Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease which is developed by Clostridium tetani called bacteria. It is also known as tetanus toxin or lockjaw. The disease is transmitting the body by contaminated wounds.

At the time of birth, if the umbilical cord is cut with unsterile instruments, tetanus is associated. It can be developed in case of the tetanus toxoid vaccine is not taken by the mothers during pregnancy.

The signs and symptoms of the disease are mainly occurred after 2-14 days. It is mainly found in newborn babies and young adults. Firstly, muscles of the face, neck and jaw are affected by this disease. It is occurred during the warmer months or in the warmer climates. It is not spreading from one person to another person.

Causes

Tetanus is associated by growing of harmful protein, named as toxin (tetanospasmin). Babies who develop an immune, to protect against the disease.

Signs and symptoms

The main signs of the disease are severe pain of the muscles. People, who have tetanus, may experience difficulty swallowing, irritability, headache, restlessness and neck stiffness.

Other signs and symptoms of tetanus include:

• Fever
• Excessive sweating
• Contraction of facial muscles
• Stiffness of jaw
• Painful muscle spasms

Diagnosis

The medical history and physical examination will be recommended by the health care providers to diagnosis the disease.

When to consult the health care providers

If parents have seen any symptoms of Tetanus, consult the health care providers immediately. Parents must call the doctor in case of deep or puncture the wound by child.

Treatment

The types of treatment depend on the causes and symptoms of tetanus. Immune globulin is effective to fight against the disease. In some cases, antimicrobial medicines such as penicillin are used to reduce the risks of tetanus. It can be treated through a course of tetanus antitoxin injections, cleaning of the wound, a tracheostomy and medications.

DT or Td is also useful for patients who are more than six weeks. But there are some side effects of DT or Td such as hives, swallowing, problems in breathing and reddening of skin.

Specific treatment which is based on the following will be determined by the health care providers:

• Baby’s tolerance for therapies, medications or procedures.
• Baby’s age, medical history and overall health.
• Course of the tetanus

Prevention of Tetanus

A DTaP vaccine is given to prevent the disease during childhood in the United States. DT or Td is not recommended under the age of six weeks. It can be given in three doses for every four weeks to babies, who are more than six weeks.There are some reactions to DTaP vaccine such as excessive fatigue, fussiness, fever, sore leg or arm and vomiting.

Patient should clean the contaminated wound with soil, feces or saliva.