Causes, Symptoms, and How to Prevent

KOMPAS.com – Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection. The cause of diphtheria is bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. Diphtheriae).

Diphtheria usually affects the respiratory system or the intergumentary system. The intergumentary system includes the three layers of skin, the hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis, as well as the nail and hair glands.

Reported from Medical News Todayseveral bacterial variants C. Diphtheriae produce toxins called exotoxins. This can lead to the most serious complications of diphtheria.

Meanwhile, another variant diphtheria-causing bacteria does not produce toxins so that the symptoms experienced by sufferers are not severe.

Causes of diphtheria

As already mentioned, the cause of diphtheria is bacterial infection C. Diphtheriae. These bacteria can be spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person or someone who carries the bacteria, but has no symptoms.

Also read: Recognizing Lung Infections: The Infectious Process, Symptoms, and Causes

Collect Penn Medicinebacteria C. Diphtheriae most commonly infects the nose and throat. In some cases, diphtheria also infects the skin causing skin lesions.

Once infected with diphtheria-causing bacteria, these bacteria will produce toxins that spread through the bloodstream to other organs, such as the heart and brain.

Symptoms of diphtheria usually begin to appear two to five days after a person is infected. Reported from Mayo Clinicthe following is diphtheria symptoms things to watch out for:

• Thick, gray membrane that covers the throat and tonsils.
• Sore throat.
• Hoarseness.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Discharge from the nose.
• Fever and chills.
• Fatigue.

In some people, the bacterial infection that causes diphtheria causes only mild symptoms or even no obvious symptoms.

Also read: Tuberculosis or TB: Causes, Symptoms and Mode of Transmission

However, someone who is infected with diphtheria and does not experience symptoms can still transmit it to others.

Before antibiotics became available, diphtheria was a common disease among children. Currently, diphtheria can not only be treated, but also prevented by vaccines.

The diphtheria vaccine is effective at preventing diphtheria infection. However, there may be some mild side effects, such as fussiness, drowsiness, and pain at the injection site. More serious complications from this vaccine, such as allergic reactions, are very rare and can still be treated.

Consult a doctor before bringing your child for diphtheria vaccination to minimize the risk of side effects.

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