Diphtheria treatment

• Patients and Visitors • View Patient and Visitor Information • MyChart Patient Portal • Medical Records • Patient Information • Visitors and Family • Notice of Privacy Practices • • View COVID-19 Vaccine Information • Access MyChart • Billing and Insurance • About Kettering Health • News & Stories • Classes & Events • Careers • Make a Gift What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are 2 types: • Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. • Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A vaccine against diphtheria has now made it very rare in the U.S. and other developed countries. How to say it dihf-THEE-ree-yuh What causes diphtheria? The illness is caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria. These bacteria can enter the body through the nose and mouth. This causes respiratory diphtheria. It’s spread from person to person by breathing in droplets that contain diphtheria bacteria when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also enter through a break in the skin. This can cause skin diphtheria. After being exposed to the bacteria, it often takes 2 to 4 days for symptoms to start. What are the symptoms of diphtheria? Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. The most common symptoms are below. Respiratory diphtheria. When a person is infected with diphtheria, the bacteria often grow in the throat. A membrane may form over the...

What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. Although it spreads easily from one person to another, diphtheria can be prevented through the use of vaccines. Call your doctor right away if you believe you have diphtheria. If it’s left untreated, it can cause severe damage to your kidneys, nervous system, and heart. It’s fatal in about A type of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria. The condition is typically spread through person-to-person contact or through contact with objects that have the bacteria on them, such as a cup or used tissue. You may also get diphtheria if you’re around an infected person when they sneeze, cough, or blow their nose. Even if an infected person doesn’t show any signs or symptoms of diphtheria, they’re still able to transmit the bacterial infection for up to six weeks after the initial infection. The bacteria most commonly infect your nose and throat. Once you’re infected, the bacteria release dangerous substances called toxins. The toxins spread through your bloodstream and often cause a thick, gray coating to form in these areas of the body: • nose • throat • tongue • airway In some cases, these toxins can also damage other organs, including the heart, • • • Children in the United States and Europe are routinely People are also at an increased risk of contracting diphtheria if they: • aren’t up to date on their vaccinations • visit a country th...