Diphtheria
Description of the disease
Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the corynebacterium diphtheria bacillus. The disease affects the oropharynx, throat, bronchi, skin and other organs. The method of infection is airborne during a conversation with a patient, when coughing and sneezing. It can also be transmitted through contact and household contact. Diphtheria causes the following complications: myocarditis and paralysis of the respiratory muscles of the larynx, neck, and vocal cords. Paralysis of breathing can lead to death.
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Treatment
Treatment of diphtheria - use of anti-toxic anti-diphtheria serum, antibacterial and detoxification therapy. For the treatment to be effective, it should be started in the first hours after infection.
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Prevention
Prevention of diphtheria - vaccination of children and adults, as well as compliance with the rules of personal hygiene (frequent hand washing, wiping of household and stationery items, ventilation, wet cleaning).
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Symptoms
The incubation period of the disease is 2-7 days, after which the following symptoms appear:
- Headache, drowsiness, sore throat, difficulty swallowing
- Moderate sore throat (not as severe as sore throat)
- Initially, the temperature is 37 degrees (gradually rising to 38-40)
- In diphtheria of the oropharynx, the appearance of smooth fibrinous films of gray color on the surface of the mucous membrane of the throat, after removal of which the affected area bleeds
- The appearance of croup - blockage of the respiratory tract with diphtheria film and edema
- Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck
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Diagnostics
To diagnose diphtheria, a laboratory examination of a swab from the throat and nose is carried out.