infections
Diphtheria
Symptoms of Diphtheria
The illness typically begins a few days (an average of 5 days) after exposure to the bacteria. Diphtheria symptoms then begin over a few days, with sore throat, painful swallowing, hoarseness, a general feeling of illness (malaise), a low-grade fever (about 100.4 to 102° F, or 38 to 38.9° C), and a fast heart rate. Children may also have nausea, vomiting, chills, and a headache. The lymph nodes in the neck may swell (called bull neck). The inflammation may make the throat swell, narrowing the airway and making breathing extremely difficult. Apseudomembraneforms near the tonsils or other parts of the throat. This membrane is a tough, gray sheet of material made by the bacteria that coats a surface, in this case, the throat. It is composed of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances. The pseudomembrane narrows the airway. The roof of the mouth may be paralyzed. When inhaling, the pseudomembrane may cause people to make a noisy gasping sound. Also, the pseudomembrane may extend into the windpipe or airway or suddenly become detached and block the airway completely. As a result, people may be unable to breathe. produced by certain types of diphtheria bacteria sometimes affects certain nerves, particularly those to the muscles of the face, throat, arms, and legs, causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or moving the eyes, arms, or legs. The diaphragm (the most important muscle used for inhaling) may become paralyzed, sometimes causing Respiratory Failure . These symptoms take weeks to resolve. Toxin effects on nerves can result in rapid heart rate, an abnormal heart rhythm, and low blood pressure. The bacterial toxin may also cause inflammation of the heart muscle ( Severe infection can also damage the kidneys. If diphtheria affects only the skin, it causes what look like scrapes (abrasions) and sores that vary in appearance. These sores appear on the arms and legs and resemble other skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, and impetigo. A few people have open sores that do not heal. Sores may be painful and red and may ooze. This image shows a pseudomembrane (a sheet of material composed of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances). It can form near the tonsils or other parts of the throat. The pseudomembrane narrows the airway and can make breathing difficult. Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This image shows swollen lymph nodes in the neck (called bull neck) of a boy who has diphtheria. Image courtesy of the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diphtheria infection of the skin can look like a red, scraped area, as on this person's neck. Image courtesy of the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diphtheria infection of the skin can look like an open sore (ulcer), as on this person's leg. Image courtesy of the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overall, about 3% of people with diphtheria die. The risk of dying is increased if People delay going to the doctor. Diphtheria affects the heart or kidneys. Diphtheria develops in children under 15 years old or in people over 40 years old. 