Diphtheria is a dangerous infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The disease has the ability to spread strongly and cause epidemics. This is an acute bacterial infection with pseudomembranous glands in the amygdala, pharynx, larynx, and nose. In addition, the disease can appear in the skin, other mucous membranes: eye conjunctiva, genitals.
1. Why get diphtheria?
The bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the cause of diphtheria. The disease is easily spread from an infected person to a healthy person through the respiratory tract or indirectly through contact with toys and objects contaminated with secretions of infected people. Even in cases when an infected person has no symptoms, they can still transmit the disease to others regarding 6 weeks following the onset of infection.
Diphtheria bacteria are most likely to affect the nose and throat. When infected, bacteria will release toxins and enter the bloodstream causing thick, gray membranes in the nose, throat, tongue, airways …
In some cases, the toxins secreted by the bacteria can damage other organs in the body: the heart, brain, and kidneys. Therefore, the disease can lead to life-threatening complications: myocarditis, paralysis or kidney failure…
In our country, most children are usually vaccinated once morest diphtheria from birth, so the disease is rare. However, the disease can still spread in areas with low rates of diphtheria vaccination: children under 5 years old and elderly people over 60 years old are at high risk of getting diphtheria.
Those at higher risk of diphtheria: Not fully vaccinated, on schedule; Travel to a place where diphtheria vaccine is not available; Have immune disorders (AIDS); Living in unsanitary or overcrowded or cramped environmental conditions…
2. Diagnosing diphtheria
When examining a patient, the doctor may suspect diphtheria when the child has a sore throat with a gray membrane covering the tonsils and throat. At this time, the doctor will order a throat swab or tissue sample from the infected wound to be tested to determine if it is Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. If diphtheria is suspected, the doctor will prescribe a treatment plan immediately.
3. Treatment of diphtheria
Diphtheria treatment: Antitoxin; Antibiotic; Oxygen therapy.
Avoid oxygen unless airway obstruction begins. Signs like severe chest indrawing or restlessness are more likely to suggest a tracheostomy (or intubation).
Tracheostomy: should only be performed by an experienced team, when there are signs of complete airway obstruction. Oral intubation is an alternative procedure, but may shed the pseudomembranous membrane and may not release the obstruction.
Care and monitoring is needed when a child has diphtheria.
Treatment: If the child has a fever ≥ 39 degrees Celsius, the doctor gives paracetamol; Encourage children to eat and drink enough nutrients. If the child has difficulty swallowing, can be fed through a nasogastric tube. The nasogastric tube should be placed by an experienced physician; Avoid frequent visits and invasive procedures when possible or unnecessarily disturbing the child; It is necessary to monitor the child’s condition, especially the respiratory status. The baby should be placed near the nursing room so that any signs of airway obstruction can be detected early.
Summary: Seek immediate medical attention if a parent or child has been in contact with someone with diphtheria. Make sure your child is fully vaccinated once morest diphtheria and on schedule.
Diphtheria is a dangerous disease because of strong bacterial exotoxins, so it is a disease that is both acute and urgent. In many cases, if not treated promptly, the patient will suffocate, respiratory failure is very dangerous to life.
