Diphtheria
Definition of Diphtheria Diphtheria is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. More frequently attacked the children.
Cause of Diphtheria
The cause is the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. These bacteria are usually attacks the respiratory tract, particularly the larynx, tonsils and throat. But not rare poison also attacks the skin and even cause nerve damage and heart.
Clinical overview of Diphtheria
- The buds 2-7 days- The patient complained of pain in swallowing and breathing snoring sounds (stridor), not rare in children, followed by fever, nausea, vomiting, chills and headache.- The person is short of breath with or without signs of airway obstruction.- A fever is not high.- On examination of the throat appears grayish white membrane that is easy bleed when touched.- These symptoms are not always exist:
A blockage of the airway so that the patient cyanotic, Bad breath , Bleeding nose- There was enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck (bullneck)- Local inflammatory exudate with a lot of the pharynx, the sticky exudate in gray or dark-colored mucosa and soft tissue edema. In children, phase of the disease can lead to airway obstruction.- Systemic disease caused by a bacterial toxin begins 1-2 weeks after the local symptoms. The toxin affects the heart (myocarditis, arrhythmias, especially during the second week of illness) and nervous system(Paralysis, neuritis 2-7 weeks after disease onset). If the patient recovered from the acute phase of illness, comorbid disorder usually resolves without Diagnosis The need for a treatment is decided on the basis of history and overview
Diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial culture taken from the exudate into the tube to sample bacteria. Samples should be cultured on special media, for that necessary to first notify the laboratory. Smears taken 3 days respectively.
Management of Diphtheria
- Asymptomatic patients given prophylactic antibiotics erythromycin.- Symptomatic patients should be referred to the hospital.
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