kurkkumätä

Kurkkumätä, known scientifically as diphtheria, is a serious bacterial infection caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. This bacterium produces a potent toxin that can damage the respiratory tract, heart, and nervous system. The infection is primarily spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or discharges.

Symptoms of kurkkumätä typically appear two to five days after exposure and can range from mild to life-threatening. Common signs include a sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and difficulty breathing. A characteristic grayish-white membrane, known as a pseudomembrane, can form in the throat and tonsils, obstructing the airway. This pseudomembrane is a hallmark of the disease and can lead to suffocation if not treated promptly.

While kurkkumätä was once a common and often fatal childhood disease, widespread vaccination programs have significantly reduced its incidence in many parts of the world. Diphtheria vaccines, typically given as part of combination vaccines like DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), are highly effective in preventing the illness. Treatment involves administering antitoxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin and antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Prompt medical attention is crucial for a favorable outcome. In severe cases, hospitalization, airway support, and intensive care may be necessary.