Diphtheria symptoms and natural remedies

 
Symptoms of Diphtheria

• The duration of the disease ranges from few days to 2-3 weeks. It often looks like tonsillitis with fever from 101-104 degree Fahrenheit and soreness of throat.
• Patient feels depressed and weak.
• A membrane appears on one tonsil and in rare cases on both the tonsils that gradually increases in size. It is surrounded by red inflammation maybe thick or thin and gray or brownish in color. The glands of the neck are usually enlarged and when nose is involved it increases rapidly in size.
• The patient becomes pale and anemic.

 
Causes of Diphtheria

• Certain germs found occasionally in the throat of normal person is the main cause. It multiplies in the nose or throat; discharge and droplets of the infected person can spread the disease.
• Milk and other substances also help in the spread of the disease.

 
Complications of Diphtheria

• Children with large tonsils and adenoids, who have not been given the DPT shot’s, are more susceptible to diphtheria.
• Due to throat infection, the windpipe may get blocked, heart, brain and kidneys may also be damaged.

 
Home Treatment of Diphtheria

• The patient should be given only orange juice and water in small quantities to promote body’s resistance against infection.
• Warm water enema should be administered daily.
• The patient should be kept away from others for 4-6 weeks.
• The patient should sleep on the sides to prevent swallowing of the secretion forming in the mouth.
• Absorbent cotton can be kept in the mouth and can be renewed several times.
• Moist hot inhalation or application of wet pack to the throat at 2 hourly intervals.
• The patient has to be kept on an all fruit diet for few days and then a well-balanced diet.
• Chew a clove of garlic to remove membrane, reduce temperature and for relief. About 30 grams of garlic can be used for 3-4 hours for a week.
• Fresh pineapple juice can be given in small quantities frequently to remove membrane as well as deposits.