Diphtheria Causes, Incubation Period, Symptoms, Treatment And Complications

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that majorly affects the throat and nose. The term diphtheria is derived from the Greek word dipthera that means leather. This name is given because the mucous membrane of your nose and throat becomes sheath like and leathery in diphtheria. The symptoms of diphtheria are mostly similar to the common cold. It is easily transmitted from one person to another.  Diphtheria is a deadly disease in the past because no treatment or vaccination is available for diphtheria at that time. It majorly affects children under 15 years of age. It is most common in winters and autumn. Both sexes are equally affected by diphtheria.

Causes

Diphtheria is caused by a gram positive bacillus, corynebacterium diphtheriae. It secretes an exotoxin that is responsible for the development of diphtheria. This toxin has the ability to affect the heart, brain and nerves. It is transmitted from one person to another through droplets during coughing, sneezing or talking. The multiplication of bacteria occurs on or near the surface of the mucous membrane of throat, nose or tonsils and as a result, inflammation occurs.

Incubation Period

The incubation period of corynebacterium diphtheriae is 2-5 days.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of diphtheria develop in 2-5 days after the bacteria enter your body. These symptoms include,

• Sore throat
• Fever and chills
• Malaise
• Headache
• Weakness
• Dysphagia
• Cough
• Hoarseness of voice
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea 
• Dyspnea
• Respiratory distress
• Wheezing
• Cyanosis
• Nasal regurgitations
• Lymph nodes swelling
• Difficult swallowing
• Nasal discharge
• Greyish thick covering on your throat or nose

Treatment

An antitoxin is injected immediately when a person is diagnosed with the diphtheria. This antitoxin neutralizes the diphtheria toxin circulating in your body. The dose of antitoxin depends upon the severity or site of the disease. Antibiotics are also prescribed for diphtheria such as erythromycin or penicillin. These antibiotics can kill the bacteria and provide relief from infection. They prevent the spread of diphtheria by completely eradicating the organisms. The most safe and effective way to prevent diphtheria is vaccination. The vaccine for diphtheria is given in childhood. This vaccine is named as DPT vaccine, Diphtheria- Tetanus-Pertussis. This vaccine is a part of the National immunization program schedule. This vaccine may be injected into arms or thighs at the age of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months or 4-6 years of age.

Complications

If left untreated, diphtheria can cause different complications such as,

• Nose bleeding
• Hemoptysis
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Pneumothorax
• Hernia
• CNS complications such as seizures, encephalopathy
• Intracranial hemorrhage