Symptoms of Diphtheria
The symptoms of diphtheria usually begin two to five days after infection. Respiratory forms of the disease typically present with a sore throat, low fever, and swollen neck glands. The most recognisable sign is a thick, grey-white coating in the throat or on the tonsils. This membrane can grow large enough to obstruct breathing, making early identification of the symptoms of diphtheria critical.
As the bacteria produce toxins, symptoms may escalate. These toxins can enter the bloodstream and lead to more serious conditions like myocarditis, kidney failure, or nerve paralysis. If the nervous system is affected, patients may experience difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, or limb weakness. In extreme cases, untreated symptoms of diphtheria can be fatal.
Cutaneous diphtheria presents with skin ulcers, which are often slow to heal and covered by a grey membrane. This form is more common in tropical or developing regions and still poses a risk of transmission.
In children, symptoms of diphtheria may be mistaken for strep throat or tonsillitis, especially if vaccination records are incomplete or unavailable. These misdiagnoses can delay proper treatment and increase risk. In South Africa, rural clinics with limited lab services may struggle to differentiate diphtheria from more common respiratory infections.
Symptoms of Diphtheria
As the infection progresses, symptoms may include hoarseness, barking cough, nasal discharge, fatigue, and in some cases, cyanosis (bluish skin due to lack of oxygen). Children under five are particularly at risk for rapid deterioration and should be monitored closely for warning signs.
Recognising the symptoms of diphtheria quickly allows for immediate intervention, which can mean the difference between full recovery and life-threatening complications. Any suspected case requires urgent medical attention, both for treatment and for controlling the spread to others.
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