Treatment of Diphtheria
The treatment of diphtheria must begin as soon as the disease is suspected—waiting for lab confirmation may waste valuable time. The two main components of treatment are diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. Together, they work to neutralise the bacterial toxin and stop the bacteria from spreading further within the body.
The diphtheria antitoxin is administered to bind and inactivate the circulating toxin before it causes irreversible damage to the heart, nerves, or kidneys. It is most effective when given early in the course of illness. However, before giving the antitoxin, doctors perform a sensitivity test to check for allergic reactions. This treatment is not always easy to access, especially in lower-resource settings, but it is life-saving.
Antibiotics, typically erythromycin or penicillin, are prescribed to kill the diphtheria-causing bacteria and prevent further transmission. Doctors require a full course of antibiotics, and they may also give antibiotics to close contacts of the infected person to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. Doctors often hospitalise patients with severe respiratory cases, sometimes providing intensive care support or assisted ventilation
Supportive care is another important part of the treatment of diphtheria. Patients may need fluids, pain relief, and oxygen therapy. If the throat membrane obstructs breathing, doctors may need to perform emergency intervention such as intubation or a tracheostomy. Because children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory blockage, caregivers should monitor them closely.
Isolation is a critical step to prevent the disease from spreading. In South Africa, healthcare providers isolate infected individuals until they are no longer contagious—usually after 48 hours of antibiotics and negative cultures. Health officials also trace and monitor contacts, especially in areas where immunisation coverage is patchy or where vulnerable populations are at risk.
Treatment of Diphtheria
Following recovery, patients must continue with routine vaccinations. Infection does not guarantee long-term immunity, so diphtheria boosters are essential to prevent reinfection. Public health teams often use the opportunity to review the vaccination status of close contacts and the broader community.
Globally and in South Africa, improving access to antitoxin and promoting early treatment are key goals. Prompt and aggressive treatment not only reduces the risk of death but also lowers the chances of long-term complications from diphtheria.
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