Diphtheria is a disease that generally attacks the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Not only that, sometimes diphtheria also attacks the skin of sufferers. Diphtheria is one of the infectious diseases and is quite dangerous because it can cause death if not treated immediately. Although dangerous, diphtheria can be prevented by immunization.
Diphtheria prevention can be done by administering the DPT vaccine, which is diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis or whooping cough. Diphtheria can infect anyone, but children are individuals who are susceptible to this disease. This is the reason why children are susceptible to diphtheria.
Reasons Why Children Are Vulnerable to Diphtheria
Children under the age of 5 are at risk of contracting diphtheria infection. The risk of infection can be greater if the children grow up in crowded or unclean environments. In addition, malnourished children are also susceptible to diphtheria, especially those who are not immunized.
Another reason why children are susceptible to diphtheria is because their immune systems are not yet fully formed. Given that children are susceptible to diphtheria, they must receive five stages of diphtheria immunization until the age of 5 years.
However, the fact is that there are still parents who are reluctant to bring their children to get complete diphtheria immunization. This is what causes diphtheria in children to be more easily infected.
Symptoms of Diphtheria in Children
Diphtheria is a disease that attacks the respiratory tract. If your child is attacked by diphtheria, there are several symptoms that are visible. The following are the symptoms felt by children if they have diphtheria, namely:
1. White membrane
If attacked by diphtheria, a white membrane will appear on the child’s throat. In addition, sometimes the membrane is grayish.
2. Sore Throat
In addition to the appearance of a white membrane, the child will experience symptoms such as experiencing a sore throat. Difficulty swallowing and the child’s voice becomes hoarse. Mothers need to be alert if these two symptoms of diphtheria appear in children. Not only that, coughing can also be one of the characteristics of a child who is attacked by diphtheria.
3. Runny nose
In addition to the throat, the child will also produce mucus through the nose. Mothers need to pay attention if over time the mucus that comes out becomes thicker and mixed with blood.
4. Fever
The child will feel feverish and feel uncomfortable with his condition.
5. Changes in the Skin
Children who are infected with diphtheria will have paler skin than usual. Not only that, children will also often sweat. It is better for mothers to diligently give children water to meet the body’s fluid needs.
If your little one experiences the above symptoms, you need to take him to the hospital to make sure whether he has diphtheria or other conditions. Before taking your little one to the hospital, you can make an appointment with a doctor .
Beware, These Are Diphtheria Complications
It is best to provide medical help if the child experiences the above symptoms. Reported from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, know the complications that can occur due to diphtheria bacteria, namely:
1. Respiratory Problems
Dead cells caused by diphtheria bacterial toxins form a gray membrane that can block a child’s breathing. This has the potential to trigger an inflammatory reaction in the lungs and cause respiratory failure in children.
2. Nerve Damage
Diphtheria toxin can cause sufferers to experience difficulty swallowing, urinary tract problems, paralysis of the diaphragm, and swelling of the nerves in the hands and feet.
3. Heart Damage
Diphtheria toxin can also enter the heart and cause heart inflammation. This can cause heart damage in children.
Diphtheria bacteria easily stick to objects around us. Well, children under 5 years old like to put their hands, toys or objects into their mouths. For that, make sure your child gets immunization to prevent diphtheria or other infectious diseases.
