Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. You can catch it from a person who has the infection and coughs or sneezes. You can also get infected by coming in contact with an object, such as a toy, that has bacteria on it.

Diphtheria usually affects the nose and throat. Symptoms include

  • Sore throat
  • Swollen glands in the neck
  • Fever
  • Weakness

Your doctor will diagnose it based on your signs and symptoms and a lab test. Getting treatment for diphtheria quickly is important. If your doctor suspects that you have it, you'll start treatment before the lab tests come back. Treatment is with antibiotics.

The diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccine can prevent diphtheria, but its protection does not last forever. Children need another dose, or booster, at about age 12. Then, as adults, they should get a booster every 10 years. Diphtheria is very rare in the United States because of the vaccine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of Diphtheria

The following features are indicative of Diphtheria:
  • fever of 38°C or above
  • chills
  • fatigue
  • bluish skin coloration
  • sore throat
  • hoarseness
  • cough
  • headache
  • difficulty swallowing
  • painful swallowing
  • difficulty breathing
  • rapid breathing
  • foul-smelling
  • bloodstained nasal discharge
  • lymphadenopathy
  • cardiac arrhythmias
  • myocarditis
  • cranial and peripheral nerve palsies

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Common Causes of Diphtheria

The following are the most common causes of Diphtheria:
  • Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium infection

Risk Factors for Diphtheria

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Diphtheria:
  • adults and children who do not have up-to-date immunizations
  • people living in unsanitary or crowded conditions
  • anyone who travels to an area where diphtheria is endemic

Prevention of Diphtheria

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Diphtheria. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • diptheria vaccination
  • booster shots of the diphtheria vaccine

Occurrence of Diphtheria

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Diphtheria cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very rare between 1K - 10K cases

Common Age Group

Diphtheria can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Diphtheria can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Diphtheria

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Diphtheria:
  • Physical exam: To diagnose signs and symptoms of diphtheria
  • Culture of the lesion: To diagnose diphtheria

Doctor for Diagnosis of Diphtheria

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Diphtheria:
  • Infectious disease specialist

Complications of Diphtheria if untreated

Yes, Diphtheria causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Diphtheria is left untreated:
  • blocking of the airway
  • damage to the heart muscle
  • nerve damage
  • paralysis
  • lung infection
  • can be fatal

Self-care for Diphtheria

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Diphtheria:
  • Take rest: Avoid any physical exertion if you are recovering from the disease
  • Stay isolated: Strict isolation while you're contagious to prevent spread of the infection
  • Take a full course of diphtheria vaccine: Prevent the recurrence of disease

Is Diphtheria Infectious?

Yes, Diphtheria is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • person to person through coughing or sneezing
  • contact with lesions on the skin
  • contact with a bacteria affected toy or an object

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Diphtheria.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines

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