- Give your child all of his or her vaccines according to the schedule. Do not skip any vaccines.
- As an adult, it is wise to get the Td vaccine for pertussis and diphtheria at least once every 10 years.
- If you have any suspicions about diphtheria symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. This is not an illness that can be treated at home.
Diphtheria, Pertussis, Diphtheria, Childhood Vaccinations, Throat Infections, Infectious Diseases, Td Vaccine
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