14 minutes agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
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Rajasthan In Deeg, 8 children have died within 20 days due to diphtheria. Medical department teams from Jaipur have reached Deeg and investigation has started in the surrounding areas. All children are being vaccinated. The seriousness of this case and the disease can be gauged from the fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) team has also reached Deeg.
Diphtheria is an infectious disease. Due to this, the throat becomes swollen and there is serious problem in breathing. If timely treatment is not received, sometimes death may occur. This disease causes throat related problems. That’s why diphtheria is also called diphtheria in common language.
According to World Health Organization data, an average of 4167 cases of diphtheria were recorded every year in India between 2005 and 2014. Of these, approximately 92 people died every year. During this period, half of the total cases of diphtheria in the world were being found in India only.
This was followed by a sharp spike of diphtheria in 2018. A total of 8,788 cases were registered this year. Of these, 52 people died in Delhi alone. Now in 2024, once again its increasing number of cases and deaths is scaring.
so today ‘medical certificate‘I will talk about diphtheria. You will also learn that-
- What is this disease and how does it spread?
- What kind of symptoms require caution?
- Who are at greater risk from diphtheria?
- What are its treatment and prevention measures?
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that causes damage to the inner lining of the throat and nose. This layer is called mucus in medical language. Due to damage in this, the respiratory system is affected, due to which the risk of heart attack increases.
How does this disease spread?
Diphtheria is an infectious disease. It can spread through contact from one person to another. Apart from this, if there is bacteria in any thing or object then this disease can spread even by touching it. The bacteria enter the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. During this time, people standing around him may also be at risk of diphtheria.
The biggest problem of diphtheria is that no symptoms of this infection are visible in the initial days. Despite this, even during this period this disease can spread from one person to another. Apart from this, despite the symptoms not being visible, its bacteria are causing harm to the body.
How can the symptoms of diphtheria be recognized?
The easiest way to recognize the symptoms of diphtheria is that it causes a thick brown layer to form in the throat. Due to this layer the respiratory system starts getting affected. This layer gradually increases and starts damaging our heart.
This means that the main symptoms are plaque accumulation in our throat and difficulty in breathing.
What kind of symptoms of diphtheria require caution?
There is a need to be cautious even when common symptoms of diphtheria are seen. However, the initial symptoms of diphtheria are similar to common cold.
Rajesh Pathak, Senior Consultant, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology at Narayana Hospital, Jaipur, says that some symptoms of diphtheria require special caution. If 3 or more symptoms are seen simultaneously then there is a need to immediately consult a doctor.
Who is most at risk for diphtheria?
Generally, children under 5 years of age and pregnant women are at the highest risk of infection. Apart from this, people who have not been vaccinated and come in contact with an infected person can get diphtheria.
What kind of complications are there due to diphtheria?
Due to diphtheria, first of all our respiratory system starts getting blocked. Due to this, problems in breathing occur. Due to this, sufficient oxygen does not reach all the body parts and problems start occurring in their functioning. Let us see in the graphic what kind of problems can occur due to this.
What is the treatment for diphtheria?
In the treatment of diphtheria, first of all antitoxin injections are given to the infected person. This is done because its bacteria are releasing toxins in our body. This is why the effects of toxins released by bacteria are eliminated first.
After this, antibiotics are given to control the infection. If the doctor fears that the bacteria may have spread to people close to the patient, he can give antibiotics to them too.
Why is immediate treatment advised when symptoms of diphtheria appear?
Due to this disease, serious conditions can arise in the infected person at any time. Therefore, as soon as it is detected, you should immediately consult a doctor and start treatment as soon as possible.
What can be the measures to prevent diphtheria?
Diphtheria can be prevented with the help of vaccine. If children are given diphtheria vaccine, they will remain protected from it throughout their life. The name of the vaccine made for this is DTaP. It is usually given to children along with pertussis and tetanus vaccine, also known as DPT vaccine.
Diphtheria vaccine is started to be given to children from the age of 2 months. A total of 5 doses are given to children starting from the age of 2 months till the age of 6 years.
- First dose- at the age of 2 months.
- Second dose- at the age of 4 months.
- Third dose- at the age of 6 months.
- Fourth dose- at the age of 15 to 18 months.
- Fifth dose – During the age of 4 to 6 years.
How to take care of health if you have diphtheria?
- If a person has diphtheria, then first of all we have to remember that due to this the body becomes very weak. Therefore, to recover from this, the body needs maximum rest.
- If diphtheria infection has reached the heart, the infected person should avoid any kind of physical activity. Due to lack of oxygen and excessive stress on the heart, a heart attack can occur.
- In diphtheria infection, the most damage is done to the throat and respiratory system, hence only liquid diet or soft food should be taken for a long time.
- If any person in the house is infected, it is very important to quarantine him/her. This will keep other members of the house safe. Apart from this, all the members of the house should keep washing hands regularly.
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