How To Spot Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection that adversely affects the mucous membranes found in the throat and nose. In most cases, this condition leads to problems like swollen glands and a sore throat. While minor cases of diphtheria shouldn't create many health issues, more severe and advanced cases of this condition can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, and overall nervous system. Nearly three percent of all individuals who suffer from diphtheria will die from the infection. There are several ways in which this infection can spread, including through airborne droplets and contaminated household and personal items. Keep in mind diphtheria is highly contagious, which is why it's important to avoid coming into contact with affected indivduals. It's possible for diphtheria to be prevented by receiving the DTaP vaccine as a child or the Tdap vaccine as an adolescent or adult.

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Fever And Chills

The signs and symptoms that occur with diphtheria will typically begin to display themselves within two to five days after infection. Among the most common symptoms that will begin at the onset of this infection include fever and chills. A fever is an increase in the temperature of the body caused by the onset of an illness or infection. A fever can lead to its own complications if it gets too high or sticks around for too long. Fevers should dissipate over the course of a couple of days when they are due to bacterial infections. These fevers are only dangerous in adults when they climb past 103 degrees Fahrenheit. When an individual has developed diphtheria, the fever they experience will likely occur right at the beginning of the condition. As for chills, these typically accompany fevers and are known for occurring at the beginning of an infection. Chills might also take place before the fever as a kind of warning sign a fever is imminent.

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Enlarged Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes in the neck, designed to fight infection, can become enlarged and swollen when infection sets in. If individuals notice the lymph nodes on the side of their neck have become swollen, it's almost certain they're suffering from some sort of infection. If this symptom is accompanied by any of the others on this list, it's very likely it could be diphtheria. When lymph nodes are functioning properly, they trap harmful bacteria and viruses so individuals don't get sick. While enlarged lymph nodes can occur in the groin, armpits, or chin areas, the most common location for this problem is within the neck. If lymph nodes have become swollen, patients will likely notice some pain and tenderness in the immediate vicinity. The swelling will likely be around the size of a kidney bean, which should be easy to notice. The swollen nodes should return to normal as the infection dissipates. If the infection isn't treated promptly, some of the complications that can occur with enlarged lymph nodes include the formation of an abscess as well as an infection in the bloodstream.

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