Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. Diphtheria typically causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. But the hallmark sign is a sheet of thick, gray material covering the back of your throat. This material can block your windpipe so that you have to struggle for breath.
Today, diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease.
Medications are available to treat diphtheria. However, in advanced stages, diphtheria can cause damage to your heart, kidneys and nervous system. Even with treatment, diphtheria can be deadly — as many as 10 percent of people who get diphtheria die of it.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of diphtheria may include:
A sore throat and hoarsenessPainful swallowing
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck
A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Nasal discharge
Fever and chills
Malaise
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