Diphtheria is an acute respiratory infection. It begins by affecting the throat. Involvement of the skin, heart and central nervous system can develop. It is an extremely contagious disorder. After exposure to an infected person, the disease usually will develop within 2 to 5 days.
Causes of Diphtheria
Diphtheria is produced by infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacteria is usually spread through inhalation of airborne droplets from an infected person. It can also invade open skin lesions. This bacteria elaborates, or produces, a very potent toxin, diphtheria toxin. This poison can act locally and systemically. The toxin can damage the heart, the nerves and the nervous system.
Signs and Symptoms of Diphtheria
Diphtheria produces different symptoms early in the course of the disease than later on. The early stages of the disease produce sore throat, mild fever, and swollen neck glands.
Symptoms of the later stages include those related to the progressive infection in the throat. Airway obstruction can develop with difficulty breathing. Thick membranes may be seen covering the throat. Shock may develop, which produces rapid heartbeat, pallor, cold, clammy skin and anxiety.
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