What is Diphtheria? How to manage it? What are the precautions to be taken? What are the signs and symptoms? What is the cause of this disease? How to treat it? How can homeopathy help you? All of this answered, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!

What Diphtheria is?

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a bacterium that causes an acute infectious disease called diphtheria.

It is characterized by sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. At the back of the throat a thick grey material is formed and block windpipe resulting in difficulty in breathing.

Diphtheria was once referred to as “strangling angel of children” as it was a leading cause of death of children. With the development of diphtheria vaccine, its incidence has decreased significantly.

Which age group is more affected due to Diphtheria?

• Diphtheria is a disease of childhood and it usually affects children below the age of 12 years.

• Infants are more commonly affected by 6-12 months.

• Men and women both sexes are affected equally.

What is the cause of diphtheria?

The diphtheria is caused by a bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria.

What are the risk factors of Diphtheria?

• Crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.

• Diphtheria Signs and Symptoms.

• A sore throat and hoarseness.

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

• Painful swallowing.

• A thick, gray membrane on throat and tonsils.

• Nasal discharge.

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Fever and chills.

• Malaise

How diphtheria is spread?

• Droplets of an infected person.

• Contaminated personal and household items.

How to Investigate diphtheria?

Physical examination and direct observation of mouth help in diagnosis.

A pseudo-membrane in the throat enlarged lymph glands, and swelling of the neck or larynx are observed.

Tests used may include:

• A throat culture or gram stain to identify Corynebacterium diphtheria

• Electrocardiogram 

How to treat Diphtheria?

• Diphtheria antitoxin: it neutralizes diphtheria toxin and helps in the progression of the disease.

• Antibiotics such as penicillin and erythromycin help in eradicating bacteria.

• Correction of airway blockage is done.

What are the Diet and management of diphtheria?

• Bed rest

• Fluid by IV

• Heart monitoring

Diet: 

• Food should be in liquid form.

• Milk

• Chicken broth

• Beef tea

• Egg albumin

• Soft cream toast

• Well cooked rice.

What is the complications of diphtheria?

• Breathing problems. A bacterium that is present in the nose and throat produce a toxin that results in the formation of a tough, gray-colored membrane. This membrane can obstruct breathing.

• Heart damage.

• Nerve damage

Differential diagnosis of diphtheria

• Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

• Impetigo

What are the indicated homeopathic medicines for diphtheria?

Some of the homeopathic medicine are:

Belladonna

Lycopodium

Apis Mel

Lachesis

Baptisia

Bromium

Diphtherinum

Kali-bi 

For more information, you can visit MedicineNet and MayoClinic.