What is the first treatment for diphtheria?

Diphtheria can produce a thick coating in the throat and release a toxin that harms tissues. A clinician may start antibiotics based on the clinical picture while samples are arranged, because waiting for every result can delay care. Treatment aims to clear the bacteria and reduce transmission.

Hospital teams may assess breathing, swallowing, hydration and heart or nerve complications. Antitoxin is a specialist treatment that may be used when toxin-related illness is suspected. It is different from an antibiotic, which targets the bacteria.

Contact urgent medical services if diphtheria is suspected or if someone has a sore throat with a grey or white throat coating, neck swelling or difficulty breathing. Keep the person away from close contact until clinicians advise otherwise, and do not share cups, utensils or towels.

Tell the clinician about travel, contact with an unwell person, vaccination history and medicines. Close contacts may need testing, preventive antibiotics or a vaccine review. Do not try to remove a throat coating because it can bleed and may worsen airway problems.

Call emergency services for noisy or difficult breathing, blue lips, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing neck swelling, collapse or marked drowsiness. A person with suspected diphtheria should be assessed urgently even when symptoms initially seem mild, because breathing and toxin-related problems can develop.

Ask whether isolation is needed, which tests are being arranged, whether antitoxin is appropriate, and how household contacts will be managed. Confirm when normal contact can resume and whether vaccination or a booster is needed.