How to Treat Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infection caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. This bacteria is only known to inhabit human mucous membranes and skin, and has been doing so for at least 2,500 years. Diphtheria was one of the most common causes of death among children before the vaccine was developed in the 1920s. The following steps will tell you how to treat a case of diphtheria.

Instructions

• 1

  Realize that mechanical ventilation may be inevitable for diphtheria cases. The combination of the diphtheric membrane and the peripharyngeal edema pose a serious risk of suffocation.

• 2

  Obtain a specific antitoxin as soon as possible once the clinical diagnosis has been made. The antitoxin only neutralizes free toxin so its effectiveness is reduced as the diphtheric membrane is formed. The antitoxin is available only at limited locations.

• 3

  Administer the antitoxin for diphtheria intravenously in most cases. An initial dose should be given based primarily on the duration of the illness and the size of the membrane. Continue administering the antitoxin with an infusion over 30 to 60 minutes.

• 4

  Provide the antitoxin even for cutaneous diphtheria. It probably won't treat the localized lesion, but it may prevent the toxins from spreading.

• 5

  Treat asymptomatic carriers of diphtheria with antimicrobial prophylaxis for 7 to 10 days. Vaccinate the patient with an age-appropriate preparation if he has not received a booster shot in the past year. Place the patient in respiratory or contact isolation (depending on the type of colonization) until at least 2 cultures taken 24 hours apart are negative.