{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Glossary","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary","author_name":"Glossary","author_url":"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/author\/adminglossary\/","title":"Diphtheria - Definition of Diphtheria","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"XxOCf5Z34I\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/diphtheria\/\">Diphtheria<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/diphtheria\/embed\/#?secret=XxOCf5Z34I\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"&#8220;Diphtheria&#8221; &#8212; Glossary\" data-secret=\"XxOCf5Z34I\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/www.healthbenefitstimes.com\/glossary\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n<\/script>\n","description":"A disease caused by the bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and transmitted by contact with nose and throat discharges from an infected person. It is characterized by a sore throat, fever, and running nose. Toxins from the bacterium may result in permanent heart or nervous system damage can be prevented with DPT or TD inoculation.A serious infectious disease of children, caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterised by fever and the formation of a fibrous growth like a membrane in the throat which restricts breathing.A bacterial illness that was once a major childhood killer but is now extremely rare in those areas in which most people have received immunization usually from a combination DPT vaccine, which also immunizes against tetanus (lockjaw) and pertussis (whooping cough). Passed through droplets in the air, as from coughing or sneezing, from infected people or unaffected carriers, the diphtheria bacteria cause a membrane to form in the throat; this may obstruct swallowing and breathing and sometimes requires a tracheostomy to maintain breathing. Although generally responsive to antibiotics such as penicillin in the early stages, if diphtheria takes hold, it produces a powerful, life-threatening toxin (poison). This can sometimes be treated with antitoxins but causes paralysis, heart failure, and bronchial pneumonia in many, causing death in one out of 10 patients. The diphtheria vaccine does not provide lifelong protection, and a booster is recommended every 10 years, generally combined with tetanus in the td vaccine.Acute, contagious infection caused by bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a toxin affecting the whole body and characterized by severe inflammation of the throat and larynx with production of a membrane lining the throat, along with fever, chills, malaise, brassy cough, and, in some cases (especially if untreated or unusually severe), by impaired function of the heart muscle and peripheral nerves. More common in children and once epidemic in many parts of the world, it is now rare in the United States because of routine immunization (DPT vaccine) against the disease. Treatment is by diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics, rest, increased fluid intake, and tracheostomy, if necessary.A highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract that can prove fatal unless promptly treated with antitoxin and antibiotics. Immunization prevents the disease.An acute, contagious, bacterial illness that may affect the respiratory system or the skin. Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria include a characteristic fibrous membrane that forms on the tonsils, in the throat, and in the nose. The condition is spread by direct physical contact or by direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions of an infected person. Respiratory diphtheria is potentially fatal and carries the risk of complications, including inflammation of the heart muscle.An acute highly contagious infection, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, generally affecting the throat but occasionally other mucous membranes and the skin. The disease is spread by direct contact with a patient or carrier or by contaminated food. After an incubation period of 2-6 days a sore throat, weakness, and mild fever develop. Later, a soft gray membrane forms across the throat, constricting the air passages and causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing; a 'tracheostomy may be necessary. Bacteria multiply at the site of infection and release a toxin into the bloodstream, which damages heart and nerves. Death from heart failure or general collapse can follow within four days but prompt administration of antitoxin and penicillin arrests the disease; complete recovery requires prolonged bed rest. An effective immunization program has now made diphtheria rare in most Western countries.Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract. Rarely seen in the UK since the introduction of immunization in 1940, it is still an important cause of disease in many parts of the world. The infection is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is spread by water droplets. It usually presents with a sore throat, and there is a slightly raised membrane on the tonsils surrounded by an inflammatory zone. There may be some swelling of the neck and lymph nodes, though the patient\u2019s temperature is seldom much raised. Occasionally the disease occurs in the eye or genital tract, or it may complicate lesions of the skin. More serious consequences follow the absorption of toxins\u00a0which damage the heart muscle and the nervous system.A rare toxin-mediated bacterial infectious disease marked by the formation of a patchy grayish-green membrane over the tonsils, uvula, soft palate, and posterior pharynx. Occasionally the skin, conjunctiva, ears, GI and urinary tracts are involved. In cutaneous diphtheria, impetiginous lesions occur. The membrane is created by a thick, inflammatory exudate.A grave and frequently lethal bacterial ailment that gives rise to a noxious substance and an irritation within the protective layers encompassing the throat, nasal passages, windpipe, and various bodily tissues.Diphtheria is a bacterial infection characterized by a sore throat, fever, and potentially severe or fatal complications. It is caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Thanks to widespread immunization programs, the disease has become rare in developed countries. In the United Kingdom, the diphtheria vaccine is administered at specific ages, including 2, 3, and 4 months, 3-5 years, and 13-18 years.Diphtheria infection can originate in either the throat or the skin. In the throat, the multiplication of bacteria leads to the formation of a membrane that can extend to cover the tonsils, the palate, or even reach the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe), causing breathing difficulties and a hoarse voice. Additional symptoms include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, an increased heart rate, and a mild fever. When the infection is localized to the skin, the bacteria may generate a yellowish lesion covered by a tough membrane.Life-threatening symptoms of diphtheria typically arise in individuals who lack immunity to the disease. These symptoms are caused by a toxin released by the bacteria, which adversely affects the heart and nervous system. In some cases, victims may experience sudden collapse and fatality within a day of developing throat symptoms. More commonly, individuals recovering from diphtheria may later encounter complications such as heart failure or paralysis of the throat or limbs. These complications can manifest up to seven weeks after the initial throat infection.The treatment for diphtheria involves the administration of antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection. Additionally, an antitoxin is administered to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria. In cases where severe breathing difficulties arise, a tracheostomy may be necessary. This surgical procedure involves the insertion of a breathing tube into the windpipe to ensure adequate airflow.A severe contagious illness characterized by fever, weakened heart function, fatigue, anemia, and swelling in the larynx and pharynx. Patches of membrane are often observed on the throat's inner lining."}