What should you know about diphtheria pathophysiology?

The bacteria can grow on the throat lining and release a toxin. Local injury produces inflammation and a firmly attached membrane, while swelling can narrow the airway. Toxin absorbed into the body can interrupt cell function in distant tissues. Nerve effects may cause a weak voice, swallowing difficulty, or muscle weakness; heart involvement may disturb the heartbeat or reduce pumping strength.

These changes can develop in stages, so feeling better in the throat does not always mean every toxin effect has ended. A sore throat is a possible early symptom; see Sore Throat for a broader symptom guide.

Contact a clinician urgently if diphtheria is possible, particularly after exposure or when vaccination is incomplete. Assessment may include breathing, swallowing, nerve, and heart checks. Antitoxin can neutralise toxin that has not yet attached to cells, while antibiotics clear the bacteria and reduce transmission. See Antibiotic Treatment for general information, but use only a prescribed regimen.

Call emergency services for struggling or noisy breathing, choking, inability to swallow, fainting, chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or rapidly progressing weakness. Keep the person upright if breathing is difficult and avoid examining or removing a throat membrane yourself.

Ask which body systems need monitoring, whether an electrocardiogram or nerve assessment is appropriate, how transmission is reduced, and when normal activity can safely resume.