Stolbnyak – What is tetanus? – How do you get tetanus – Tetanus Symptoms – Tetanus Treatment – Prevention of tetanus

Tetanus (Lockjaw)

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection, caused by the bacterium Clostridium Dathan. Toxin, secreted by bacterial activity, adversely affects the nervous system. This can lead to serious muscle spasms, lockjaw (Trizm), It is making it impossible to open and close the mouth. Tetanus may be fatal and cause death.

Causes of tetanus – How do you get tetanus

Tetanus bacteria found in soil, dirt or filth, and enter the body through a break in the skin.

When injected into the human body bacteria Clostridium Dathan begin to produce toxin, which leads to tetanus.

Risk factors for contracting tetanus

Factors, that increase the likelihood of being infected with tetanus, They include:

• The lack of tetanus vaccination or injection after suspected poisoning, or late re-vaccinated against tetanus;
• The use of intravenous drugs;
• Ulcer or wound on the skin;
• Burns;
• Contact with an open wound or soil animal excrement.

Tetanus Symptoms – Symptoms of tetanus in adults

Symptoms of tetanus may include:

• Headache;
• The rigidity of the muscles of the jaws and neck muscles;
• Drooling or trouble swallowing;
• Muscle spasms;
• Sweating;
• Fever;
• Irritability;
• Pain or tingling at the wound site;
• Convulsions;
• Labored breathing;
• Too fast or too slow heart beat.

Diagnosis of tetanus

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. The diagnosis of tetanus is mainly based on the medical history.

The doctor can examine the culture of bacteria, that caused the infection, However, the results of this study do not always accurately can indicate the presence of tetanus.

Tetanus Treatment – Tetanus as a treat – Medicine from stolbnyaka

Treatment may include:

• Hospitalization – to avoid the complications of the infection;
• Handling and cleaning wounds – All the damaged area, perhaps, It needs to be surgically removed;
• Antibiotics;
• The introduction of tetanus immunoglobulin – antibodies against tetanus, that help neutralize the tetanus toxin;
• Thrust against tetanus – if there is no vaccination against tetanus;
• Taking medicine to treat the symptoms of tetanus – may include anticonvulsant drugs or muscle relaxants.

Tetanus can cause serious problems with breathing or swallowing. To keep the airway open, for the treatment of the throat can be inserted respiratory. This surgical procedure called a tracheotomy. It will provide access to air, if the upper airways are unable to perform their functions.

Prevention of tetanus – Vaccination against tetanus – Emergency tetanus prophylaxis – Prevention of tetanus in wounds

The best way to prevent tetanus is immunization. Tetanus immunization scheme is as follows:

• All children with some exceptions, You should be vaccinated DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis;
• Children 11-12 years, who were vaccinated DTaP, other vaccines should be vaccinated called Tdap;
• Adults should receive the vaccine against tetanus and diphtheria (Td) every 10 years. The vaccine may also be administered after exposure to bacteria tetanus organism. Td vaccination against tetanus, introduced earlier, once a 10 years, no negative effect on the body.

If you or your child has not been fully vaccinated, or time, Consult your doctor about catching tetanus.

In addition to vaccination, Tetanus can be prevented, properly caring for the wound:

• It is necessary to promptly clean the wound from dirt;
• Consult your doctor, to provide medical care for the treatment of wounds.