 Diphtheria
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Diphtheria, a common childhood disease in the 1930s, is an acute bacterial disease that can infect the body in two areas:
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- the throat (respiratory diphtheria)
- the skin (skin or cutaneous diphtheria)
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A vaccine against diphtheria has made it very rare today in the US and other developing countries.
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The diphtheria bacterium can enter the body through the nose and mouth. However, it can also enter through a break in the skin. It is transmitted from person-to-person by respiratory secretions or droplets in the air. After being exposed to the bacteria, it usually takes two to four days for symptoms to develop.
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The following are the most common symptoms of diphtheria. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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- respiratory diphtheria - When a child is infected with diphtheria, the bacterium usually multiplies in the throat, leading to respiratory diphtheria. A membrane may form over the throat and tonsils,causing a sore throat. Other common symptoms of respiratory diphtheria may include:
- breathing difficulty
- husky voice
- stridor (a shrill breathing sound heard during inspiration, or breathing in)
- enlarged lymph glands of the neck
- increased heart rate
- nasal drainage
- swelling of the palate (the roof of the mouth)
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Children may die from asphyxiation when the membrane obstructs breathing. Other complications of respiratory diphtheria are caused by the diphtheria toxin released in the blood, leading to heart failure.
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- skin (cutaneous) diphtheria - With this type of diphtheria, the symptoms are usually milder and may include yellow spots or sores (similar to impetigo) on the skin.
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The symptoms of diphtheria may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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A physician can usually diagnose the illness based on clinical examination. A swab culture of the mouth or affected mucous membrane may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
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Specific treatment for diphtheria will be determined by your child's physician based on:
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- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the condition
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the condition
- your opinion or preference
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Antibiotics are usually effective in treating respiratory diphtheria before it releases toxins in the blood. An antitoxin can be given in combination with the antibiotics, if diphtheria is suspected. Sometimes a tracheostomy (a breathing tube surgically inserted in the windpipe) is necessary if the child has severe breathing difficulties.
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Children in the US are routinely given a triple vaccine that includes diphtheria in their first year. Because diphtheria still prevails in underdeveloped countries, the vaccine remains necessary in case of exposure to a carrier visiting from abroad.
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Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines prevent these diseases. Most children who receive all of their shots will be protected during childhood. A combination vaccine is given to babies and children and provides protection against all three diseases. There are several types of the vaccine:
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- DTaP vaccine:
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protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
- is a newer form of the vaccine and is less likely to cause reactions than earlier types given.
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- protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- recommended for adolescents ages 11 to 18 years who have completed the recommended DTP/DTaP series.
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DTaP vaccines are given to babies and children at the following ages:
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- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15 to 18 months
- 4 to 6 years
- 11 to 12 years (Individuals should receive a tetanus booster every 10 years thereafter.)
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