# Is diphtheria a serious illness? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-diphtheria-a-serious-illness Language: en Category: infectious Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.471Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.471Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/is-diphtheria-a-serious-illness Yes, diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can be caused by certain strains of *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* bacteria that produce toxins. These toxins are responsible for the severe effects of the disease, as they can kill healthy tissue and cause life-threatening health problems. Diphtheria is typically spread through respiratory droplets from the coughing or sneezing of an infected person, or through contact with objects contaminated with the bacteria. Diphtheria most commonly affects the nose and throat, but it can also affect the skin and other parts of the body [\[1\]](). ## What are the types of diphtheria? There are mainly two types of diphtheria: - **Respiratory diphtheria:** This is the most serious form and occurs when toxin-producing bacteria infect the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). This infection can cause a tough, fiber-like gray-to-black membrane in the throat that can obstruct the airway [\[3\]](). - **Cutaneous (skin) diphtheria:** This occurs when the diphtheria toxin-producing bacteria infect the skin, causing skin ulcers [\[2\]](). ## Symptoms and complications of diphtheria Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria differ from those of cutaneous diphtheria. In general, symptoms of diphtheria may include a sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, fever, and weakness [\[1\]](). In cases of respiratory diphtheria, symptoms may appear such as fever and chills, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a barking cough, excessive drooling (indicating a potential airway obstruction), bluish skin discoloration, and breathing difficulties, including rapid breathing and a high-pitched breathing sound (stridor) [\[3\]](). The danger of diphtheria lies in the complications that can be caused by the bacterial toxins. These toxins can spread through the bloodstream to other organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, causing damage. One of the most common complications is myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), and the nervous system is also frequently and seriously affected, which can lead to temporary paralysis. Diphtheria can be mild or severe, and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, the condition can deteriorate slowly, and death is possible, especially when the disease affects the heart [\[3\]](). ## Prevention and treatment The best way to prevent diphtheria is by receiving the recommended vaccination [\[2\]](). The Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DPT) vaccine prevents diphtheria, but protection does not last forever. Children need a booster dose around age 12, and adults should receive a booster dose every 10 years [\[1\]](). If a doctor suspects you have diphtheria, treatment will be started immediately even before laboratory test results are available. Treatment usually includes diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. The antitoxin stops the toxin from causing further damage to the body, while antibiotics kill the bacteria and eliminate them [\[2\]](). ## When should you seek medical help? If you believe you have been exposed to someone with diphtheria, or if you develop symptoms suggestive of diphtheria, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately [\[3\]](). It is very important to receive treatment quickly. In cases of respiratory diphtheria, symptoms such as difficulty breathing or excessive drooling may be signs of an imminent airway obstruction and require emergency medical care [\[3\]](). For more information about diphtheria and its prevention, you can visit [Diphtheria: A Serious Bacterial Disease and Prevention via Vaccination (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Diphtheria]() - [About Diphtheria]() - [Diphtheria]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-diphtheria-a-serious-illness#answer