Diphtheria – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?
January 5, 2021 5:35 amDiphtheria is a rare, potentially lethal upper respiratory tract infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Sn. & Sx.:
- Fever
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Grey adherent pseudomembrane in pharynx
- Sore throat
- Croupy cough
- Dyspnea
- Dysphagia
- Aphonia
- Stridor
- Swelling of the neck
dDx.:
- Viral pharyngitis
- Mononucleosis
- Candidiasis
- Acute epiglottitis
Sequelae:
- Respiratory distress, failure
- Upper airway obstruction
- Peripheral nerve palsies
- Tachycardia, arrhythmia
- Myocarditis
- Heart failure
Work up:
- Gram Stain and culture of throat membrane
Tx.:
- Immediate referral to ER
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This post was written by Omar Rifai