DIPHTHERIA

 Basic information

description

Diphtheria is an acute, highly contagious respiratory infection. It affects the throat, skin, heart, and central nervous system. Incubation period is from 2 to 5 days. Diphtheria is rare in the United States because of immunizing children against it. It is more common in developing countries where immunization rates are low.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Early stages:
  • Sore throat.
  • Low fever.
  • Swollen neck glands.
• Late stages:
  • Airway obstruction and breathing difficulty.
  • Shock (low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, paleness, cold skin, sweating, and anxious appearance).

causes

A bacterial germ, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, infects the throat and sometimes the skin. The germ produces poisons that spread to the heart, central nervous system, and other organs.

risk increases with

• Adults over 60 and children under 5.
• Poor nutrition.
• Outbreak in the community.
• Crowded or unclean living conditions.
• Lack of up-to-date immunizations.
• Alcoholism or drug abuse.
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Immunization with diphtheria vaccine.
• Improved nutrition and standard of living.
• Notify the local health department of any case of diphtheria. Anyone having contact with the patient must be examined and treated.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 1 week if treatment is begun promptly, followed by slow recovery for several weeks. A delay in treatment may result in death or long-term heart disease.

possible complications

• Heart inflammation and heart failure.
• Suffocation.
• Nerve inflammation.
• Misdiagnosis as a less-serious infection, resulting in dangerous delay of treatment.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam. Medical tests usually include a throat culture and blood studies.
• Hospital care and isolation of the patient are needed until fully recovered. Protect susceptible individuals (the non-immunized, very young, or elderly) from exposure. Patients may require mechanical assistance in breathing.
• Dispose of all secretions (nose and mouth) and excretions (urine and feces) in an acceptable manner. Call the local health department for instructions.

medications

• Diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin will be given during hospital care.
• Antibiotics to fight remaining diphtheria germs will be prescribed.

activity

Prolonged bed rest (3 weeks or until fully recovered), especially if the heart is involved.

diet

Liquid to soft diet as tolerated.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of diphtheria or you observe them in someone else.
• Anyone in your family is exposed to diphtheria.
• Your immunizations are not current.
• The following occur during treatment:
  • Temperature rises to 102°F (38.9°C).
  • Increasing difficulty breathing.
  • Increasing shortness of breath.
  • Confusion.

Special Notes: