Diphtheria is a highly-contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. Due to vaccines, it is extremely rare in the United States; however, according to the World Health Organization, over 7,000 cases were reported worldwide in 2016.
It is treatable if caught early, but, without proper treatment, permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, nervous system, or even death can result.
Especially in overcrowded areas, this disease is easily spread from one person to another. If an infected person coughs or sneezes, the bacteria become airborne. Anyone nearby could inhale the bacteria and become infected themselves. Touching personal items or contaminated objects (like dishes or used tissues) also easily spreads the bacteria. Some people are infected without any outward symptoms, but are still able to spread the disease to others.
Diphtheria is caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. As the bacteria multiply, they produce toxins that invade the nose and throat (respiratory diphtheria) or the skin (cutaneous diphtheria). Gradually, the toxins begin to poison the rest of the body. Without treatment, the heart, lungs, nervous system, and kidneys could begin to deteriorate.
You may be at risk for contracting this disease if your vaccines are not up to date, or if you are traveling to an area where vaccine rates are low. Living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions can also place you at greater risk for becoming infected.
Listed below are eight common symptoms of diphtheria. It is important to note that many of these symptoms can occur with other bacterial or viral infections. Even if you have a few (or several) of the symptoms listed below, this does not automatically mean you have it.
However, if you know for certain you were exposed to someone with diphtheria, or you have any concerns about symptoms you currently have, always seek professional medical advice.
1. Body Chills
If you are shivering under several blankets in the heat of the day, and still feel cold, you are experiencing body chills.
Sometimes our bodies get the chills if we are exposed to cold weather for a period of time. These chills are not the result of being out in the cold.
Chills often mean that our core temperature is rising above normal. Although uncomfortable, it is a reassuring sign that our body is producing an inflammatory response to a foreign invader of some sort. As our muscles shiver and shake, our body temperature slowly increases.
Even if you feel miserably cold, resist the urge to bundle up too much; you may unknowingly cause your temperature to climb even higher. Instead, wrap up in a light blanket, try to rest, and drink plenty of fluids.
Chills often accompany many other viral and bacterial infections. Although they can make you feel lousy, chills alone are not a serious concern. However, body chills may be one of the first outward signs that something more serious is developing. Pay attention to other signals that your body may be sending. Monitor your temperature for a fever. Watch for other new symptoms that may follow.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue refers to the feeling of extreme tiredness or exhaustion.
If you find yourself too physically weary to complete basic tasks or too mentally worn out to concentrate, you may be suffering from fatigue. The simplest chores, such as getting dressed, may feel like a mountain. Maybe all you can do is lie on the couch.
Fatigue is not the same as feeling sleepy; it is a weariness that does not seem to improve with sleep and rest.
Fatigue can be caused by many things. Stress, poor exercise habits, many medical conditions, and depression may all contribute to feeling fatigued. However, fatigue can also be a sign that the body’s immune system is working in high gear. It is important to be aware of other symptoms that may be developing.
3. Fever
A fever is defined as a rise in body temperature. In adults, an oral temperature of greater than 100°F is considered to be a fever. Having a low-grade fever is one possible symptom of diphtheria, but fevers also develop any time our body is fighting off infection.
Having a fever can make you feel miserable. If you do not have a thermometer, it’s likely you have a fever if your skin (especially your face, back, and chest) is flushed and hot to the touch, yet you feel chilled.
By itself, a fever is generally not a concern unless it reaches 103°F or higher in adults.
4. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is the feeling that you are not getting enough air. It may feel like tightness in the chest, or like you must breath faster. It can happen with activity (like walking up the stairs) or at rest.
With this infection, as the bacteria continue to produce toxins in the body, all of the body systems start to feel its effects.
Feeling short of breath is frightening and should not be ignored. If you feel short of breath (especially at rest), hear wheezing or high-pitched sounds when you breath, or have a bluish tint to your lips or skin, seek medical help immediately.
5. Skin Rashes
Cutaneous (skin) diphtheria can occur when Corynebacterium diphtheriae invade the skin. This most often occurs in tropical climates or in crowded, unsanitary conditions.
This skin infection is highly contagious. If you touch a person’s infected wound or objects contaminated from the wound, you could also become infected. The bacteria can infect healthy skin, as well as previously-wounded skin.
Cutaneous diphtheria can look similar to other skin conditions. It can appear as a red, painful, blistered rash or open ulcers. Sometimes these ulcers develop a thick, gray covering and may heal very slowly.
If you have unexplained skin rashes or ulcers, consult with your healthcare provider.
6. Impaired Speech
Impaired speech is one of the hallmark signs of diphtheria. As the bacterial toxins build up in the nose and throat, the tissue in that area dies. This dead tissue causes a thick membrane to form on the back of the throat, voice box, tonsils, and nasal cavity, causing changes to your voice. Your words and tone of voice may sound hoarse, nasally, or raspy.
The throat area is also very sore, creating further problems with speaking.
If your voice sounds very different or you are having trouble speaking, please seek medical attention. If your change in voice is due to diphtheria, without treatment, it will continue to get worse.
7. Difficulty Swallowing
In its early stages, difficulty swallowing may be caused by a sore throat.
As the infection progresses, a thick “pseudomembrane” forms in the back of the nose and throat. As more and more tissue dies, this membrane gets larger and thicker. Also, as portions of the throat die, they can no longer function properly. The muscles used during swallowing can also become very weak. This makes swallowing extremely challenging.
The tissue in the neck, especially the lymph nodes, can also swell, making swallowing difficult.
If you are drooling or having difficulty swallowing, seek medical advice immediately. If your swallowing problems are caused by diphtheria, without treatment, it may progress to the point that you will have trouble breathing as well.
8. Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness can occur with many infections, diseases, and health conditions.
With diphtheria, weakness may be a result of our body attempting to fight off dangerous microorganisms. It can also occur because the bacterial toxins start entering the bloodstream. As these poisons circulate through the body, the nerves and muscles can become inflamed and damaged.
Weakness of the arms, legs, head, or neck could occur, ranging from mild loss of strength to severe, disabling weakness. Paralysis, especially of the diaphragm (muscle used to breathe) is a rare, but life-threatening complication.
If you are suffering from unexplained muscle weakness, especially on only one side of the body, or you are having trouble moving certain body parts, consult a medical professional immediately.
