Definition
Diphtheria is a life-threatening infection that spreads very easily. It is caused by bacteria. The infection most commonly attacks the mucus membranes (the tonsils, throat, and nose). It can also infect the skin. Some types of the bacteria can also cause damage to the heart, nerves, kidneys, and brain.
Diphtheria is a medical emergency that requires immediate care from your doctor. Not everyone who gets diphtheria shows signs of illness, though they may be able to infect others. The sooner it is treated, the better the outcome will be.
Causes
Diphtheria is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae . The infection spreads from person to person through contact with:
- Droplets of moisture that are coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person and breathed in by a noninfected person
- Personal items, such as tissues or drinking glasses, that have been used by an infected person
- Skin that is infected with diphtheria
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of getting a diphtheria include:
- Having never been immunized against diphtheria
- Not having had a booster dose in the past ten years
- Having a compromised immune system
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of diphtheria usually begin 2 to 5 days after a person is infected. The most obvious sign of diphtheria is a gray covering on the back of the throat. The covering can detach and block the airway. If left untreated, the bacteria can produce a poison that spreads through the body causing damage to the heart, nerves, and kidneys.
Symptoms include:
- Sore throat and painful swallowing
- Fever up to 103°F
- Cough, possibly a barking cough
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakness
- Gray covering on the back of the throat
- Skin infection
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diphtheria will be suspected if the throat and tonsils are covered with a gray membrane.
Your doctor may need to test to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done by collecting a tissue sample.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. If your doctor suspects diphtheria, your treatment will start right away, even before the lab results are returned. Treatment options include the following:
- Antitoxin injection
- Antibiotics
- Isolation and bedrest
Prevention
The vaccine for diphtheria is safe and is very effective at preventing the disease. All children (with few exceptions) should receive the DTaP vaccine series. This protects against diphtheria, tetanus , and pertussis . Another vaccine called Tdap is routinely given to children aged 11-12 years after they have completed the DTaP series of shots. After that, adults should receive a booster dose of the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Td) every 10 years or after exposure to tetanus (in some cases).
If you or your child has not been fully vaccinated, talk to the doctor. There are catch-up schedules available.
