Diphtheria is an infectious disease that occurs in the respiratory tract, namely the nose and throat. Although it often occurs in children, this condition can also affect adults, especially for people who have never previously received DPT immunizations or vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus).
The cause of diphtheria itself is actually a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria which spreads from one person to another through droplets/splashes of saliva released by sufferers when they cough/sneeze. Apart from that, this condition can also be transmitted through direct contact with objects that have been contaminated by the patient's saliva such as cutlery.
What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a condition that attacks the mucous membranes found in the respiratory tract. Not all diphtheria sufferers experience symptoms, but symptoms usually appear 2-5 days after a person is infected with the main sign being the formation of a thin layer covering the patient's throat and tonsils. Apart from the appearance of these layers, sufferers can also feel several other symptoms such as:
- Pain in the throat
- Hoarseness
- Cough and cold
- Difficulty when breathing and swallowing
- Fever and weakness
- Swelling or a lump appears in the neck
As a disease that is classified as dangerous and has a life-threatening risk, severe cases of diphtheria can cause complications in the form of:
- Heart failure caused by damage to the heart muscle
- Muscle weakness caused by damage to the peripheral nerves
- Paralysis in some cases of very severe diphtheria
How to prevent diphtheria?
The most important and effective way to prevent diphtheria is to do a diphtheria vaccine or immunization. However, there are several ways to boost the immune system that can be done to prevent diphtheria, including:
- Adequate and quality rest time
Based on research results, the risk of various diseases can increase if someone is sleep deprived. Therefore, it is important to get enough and quality sleep every day to avoid the risk of various diseases, including diphtheria.
- Eat healthy and nutritious food
Consumption of healthy food with balanced nutrition is one of the fundamental keys that need to be implemented in order to increase immunity. The recommended foods are foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables, and combined with carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and so on.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly
By doing regular and regular exercise, the immune system can also increase. The recommended routine exercise is a minimum of 150 hours per week, or 30 minutes per day.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the living environment
One of the things that need to be considered to prevent contracting diphtheria is cleanliness. This is because the bacteria that cause diphtheria can develop easily in dirty and damp places. Thus, having a clean living environment will reduce the risk of contracting diphtheria.
- Wash hands thoroughly regularly
Washing hands with soap and clean running water is an effective step to prevent infection, one of which is diphtheria.
That's the causes, symptoms, and how to prevent diphtheria. If you or your closest relative experiences similar symptoms, immediately consult the nearest ENT doctor.
Article written by dr. Pandu Putra Harsarapama, Sp. ENT-KL (Ear Nose and Throat Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).