Everything You Need To Know About Diphtheria

If you are a parent to an infant or if you are expecting to have a baby soon, then along with the joys of experiencing parenthood, you also have to go through a lot of stress and anxiety.

This is mainly because you are afraid about the numerous disorders that can affect an infant, some of which may even be fatal.

An infant, who is below the age of one, is still very fragile, with a weaker immune system, so he/she is extremely susceptible to various disorders.

Also Read: Possible Causes Of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Although, lately, medical science has advanced and there are effective medications and vaccinations that are meant to prevent or cure certain diseases in infants, if precautions are not taken at the right time, it may be too late for the treatment to work.

Some of the most common disorders that affect infants are measles, flu, respiratory distress syndrome and other common ailments like cold, cough, indigestion, etc.

Diphtheria is another dangerous disorder that usually affects children below the age of one.

Learn more about some of the facts on diphtheria, in this article, below.

Fact #1

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection seen in infants, which attacks the nose and throat, making breathing extremely difficult.

Fact #2

When an infant is affected with diphtheria, a layer of thick, grey membrane is accumulated in the throat, preventing regular breathing patterns.

Fact #3

Some of the other symptoms of diphtheria include fatigue, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, voice impairment, swollen lymph nodes, coughing, etc.

Fact #4

In the 1920s, the cases of diphtheria was at its peak. Now, due to vaccinations, diphtheria has become a rather rare form of a disorder.

Fact #5

Diphtheria is usually spread through the bacteria in the air or it can also be caused by contaminated objects, which the infant may come in contact with.

Fact #6

The vaccination used to treat diphtheria is known as diphtheria toxoid and it is administered in three or four doses, along with other medication.

Fact #7

In extreme cases, diphtheria can cause paralysis in the eyes, neck, throat and respiratory muscles; and if not treated immediately, it can take the life of the affected infant.