Diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by a toxin from a bacterium. It is manifested by inflammation of the larynx causing airway obstruction and difficulty breathing. The toxin released in the body can cause paralysis.
Early symptoms are mild fever and a red throat. After several hours, white markings appear on a tonsil. The child is pale, tired and has difficulty swallowing.
Early treatment can stop the evolution and resume normal breathing. The treatment involves injecting a diphtheria antitoxin and treat secondary infections. The treated patient is most contagious after 24 hours. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal.
Diphtheria was discovered in 1923. The disease is now very rare thanks to mandatory vaccination. It remains still present in several countries where vaccination is absent.
13 juillet 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |