“Diphtheria is a disease that can cause respiratory problems. There are several age categories that are susceptible to this disease, namely children and the elderly. However, what are the causes of the elderly being more susceptible to diphtheria? It is important to know the reasons.”
Bacteria are one of the causes of diseases that cause disorders when spreading infections in the body. Diseases caused by bacteria can occur easily and quickly.
There are many diseases that can be caused by bacteria, including respiratory problems, namely diphtheria. This disease can attack all ages and is more susceptible to occur in children and the elderly.
However, what are the causes of the elderly being more susceptible to diphtheria than someone who is still young?
Reasons Why the Elderly Are Vulnerable to Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a disease caused by infection from the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae that attacks the nose and throat. The bacteria can cause inflammation in the area and interfere with breathing.
In addition, other damage may occur, such as the myocardium, nervous system, and kidneys. This disorder is prone to occur in children and someone over the age of 60 or the elderly.
So, what causes the elderly to be more susceptible to diphtheria?
Elderly people are susceptible to diphtheria due to incomplete immunization status during their life. This includes never getting an immunization, vaccines or inefficient body response to vaccination, to not receiving boosters years after getting the vaccine. It is important for everyone to have antitoxin levels greater than 0.1 IU/mL for an adequate immune system.
In addition, the elderly are also susceptible to diphtheria due to age factors which make their immune systems not strong enough to fight bacteria that enter the body.
That way, when bacteria enter the body, its defenses are not as strong as when it was younger. When the infection spreads, the body’s defense system cannot contain it and if left untreated, dangerous complications can occur.
Therefore, make sure your parents have received a powerful immunization to ward off diphtheria, namely the DTaP vaccine. Everyone should get a vaccine that can prevent diphtheria every 10 years.
That way, his body will be stronger to withstand bacteria that can cause respiratory disorders. Indeed, prevention is better than cure later. If you have questions about diphtheria disorders in the elderly.
Treatment for Diphtheria in the Elderly
Everyone who has diphtheria must be treated in a hospital. This is done after confirming the diagnosis due to symptoms that arise in the throat caused by bacterial infection. Generally, doctors will immediately give special anti-toxins through injections or infusions to neutralize the poison.
If the disease does not heal, someone with diphtheria may need the help of a ventilator to help with breathing, especially if their oxygen saturation decreases. In some cases, the toxin may spread to other vital organs that require more intensive care.
A person with diphtheria must be isolated so as not to spread the disease. In addition, people around him who have not been immunized should avoid contact with the person. That way, the bacteria that can cause this disease do not spread to the body of the person who has not received the vaccine.
Prompt hospitalization and early intervention allow a person with diphtheria to recover more quickly. After antibiotics and anti-toxins start working, the person with the respiratory disorder should rest for about 4-6 weeks until they are fully recovered.
