Diphtheria signs and symptoms usually begin two to five days after a person becomes infected and may include:
- A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils
- A sore throat and hoarseness
- Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Fever and chills
- Malaise
In some people, infection with diphtheria-causing bacteria causes
only a mild illness — or no obvious signs and symptoms at all. Infected
people who remain unaware of their illness are known as carriers of
diphtheria, because they can spread the infection without being sick
themselves.
Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria
A second type of diphtheria can affect the skin, causing the typical
pain, redness and swelling associated with other bacterial skin
infections. Ulcers covered by a gray membrane also may develop in
cutaneous diphtheria.
Although it's more common in tropical climates, cutaneous diphtheria
also occurs in the United States, particularly among people with poor
hygiene who live in crowded conditions.
When to see a doctor
Call your family doctor immediately if you or your child has been
exposed to someone with diphtheria. If you're not sure whether your
child has been vaccinated against diphtheria, schedule an appointment.
Make sure your own immunizations are current.
No comments:
Post a Comment