TREATMENT
Antibiotics:
penicillin or
erythromycin is
prescribed to help kill
the bacteria in the
body by clearing up
infections.
Antitoxin:
Antitoxin is a drug that is
injected into a vein or muscle
that will counteract the
diphtheria toxin in the body
Preventative treatment:
if you’ve been exposed to a
person with diphtheria, you
may be prescribed for
antibiotics that will prevent
the disease from developing
LAYMAN'S
TERM
Infection:
Invasion of an organisms tissue
Toxin:
A poisonous substance
Exacerbation:
The worsening of symptoms
Contraction:
To acquire a contagious
disease or infection
Respiratory:
Related to the function of
breathing
DIPHTHERIA
CAUSES
Bacteria:
Diphtheria is caused by strains of
bacteria called Corynebacterium
Diphtheria that make a toxin.
SYMPTOMS:
-Sore throat and hoarseness
TESTS
Swab test:
Doctors swab the back of the throat
or nose and test it for bacteria that
causes diphtheria.
-Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing A doctor can also take a sample from
an open sore or ulcer and grow the
bacteria
-Fever and chills
Contaminated people of household
items: Diphtheria can be contracted
from handling an infected person
items that could be contaminated
with bacteria
Airborne droplets: when an infected
persons sneeze or cough people may
inhale the bacteria
-Swollen glands
-Sore throat and hoarseness
-Nasal discharge
-Tiredness