• This is an infection that can affect the respiratory tract (lungs), throat, mouth, or skin wounds.  It is caused by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheria, and is spread by mucous from person to person.  In addition, the bacteria produce a toxin that can cause myocarditis (inflames the heart muscle) or Neuropathy (damaged nerves).

• Nasal drainage
  
• Throat pain
  
• Throat tightness and "closing off" feeling
  
• Fever
  
• Ill feeling

• Examination

- Cultures can be done if a diagnosis is uncertain, but treatment is necessary if the condition is even suspected, because death is a real possibility.

• If this condition is even suspected, antitoxin must be given.  Antibiotics are also helpful, but cannot be used alone.
  
• Removal of obstructive airway membrane

• Death due to airway obstruction
  
• Myocarditis -- inflammation of the heart muscle
  
• Neuropathy -- nerve damage occurs that results in Double Vision, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing.

• This is a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate emergency medical treatment.  Untreated, this can lead to death quickly.

• All children are routinely vaccinated against diphtheria with the DPT vaccine as part of the normal scheduled childhood immunizations, while adults are vaccinated every ten years as part of D-T (diphtheria-tetanus) vaccine.

• Streptococcal Pharyngitis
  
• Mononucleosis
  
• Viral pharyngitis
  
• Thrush (oral candidiasis)