Tetanus by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free
Tetanus probably doesn't come to mind when you think of dreadful diseases, and you may not give tetanus injections much thought unless you step on a rusty nail. The symptoms of tetanus can be subtle and may not appear until several days after infection. People may mistake these symptoms for other less severe conditions, such as muscle strain. Yet, tetanus is one of the deadliest conditions on earth.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a severe bacterial infection that damages the neurological system. It causes tightening of neck and jaw muscles, which can make opening the mouth or swallowing difficult.
What is the source of tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium, which is present in dust, soil, and animal waste. The bacterium enters the body through a wound or cut, producing the tetanus toxin. The toxin affects the nerves, causing the life-threatening symptoms associated with tetanus.
How is tetanus contracted?
Tetanus can be contracted in different ways. Such ways include:
- Contamination of a wound with dirt or materials containing tetanus bacteria.
- Injury with contaminated blades, needles, and surgical instruments.
- Transmission from an infected mother to a child through the placenta, contaminated cervix, or direct contact with an open wound.
- The mother, who transmits the immunity to her newborn, can be protected against it by receiving an immunization for a few days after birth.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
Depending on the individual, tetanus symptoms might appear days to weeks after infection. The first sign is usually “lockjaw” or muscle spasms in the jaw. Other symptoms of tetanus include:
- Fever and sweating
- Widespread muscle stiffness and pain
- Seizures characterized by jerking or staring
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Sudden and involuntary muscle contractions often in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate, etc.
What are the complications of tetanus?
Tetanus can readily degenerate into serious complications or death if an infected person does not receive immediate care. Immediate complications include:
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Laryngospasm
- Breathing difficulty
In extreme circumstances, tetanus can also result in convulsions and respiratory collapse, which may lead to death.
How to prevent tetanus
Tetanus can be effectively prevented through vaccination. The recommended vaccine is the combination DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) or TdaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus.
Babies require three doses of DTaP, administered at ages two, four, and six months, followed by booster shots at ages 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years.
Preteens should receive a Tdap shot between 11 and 12 years old. Pregnant women should get a Tdap shot during the early third trimester to protect their baby from whooping cough. Adults who have never received the vaccine should get a Tdap shot, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every ten years.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment for tetanus varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. It usually involves a combination of therapies and medications, including antibiotics, to eliminate the bacteria from the body. These options include:
- Tetanus toxoid injection: The injection contains a treated form of the tetanus toxin, called tetanus toxoid, that serves as an emergency immune booster against the effects of tetanus toxin.
- Antibiotics: While tetanus toxoid nullifies the tetanus toxin, antibiotic treatment helps manage any secondary infections that can develop due to the wound. The type of infection and the patient's medical background will determine the appropriate antibiotic.
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- Wound dressing: Open wounds can be cleaned with moderate antiseptic or soap and water. Surgical debridement could be required if the wound contains dead tissues.
- Use of muscle relaxants: To alleviate the stiffness and spasms caused by tetanus, muscle relaxants can be administered. These medications work by reducing the severity of muscle spasms and decreasing the risk of fractures and other associated injuries.
- Supportive care: Tetanus patients need supportive care, which could involve giving oxygen and IV fluids and medications, food, water, and oxygen. If the situation worsens, the patient may need specialized care in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Vaccination can protect you from tetanus
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease contracted when the bacterium Clostridium tetani enters the body through cuts or wounds. The bacterium produces a toxin with deadly effects. The best approach to avoid tetanus is vaccination and maintaining good wound hygiene. Infected individuals should seek prompt medical care.
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