Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can cause a thick coating in the throat and make breathing difficult. Learn about its symptoms, causes, how it spreads, treatment options, possible complications, and why vaccination is essential for prevention.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, leading to severe respiratory issues. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and often spread by airborne respiratory droplets from infected persons through coughing or sneezing. This topic provides an overview of diphtheria, including its symptoms, transmission, pathophysiology, treatment options, nursing care and preventive measures through vaccination.
It is an acute, highly contagious toxin-mediated infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It usually infects the respiratory tract, primarily involved the tonsils, nasopharynx and larynx.
It can also be defined as a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is transmitted through direct contact with secretions from carriers or infected individuals. It is also spread by airborne respiratory droplets from infected persons through coughing or sneezing. Incidence is high during cold months. Incubation period of the condition is between 2 to 4 days. Rarely, transmission is through touching open sores (skin lesions) or clothes that has touched open sores of someone with diphtheria. A person also can get diphtheria by coming into contact with an object such as a toy that has the bacteria that cause diphtheria on it.
The bacteria that cause diphtheria spread through respiratory droplets such as from cough or sneeze of an infected person or a carrier. The bacteria get into and attach to the lining of the respiratory tract, and commonly infects the nose and throat. Whiles attached to the lining of the respiratory tract; the bacteria make dangerous substances called toxins. The toxins destroy healthy tissues in the respiratory system. The dead tissues form a thick, gray coating that builds up in the throat. The gray to black tough, fiber-like covering in the throat blocks the airways, and makes breathing difficult. The thick gray coating also covers tissues in the nose, tonsils, and voice box. In some cases, diphtheria first infects the skin and causes skin lesions. The toxins spread through the bloodstream to other organs such as the kidneys, heart and brain, and cause damage to them.
The following are the measures to put in place in the care of patient's with Diphtheria
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