Diphtheria infection (bacterial respiratory infection)
About Diphtheria infection (bacterial respiratory infection)
An acute respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It begins by infecting the throat causing a gray-to-black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block the airway. Involvement of the skin, heart and central nervous system can develop after the throat infection. Life threatening airway blockage and heart arrhythmias can develop. It is an extremely contagious disorder. After exposure to an infected person, the disease usually will develop within 2 to 5 days. The vaccine DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus) for children and DT (diphtheria/tetanus) can help prevent the disease.Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, noisy breathing (stridor), enlarged lymph nodes, bloody, watery drainage from nose, drooling, hoarseness, skin ulcers. There may be no symptoms.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. The bacteria can be identified under a microscope either by conducting a gram stain or by throat culture.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Anti-toxin against diphtheria should be given early along with antibiotics. Intravenous fluids, oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and if there is significant airway blockage insertion of an artificial airway for breathing.Medical specialties
Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Diphtheria infection (bacterial respiratory infection).