How can diphtheria be treated?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can cause organ damage and breathing problems. This disease is often treatable, but also preventable with a vaccine. read more

A doctor can also take a sample from a skin lesion (like a sore) and try and grow the bacteria to be sure a patient has diphtheria. It is important to start treatment right away if a doctor suspects diphtheria and not to wait for laboratory confirmation. read more

Diphtheria can be deadly even with treatment as many as 3% of the people who are diagnosed with diphtheria die of it. You should immediately see your doctor if your child or you have been exposed to someone with diphtheria. read more

Treatment. Diphtheria is a serious illness. Doctors treat it immediately and aggressively with these medications: An antitoxin. If doctors suspect diphtheria, the infected child or adult receives an antitoxin. The antitoxin, injected into a vein or muscle, neutralizes the diphtheria toxin already circulating in the body. read more