What is Diptheria?!
Question: A book i am reading sais somthing about diptheria.but it is not clearly stated. What are the symtoms?
Answers:
Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness characterized by sore throat, low-grade fever, and an adherent membrane of the tonsil(s), pharynx, and/or nose. A milder form of diphtheria can be limited to the skin. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, an aerobic Gram-positive bacterium.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease spread by direct physical contact or breathing the secretions of those infected. Diphtheria was once quite common, but has now largely been eradicated in developed nations (in the United States for instance, there have been fewer than 5 cases a year reported since 1980, as the DPT (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) vaccine is given to all school children). Boosters of the vaccine are recommended for adults because the benefits of the vaccine decrease with age; they are particularly recommended for those travelling to areas where the disease has not been eradicated yet.
Signs and symptoms
The respiratory form has an incubation time of 1-4 days. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, a mild sore throat and problems swallowing. Children infected have symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, chills, and a high fever, although some do not show symptoms until the infection has progressed further.
Low blood pressure may develop in some patients. Longer-term effects include cardiomyopathy and peripheral neuropathy (sensory type)[1].
Other Answers:
Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection, usually affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. The disease typically causes a bad sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. But the hallmark sign is a thick, gray covering in the back of your throat that can make breathing difficult. Diphtheria can also infect your skin.
Signs and symptoms of diphtheria may include:
A sore throat and hoarseness
Painful swallowing
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck
A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Nasal discharge
Fever and chills
Malaise
For more infor please visit this URL: Choose Diptheria.
Source(s):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diphtheria.html
Diphtheria is a contagious illness caused by a type of bacteria. It can cause breathing and swallowing problems and can damage the heart and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Source(s):
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/std120859.asp
http://www.answers.com/Diptheria
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