Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It usually affects the nose and throat and causes a bad sore throat, swollen glands, fever and chills. It
is caused by bacteria named Corynebacterium diphtheriae. But the trademark sign is a thick, gray covering in the back of your throat that can make
breathing difficult. Diphtheria can also infect your skin. If not checked it is also known to produce a toxin which can enter the bloodstream and
affect heart, brain and the nervous system.

Causes



Transmission usually occurs through close contact or by airborne respiratory droplets from asymptomatic carriers or recovering patients; many more
people carry this disease than contract active infection. Diphtheria can also be transmitted by infected objects like contaminated milk. The most
serious complications are caused by a toxin produced by the diphtheria bacterium that can damage the heart, nervous system and, less often, the
kidneys. Very rarely, food contaminated with the diphtheria bacterium can infect others. Diphtheria usually occurs in children of playgroup age.
Diphtheria may also be spread via the bloodstream to other organs, where it can cause significant damage. The bacteria primarily infect the nose and
throat, although they may initially infect the skin, and producing skin lesions. Skin diphtheria causes a nasal discharge and excoriated skin around
the nose.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms and specific characteristics of diphtheria. Apart from sore throat, swollen lymph nodes on neck, increased body temperature,
and difficulty in breathing there are other signs also like low blood pressure, nasal secretions, pain in throat while swallowing, increased heart
rate, chills. The symptoms in children are nausea, high fever, chills, and vomiting. In some cases, children do not show any signs and symptoms of
diphtheria. Diphtheria is mainly contracted in crowded and unhygienic conditions and plague areas. It is very common among people who have not received
immunizations or are underfed.

Treatment

Diphtheria is treated with two types of medications namely antibiotics and antitoxins. Antibiotic treatment is usually with penicillin or macrolides.

The best way to prevent diphtheria is to keep updated with vaccinations. A booster shot is also needed whenever you are travelling to places where
diphtheria is endesmic.

Complications of diphtheria may include pneumonia, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and paralysis. Fighting against infection can be done if the
body is healthy and properly nourished. It is also important to keep the body active by doing regular exercises.