Community Health: Treatment, Diagnosis and Prevention



DIPHTHERIA

What Is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It is highly contagious i.e. it spreads easily from one person to another it is spread by coughs and sneezes or by contact with someone with diphtheria or items belonging to them, such as handkerchief or clothing.
Diphtheria



Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease. It is caused by bacteria that enter the body through droplet transmission. The transmission could be from the mouth, but the bacteria also enter through the nose and eyes.
Causes Diphtheria
Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets (such as from a cough or sneeze) of an infected person or someone who carries the bacteria but has no symptoms.
Symptoms/Signs of Diphtheria
May include:
 
How to diagnose Diphtheria
A diagnosis of diphtheria can be confirmed by taking a sample of cells from the throat, nose or wound on the skin. This will be examined to see whether the bacteria that cause diphtheria are present.
How to Prevent Diphtheria

Diphtheria


Diphtheria Home Remedies/Home Cure  
Garlic Juice:  Garlic is known to cure many deadly diseases and it has an uncanny feel of giving relief in even the most dire situations. As a remedy, take a spoonful of 2-3 crushed garlic cloves. This works wonders for curing this disease. Roll it in your mouth and swallow it. Keep repeating this for some time.
Mixture of Herbs: Make a paste of castor leaves, drumstick leaves, and garlic. When the paste is ready, let the patient inhale it. Also, you can gargle this paste with lukewarm water for an effective remedy.
Table Salt: Normal salt may be a good option for a sore throat. Just drink a glass full of water with salt mixed in. The mixture of salt and water will definitely help in reducing the effect. It is also helpful in breathing problems that usually occur due to a lack of salt in the body.

Treatment for Diphtheria
Universal immunization is the best measure to prevent diphtheria. The diphtheria toxoid vaccine, which is generally combined with the tetanus and pertussis vaccine, is currently recommended for administration to infants, adolescents, and adults. Immunization for infants and children consists of five DTaP vaccinations generally given at 2, 4, and 6 months, with the fourth dose being administered between 15-18 months, and the fifth dose at 4-6 years of age.
Diphtheria Home Remedies/Home Cure
Complications of Diphtheria

Incubation period
Time between becoming infected and developing symptoms.
Usually 2 to 5 days.