Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by Corynebacterium bacteria. Symptoms that arise when we are exposed to diphtheria are sore throat, fever, and formation of the lining of the tonsils and throat. In advanced cases, the infection may spread to other organs such as the heart and nervous system. Skin infections are also found in some patients. The toxins produced by Corynebacterium can be dangerous when spread to other parts of the body.
Diphtheria cases are common in developing countries such as Indonesia, where awareness of the importance of vaccination remains low. Diphtheria can be treated by reducing risk factors.
Signs and symptoms
Although the most noticeable symptoms are in the mouth and throat, diphtheria can also be recognized from the following signs: throat like coated with a thick grayish membrane sore throat and hoarseness swelling of the neck gland respiratory problems and difficulty swallowing slimy nose fever and chills cough uncomfortable feeling impaired vision rambling talk pale skin, sweating and palpitations.
Trigger of diphtheria
There are many factors that increase a person's risk can be exposed to diphtheria, namely: unhealthy living environment has not received the latest diphtheria vaccination have an immune system disorder, such as AIDS have a weak immune system
What should be done if exposed to diphtheria? Here's what you need to do when exposed to diphtheria: Total rest at home and limit physical activity to full recovery. Avoid contact with others from participating in the spread of diphtheria. If necessary, strict isolation. If we ignore the disease, complications can occur and the level of danger will increase. What are the possible complications? Here we present: the closed airway by the membrane damage to the heart muscle (myocarditis) damage to the nerves (polyneuropathy) paralysis lung infection (respiratory failure or pneumonia) Furthermore, diphtheria can claim lives. Even after receiving treatment, 1 in 10 people with diphtheria died. However, if not treated promptly, the number of deaths increases to 1: 2. The best way to prevent diphtheria is by vaccines. In Indonesia, diphtheria vaccine is usually administered by immunization of DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), five times since the infant is 2 months old. Children should get DTP vaccinations five times at 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 18 months, and 4-6 years of age. For children aged above 7 years given Td or Tdap vaccination. Td / Tdap vaccine will protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis should be repeated every 10 years. This is also included for adults.
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