What is diphtheria? What are the symptoms and treatment methods?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects structures in the nose and throat. Typically it causes sore throat, fever, swelling and weakness in the lymph nodes. It differs from other infections by the formation of thick, gray-colored membrane that covers the back of the throat, obstructs the respiratory tract and causes difficulty breathing. This disease, also known as avian pulp, is extremely rare in developed countries thanks to the widespread vaccination against the disease. Although there are some drugs used for the treatment of diphtheria, 3% of patients die. The mortality rate is higher in children under 15 years of age. The disease can also damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system in advanced stages.

What is diphtheria?
Briefly to the question of what is diphtheria: It can be answered as a microbial respiratory infection that can cause serious complaints such as shortness of breath. Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection that can affect the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. Although the disease-causing microbe spreads easily from one person to another, the spread can easily be prevented by using the diphtheria vaccine. Diphtheria is rare in our country because babies and children are routinely vaccinated.
What causes diphtheria disease?
Diphtheria is an inflammatory respiratory disease caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium Diphtheriae. Bacteria from person to person; spread through close contact or contact with objects such as contaminated cups or wipes used by the sick individual. It can also be transmitted to other individuals by sneezing or coughing a sick person called droplet infection. In the infected person, even if symptoms disappear, transmission may continue up to six weeks after the bacteria has been taken into the body. Bacteria most often cause symptoms in the nose and throat. After the onset of the inflammatory process, bacteria secrete dangerous substances called toxins, harmful to the body. Toxins spread into the bloodstream and often cause a thick, gray membrane-shaped structure in the nose, throat, tongue, and airways. The released toxin also causes:
Destroys tissue in the infection site.
It passes into the bloodstream and is distributed to various body tissues.
Suppresses the protein production of cells.
Causes inflammation in the heart and nerve damage.
May cause a reduction in the number of blood elements called platelets involved in blood clotting.
May cause abnormal amount of protein excretion in urine.
What are the risk factors for diphtheria?
People at high risk of getting diphtheria. can be listed as follows:
Children and adults without current vaccines
People living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
Anyone traveling to an area where the diphtheria is endemic
What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
Symptoms of diphtheria vary depending on the subtype of the bacteria and the affected body area. For example, a type of diphtheria, which is more common in tropical climates, causes skin ulcers rather than respiratory infections. However, the classic case of diphtheria occurs in the form of an upper respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria. The classic diffuser consists of a membrane called pseudomembrane that looks like a membrane around the tonsils or nose and throat. This dice can be greenish, bluish or even black if there is bleeding. The period between the infection of the person and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period. On average, this period is 5 days. Early symptoms seen after the end of the incubation period and before the pseudomembrane appears:
Slightly elevated fire
Fatigue
Discontent
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
Soft tissue swelling in the neck
Runny nose
Fast heart rate
Children with diphtheria infection in the space behind the nose and mouth are also more likely to experience the following early symptoms:
Nausea
Vomiting
Tremors
Headache
Fire
If bacteria release toxins, the pseudomembrane begins to form within 12 to 24 hours after the first symptoms appear, causing the following symptoms:
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Respiratory obstruction causing respiratory distress
Hoarseness and fluff-style cough: If the membrane runs across the larynx, symptoms such as cough and hoarseness are more likely than complete airway obstruction. The membrane can also extend through the respiratory system into the lungs.
The skin diffuser affecting the skin can cause the following findings:
Inflammatory bubbles in the legs, feet and hands
Large ulcer-shaped sores with red-looking pain around the periphery
What are the complications of diphtheria?
If diphtheria is not treated, it can lead to various complications. These complications include:
Respiratory problems: Bacteria that cause diphtheria can produce a toxin. This toxin damages tissues at the site of the infection. Dead cells, bacteria and other substances that accumulate in the nose and throat region form a hard, gray-colored membrane. This membrane can block breathing and cause difficulty breathing.
Heart damage: Diphtheria toxin can spread through the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the heart muscle, causing a condition called myocarditis. Myocarditis can be mild or severe. Serious conditions can lead to heart failure and sudden death.
Nerve damage: Toxin can also cause nerve damage. Damage often occurs in the throat nerves, which can cause difficulty swallowing as a result of poor nerve conduction. Nerves to the arms and legs can also become inflamed and cause muscle weakness in the related limb. If the diphtheria toxin damages the nerves that help control the muscles used in respiration, these muscles can become paralyzed, and in this case, without a breathing apparatus, breathing becomes impossible.
How is diphtheria diagnosed?
Doctors usually decide whether there is diphtheria by looking at the symptoms and complaints in the person. The clinical diagnosis of diphtheria is usually based on the presence of a grayish membrane that covers the throat. Although it is recommended for suspected laboratory research and case confirmation, it is important to start treatment immediately without waiting for the results. Swab is taken from the back of the throat for laboratory examination and can test for diphtheria bacteria. In addition, if any, a sample can be taken from the skin lesion and examined.
How is diphtheria treated?
Treatment of diphtheria disease basically; It is made with antibiotics used to eliminate bacteria and drugs that stop the effects of harmful substances (toxins) produced by bacteria. In case of diphtheria affecting the skin, it is essential to clean the infected wounds thoroughly. Treatment is usually continued for 2 to 3 weeks. Skin ulcers usually heal within 2-3 months, but after healing, scars may remain. People who are in close contact with someone who has had a diphtheria infection may also need to take antibiotics, or they may receive a dose of diphtheria vaccine.
Diphtheria vaccine
Currently, diphtheria vaccine is administered as a 5-mixed mixed vaccine (DaBT-İPA-Hib) in our country. Mixed vaccination is given at 2.4, 6th and 18th months. Then, in the first grade, 4-grade mixed (DaBT-İPA) and in the 8th grade, diphtheria-tetanus (Td), double vaccine is applied. The best way to avoid getting diphtheria during travel is to get vaccinated again. If you are traveling to a geography where diphtheria is common and you have been vaccinated more than 10 years ago, you may need a supportive dose. The protection of the diphtheria vaccine is very high and is around 97%.
A person who suspects he or she has diphtheria disease should consult a doctor immediately. Because if the disease is not treated early, the kidneys can cause serious and permanent damage to the nervous system and heart.

Read the full article