Overview
Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium releases a toxin that causes a buildup of grey tissue in your throat, leading to problems with swallowing and breathing.
In warmer climates, someone with diphtheria might also develop skin sores that will not heal and may be covered with the grey tissue. This type of diphtheria (called cutaneous diphtheria) also happens sometimes in the U.S. when people live in crowded and unhealthy conditions.
When was the diphtheria epidemic?
In the U.S., the diphtheria epidemic peaked in 1921 with 206,000 cases.
Is diphtheria still around today?
Diphtheria isn’t common in the U.S. because living conditions have improved, and children are routinely given a diphtheria vaccine. In the past, a large number of people died from diphtheria in the U.S. In other countries where vaccinations aren’t given, the disease still exists. As a result, there’s still a potential for diphtheria to cause problems in the U.S.
Where is diphtheria found?
In many areas of the world, diphtheria is still considered an endemic (an outbreak that’s limited to a certain region). This includes Asia, the Dominican Republic, Eastern Europe, Haiti, the South Pacific and the Middle East.
What are the different types of diphtheria?
There are two main types of diphtheria, including classical respiratory and cutaneous:
- Classical respiratory diphtheria: The most common type of diphtheria, classical respiratory diphtheria may affect your nose, throat, tonsils or larynx (voice box). Symptoms can vary depending on where the affected membranes are located in your body. Some people call this condition pharyngeal diphtheria (diphtheria of the throat).
- Cutaneous diphtheria: The rarest type of diphtheria, cutaneous diphtheria is characterized by skin rash, sores or blisters, which can appear anywhere on your body. Cutaneous diphtheria is more common in tropical climates or crowded places where people live in unhealthy conditions.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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