How to Identify Symptoms of Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a very contagious respiratory infection that involves not only the lungs, but may also affect the central nervous system, heart and throat. Caused by a bacterial germ called Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the germ produces poisons that spread to respiratory organs that may lead to complications such as heart and nerve inflammation, heart failure and even difficulty breathing that leads to suffocation. Learning how to identify symptoms of diphtheria encourages individuals to seek early treatment with antibiotics. Afflicting children over the age of five, and adolescents and adults, the condition causes a multitude of different symptoms in both early and later stages. The following steps will help you to learn more about how to identify symptoms of diptheria.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to signs of a sore throat that does not go away. One of the early signs of diphtheria, the sore throat may also be accompanied by swollen lymph glands in the throat as well. The sore throat may cause hoarseness and painful swallowing.

2. Take your temperature. Early signs of diphtheria produce a low-grade fever that lingers for several days or even longer. Many individuals don't notice a low-grade fever right away, allowing the toxins produced by the bacteria to grow, proliferate and spread. Low-grade fevers are generally those that don't rise above 100 degrees F.

3. Look at the back of the mouth. Diphtheria causes a gray, thick membrane to cover the throat and tonsil area. If you see signs of gray-looking substance or mucous at the back of the throat, visit your health care provider immediately.

4. Be alert to any signs of difficulty breathing. In many individuals suffering from diphtheria, the grayish membrane that coats the back of the throat makes it difficult to breath normally. This symptom may also cause rapid and shallow breathing as well.

5. Watch for signs of fatigue or weakness. Symptoms of diphtheria normally present within two to five days of infection. Later stages cause chills and fever that accompany a general overall sense of malaise.

Tips & Warnings

• Risks for exposure to diphtheria increase in crowded and dirty living conditions. Proper nutrition and maintenance of immunizations will prevent outbreaks. Antibiotics, a diphtheria anti-toxin and bed rest prompt recuperation in most individuals.

• Left untreated, diphtheria may cause death. One out of 10 individuals who contract diphtheria die from the condition, so seek help immediately if any of the above signs or symptoms appear in you or a loved one.