About this topic
Diphtheria is an infection that may cause a lung or skin infection. Some people may not be sick from it but may carry the germ causing the infection. It infects the mouth, throat, and nose. People can get the infection when breathing in after a person with the infection sneezes, coughs, or speaks. You can also get the infection by touching things that an infected person has handled. ‚
Treatment prevents the infection from spreading in the body. The doctor may order bedrest in the hospital. ‚
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What are the causes?
Diphtheria is caused by a germ called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more at risk if you have never been vaccinated against diphtheria. Booster doses are also needed every 10 years. Your chances of getting this illness are higher if you have a weakened immune system. ‚
These things may also make you more at risk: ‚
- Traveling to regions where the infection is present
- Open cuts on the skin
- Lots of people living in a small area
- Eating poorly or not having enough to eat
- Living with someone who has the infection
What are the main signs?
- Mild fever, weakness, feeling too tired to do usual activities
- Gray-white coating on the lining of the throat
- Sore throat
- Breathing problems
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and may order other tests including a throat swab and culture. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor may place you in the hospital for bedrest and treatment. There you can be watched closely to make sure the infection does not spread to other parts of the body. Steps will be taken to prevent the spread of the infection to other people. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Prevent the infection from getting worse
What problems could happen?
- Heart infection causing a weakened heart
- Breathing problems
- Numbness of the tongue, face, or gums
- Numbness and tingling of the hands or feet
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Get vaccinated against diphtheria. Vaccination for diphtheria (DPT) starts at 2 months of age. Shots are repeated at 4 months, 6 months, 12 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years old. You can get vaccinated at any time if you were not vaccinated as a child.
- Get the booster shots that are needed after ages 4 to 6 years old.
- People living with you may benefit from a booster shot or other drugs that may protect them from getting the infection.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the germs.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough or sneeze into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Separate eating utensils and glasses from the rest of the familys utensils. This will help prevent the spread of infection.
- If you have been near a person who has the infection, call your doctor right away.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/diphtheria/fs-parents.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/diphtheria.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diphtheria/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚