Overview
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection of the throat that forms a thick grey membrane which can block breathing, and it also releases a toxin that can damage the heart and nerves. It is preventable by the childhood vaccine, but outbreaks still occur where immunisation is incomplete. Because it can be rapidly life-threatening, a child with a severe sore throat, a grey throat coating and a swollen neck needs emergency hospital care and antitoxin without delay.
Symptoms
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- A thick grey coating over the throat and tonsils
- A swollen neck (bull neck)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever and weakness
When to see a doctor
This is an emergency — go to a hospital immediately for a severe sore throat with a grey throat coating, a swollen neck, or difficulty breathing.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Difficulty breathing, a grey membrane in the throat, or a very swollen neck — call 108 and reach a hospital immediately
Causes
The bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, spread through coughs and sneezes; unvaccinated or partly vaccinated children are most at risk.