ڈفتھیریا ایک سنگین انفیکشن ہے جو عام طور پر گلے اور ناک کی جھلیوں پر حملہ کرتا ہے۔ یہ بیماری ایک بیکٹیریا کی وجہ سے ہوتی ہے جو زہریلا مادہ پیدا کرتا ہے۔ ڈفتھیریا عام طور پر بچوں میں زیادہ دیکھا جاتا ہے، لیکن یہ کسی بھی عمر میں ہو سکتا ہے۔ اگر اس کا بروقت علاج نہ کیا جائے تو یہ سانس لینے میں دشواری، دل کے مسائل، اور یہاں تک کہ موت کا سبب بھی بن سکتی ہے۔
Ent Specialist
MBBS , FRCS (UK) , FRCS (Glasgow)
Ent Specialist
MBBS , FCPS ( OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY ) , Fellowship Rhinology & Skullbase Surgery Malaysia
Diphtheria meaning in Urdu is “گلے کی جھلی کا خطرناک انفیکشن”. It is a serious bacterial infection that mostly affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which releases a toxin that can harm the body.
Diphtheria spreads through tiny droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. It can block the airways and harm the heart, nerves, and kidneys. It can cause death if not treated in time.
Diphtheria is rare in places where people get regular vaccines, but it can still spread in areas with low vaccination rates. Quick treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is very important. The best way to prevent diphtheria is by getting vaccinated.
Symptoms of diphtheria usually appear 2 to 5 days after exposure. Watch for the following signs:
Sore throat
Swollen glands in the neck
Fever
Chills
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of voice
white coating in the throat or nose
Nasal discharge (especially in infants)
Rapid heartbeat
Contact a doctor immediately if you notice:
Trouble breathing
Blue or pale skin
Weakness
Paralysis
Chest pain
Signs of heart or nerve damage
Diphtheria is caused by infection with Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. It spreads easily through:
Coughing or sneezing
Touching contaminated surfaces
Sharing personal items
Contact with infected skin wounds
People who are not vaccinated or have weak immune systems are more at risk.
You are at higher risk of diphtheria if you:
Haven’t received the full diphtheria vaccine series
Live in unsanitary conditions
Travel to areas with low vaccination rates
Have a weakened immune system
Are in close contact with an infected person
Work in healthcare settings without protection
You can lower your risk of diphtheria by:
Getting vaccinated
Receiving booster shots every 10 years
Ensuring children get all routine immunizations
Avoiding close contact with infected people
Practicing good hand hygiene
Cleaning wounds properly
Wearing masks in high-risk areas
Seeking early treatment for throat infections
This is the most common type. It affects the nose, throat, and tonsils. It also causes sore throat, breathing issues, and a thick membrane in the throat.
This type affects the skin, which leads to painful sores or ulcers. It is more common in areas with poor hygiene.
It is the most severe type. The toxin released by the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream. It may lead to damage in the heart, nerves, and other parts of the body.
Doctors may diagnose diphtheria through:
Physical examination of the throat
Swabbing the throat or nose for lab testing
Culturing the bacteria to confirm infection
Blood tests in severe cases
ECG (electrocardiogram) to check heart complications
If someone is diagnosed with diphtheria, doctors may use several treatments to control the infection. These may include:
Antitoxin injection to neutralize the diphtheria toxin
Antibiotics such as erythromycin or penicillin to kill the bacteria
Isolation to prevent spreading to others
Airway support in case of breathing difficulties
IV fluids and oxygen therapy in severe cases
Monitoring of heart and nerve function
Pain management
Bed rest during recovery
Treatment of complications (if any)
If diphtheria is not treated on time, it may lead to:
Breathing difficulties due to airway blockage
Heart damage
Nerve damage
Kidney failure
Pneumonia
Blood infections
Death in severe cases
Long-term weakness
Fatigue
Risk of spreading to others, especially unvaccinated individuals
Marham enables you to communicate with experienced healthcare professionals to obtain professional guidance. Through Marham, you can find the best specialist for diphtheria who provides expert treatment advice.
The Marham platform strives to offer expert-reviewed information, including error elimination, to all its consumers. Patients should always consult experts for medical advice instead of relying on this information. The information available on this page is for general information purposes.