More than a hundred years ago, scientists first became acquainted with such a concept as diphtheria and from that moment they have already discovered the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of this disease. When a person has a fever, the temperature rises, inflammation and a light gray coating occur at the site of the penetration of the corresponding bacterium (rod) into the body. Often the course of the disease has serious consequences on the heart, blood vessels and nervous system.
Symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of diphtheria
Conditionally the symptoms of the disease are divided into: inflammation at the site of infection and intoxication. Inflammation of the mucosa can be detected by the following features:
- redness;
- pershenie, sore throat is constant and with swallowing;
- hoarseness of nose;
- coughing.
Gray films on the site of infection begin to appear on the second day. When they are separated, the tissues bleed. After a while they are formed again. If the disease proceeds in severe form, swelling of the surrounding tissues begins, up to the neck and collarbones.
When the bacteria multiply, a special substance is released that causes symptoms of intoxication:
- malaise and weakness of the body;
- elevated temperature;
- headache;
- accelerated heartbeat and breathing;
- drowsiness.
It is intoxication is considered the most dangerous, as it causes complications right up to a lethal outcome.
Treatment is appointed based on the causes and symptoms of diphtheria. They can be different:
- Infection from the source of infection - it can be sick, or simply carriers of bacteria. The process itself occurs when communicating or using common objects.
- In case of recovery, although immunity appears, it does not last long. Therefore, there is a high probability of getting infected again.
- A special vaccine can not protect against bacteria - it makes the flow of diphtheria easy, without any complications.
The most popular means for prevention is the vaccination of DTP, which must be taken every ten years.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease:
- viral infections, such as influenza or ARVI ;
- chronic diseases of the nasopharynx and the nearest organs.
Methods of treatment of diphtheria
Treatment of this disease is carried out in conditions of inpatient separation for infected. The length of the patient's stay in the clinic directly depends on the severity of the ailment. Basically, diphtheria is treated by introducing a special serum that neutralizes toxins. Dosage and the number of injections depends on the severity and variety of the disease. With the toxic form of diphtheria, antibiotic treatment is prescribed. Basically, drugs based on penicillin, erythromycin and cephalosporin are used.
If the respiratory organs have been directly affected, it is essential to air frequently in the ward, to additionally moisten the air, and to the patient to do inhalations by special means.
When the situation worsens, it is often prescribed for euphyllin, saluretics and antihistamines. When hypoxia develops,
The patient is discharged only after full recovery. Before going out, the patient must pass tests for the presence of bacteria on the mucosa, and twice. The first tests are carried out only three days after stopping the use of antibiotics. And the second - in two more days. After that, a person becomes registered and must be observed by specialists for another three months.