Recognize the Symptoms of Diphtheria in Children and How to Treat it

Diphtheria is a disease that causes nasal mucous membranes and throat disorders. Diphtheria is caused by a bacterial infection of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria in children generally occurs in those who do not have good nutrition, live in a dirty environment, and do not have a complete history of immunization. Diphtheria in children needs to be treated immediately. This disease can be transmitted quickly through physical contact with someone affected by diphtheria, a bacterial contaminated item, or it can also be through saliva splashes from coughing and sneezing that are accidentally inhaled.

Various Symptoms Accompanying Diphtheria in Children

Diphtheria symptoms generally appear about 2-5 days after infection. Some patients can not experience any symptoms, but some can experience mild symptoms similar to the common cold. The most typical symptom of diphtheria is the formation of a thick gray layer in the throat and tonsils. Other symptoms of diphtheria are:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness
• Increased heart rate
• A loud voice is heard when breathing
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• Palate swelling.

If you or your child experience these symptoms, then immediately consult a doctor to get proper treatment before further complications appear. Complications that can be caused by diphtheria are very dangerous. Including inflammation of the muscles and valves of the heart, heart rhythm disturbances, to the respiratory tract closed by a membrane in the throat that can be life threatening.

Know the Treatment of Diphtheria in Children and How to Prevent it

To confirm the diagnosis of diphtheria in children, the doctor will take samples from the gray lining of the tonsils and throat caused by bacterial growth. In addition, there is a possibility that the doctor will remove some of the gray layer, because it can block the airway. In children and adults who are proven to be infected with diphtheria, need to be hospitalized, and will be isolated in the intensive care unit because diphtheria can spread easily. The doctor will treat diphtheria in children depending on symptoms, age, and general health conditions. The drugs given basically consist of two types, namely:

• Antitoxin

This drug is injected into a vein to neutralize diphtheria toxins that have circulated in the body. Before giving antitoxin, the doctor will do an allergy test to ensure that people infected with diphtheria do not have an allergy to antitoxin.

• Antibiotics

Diphtheria is also treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin. This antibiotic can kill bacteria in the body and cleanse the infection.

Prevents Diphtheria by Vaccination

Prevention of diphtheria in children can be done through diphtheria vaccine. Generally DPT vaccination (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus). This vaccination is usually given five times to children aged 2-6 years, namely at the age of 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 18 months and 5 years. Besides children, diphtheria vaccination for adults should also continue. Given the majority of adult diphtheria cases occur in people who have never received a vaccine at all. To note, diphtheria vaccine only lasts for 10 years, so your child needs another vaccination around the age of 12 years. For adults, it is recommended that you get diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DPT) boosters once. Then repeat the tetanus diphtheria vaccine (DT) every 10 years. Although most children have a good tolerance for diphtheria vaccines, sometimes these vaccines can cause mild side effects, such as redness, pain at the injection site and mild fever. Although rare, there are also severe complications that can occur, namely allergic reactions. Diphtheria in children is a serious condition and needs to be immediately treated by a doctor. Do not let the symptoms drag on, to avoid dangerous complications of diphtheria.