154002

Diphtheria

Diphtheria

Caused by bacteria known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which is transmitted through mucus, saliva and respiratory secretions.

Diphtheria is a disease that is found all over the world. In 2019, there were 18 cases in total, the most found in the south, such as in Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, etc. in neighboring countries in Myanmar There was an outbreak in the migrant population in the past 3-4 years. In addition, around the world, there are still outbreaks of this disease periodically. This is mainly due to the fact that children are not fully vaccinated according to the recommendations of each country. Although this disease is rare. But this disease can also cause serious illness.

This disease is caused by bacteria known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae , which can be transmitted through mucus, saliva and respiratory secretions, found that if a patient does not receive timely appropriate treatment, That patient can continue to infect up to 6-7 other people. can cause respiratory symptoms And some people may have symptoms on the skin. in severe cases May cause myocarditis (Myocarditis) or renal failure (Rnal failure) and death.

Symptoms:

Patients with this disease usually develop symptoms 2-5 days after being infected. The initial symptoms are usually mild. Patients tend to have low-grade fevers, body aches, and sore throats when the doctor examines the patient in the early stages. It is found that there is a red throat and enlarged lymph nodes. After that, the patient will begin to have more hoarseness or difficulty breathing. and as the infection spreads more and more There will be stains or white-gray spots. (Pseudomembrane) is firmly attached to the throat or respiratory tract, such as behind the nasal cavity or windpipe, etc.

This stain is caused by germs secreting toxins. and cause damage to tissues in that area resulting in necrotic tissue and eventually merging into a plaque by this stain will stick tightly If going to poke or sheep It can cause bleeding. Experienced and knowledgeable doctors when seeing the appearance of such stains It can help in the diagnosis.

In patients with very severe symptoms This stain can block your airway and be fatal. and besides poisoning of this pathogen In addition to the respiratory system can also enter the bloodstream Cause irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) myocarditis. (Myocarditis) and nerve endings (Neuritis) as well.

Treatment

The doctor can give antibiotics. and diphtheria antitoxin , which most patients respond well to treatment. In addition, doctors will also test and treat those in close contact with the patient. to observe symptoms or to provide treatment and prevent the occurrence of diphtheria

Protection

For protection Vaccination can greatly reduce the risk of developing diphtheria. In the era before the vaccine This disease used to be a major problem. and has had many outbreaks But as more and more comprehensive vaccinations the occurrence of this disease However, pediatric vaccines do not provide lifelong protection. received the diphtheria vaccine to enhance immunity every 10 years for children Get vaccinated against diphtheria at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months , 18 months , 4-6 years, and 11-12 years.