Diphtheria Prevention Tips

What is it?


Diphtheria is an acute and highly contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat.

Who gets it?

Children under 5 years old and adults over 60 are particularly at risk for contracting diphtheria, as are those living in crowded or unsanitary conditions, the undernourished, and children and adults who do not have up-to-date immunizations.

Diphtheria is rare in the United States and Europe, where health officials have been immunizing children against it for decades. However, it is still common in developing countries where immunizations are not given routinely.

What causes it?

The toxin, or poison, caused by the bacteria can lead to a thick coating in the nose, throat, or airway. This coating is usually fuzzy gray or black and can cause breathing problems and difficulty in swallowing.

What are the symptoms?

In its early stages, diphtheria can be mistaken for a bad sore throat. A low-grade fever and swollen neck glands are the other early symptoms.

In more advanced stages, the patient may have difficulty breathing or swallowing, complain of double vision, have slurred speech, or even show signs of going into shock (pale, cold skin; rapid heartbeat; sweating; and an anxious appearance).

How is it diagnosed?

Children and adults with diphtheria are treated in a hospital.

After a doctor confirms the diagnosis through throat culture and blood counts, the infected person receives a special anti-toxin to neutralize the diphtheria toxin already circulating in the body, as well as antibiotics to kill the remaining diphtheria bacteria. The anti-toxin is given through injections or intravenously. The patient is closely watched while the anti-toxins are given because the solution, which is made from horse serum (blood), may cause an allergic reaction.

What is the treatment?

If the infection is advanced, patients may need mechanical assistance to breathe. In cases where the toxins may have spread to the heart, kidneys, or central nervous system, patients may need intravenous fluids, oxygen, or cardiac medications.

The patient must be isolated. Family members who have not been immunized, or who are very young or elderly, must be protected from contact with the patient.

Your child's doctor will notify the local health department and will take steps to treat everyone in the household who may have been exposed to the bacteria. This will include assessment of immune status, throat cultures, and booster doses of diphtheria vaccine. They will also receive antibiotics as a precaution.

Self Care Tips

Preventing diphtheria depends almost completely on immunizing children with the combined diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP or DTaP) vaccine and non-immunized adults with the diphtheria/tetanus vaccine (DT). Most cases of diphtheria occur in people who haven't received the vaccine at all or haven't received the entire course.

The immunization schedule calls for DTP or DTaP vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with booster doses given at 12 to 18 months and then at 4 to 6 years. Booster shots should be given every 10 years after that to maintain protection.

Diabetes Health Tips

Diabetes - General Information

Artificial Pancreas Safe, Effective in Early Study

An "artificial pancreas" designed to deliver the key blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin to diabetic patients without the need for injections has been found safe and effective in a preliminary study with ten patients.

The device is an insulin reservoir, implanted in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity and connected to a sensor implanted in the jugular vein. The reservoir requires insulin refills every month or so. When the sensor detects an increase in blood glucose, the reservoir delivers the required amount of insulin.



Blood Glucose Testing

Most insurances now pay for diabetics to have blood glucose monitoring equipment in the home. Keeping the machines clean and in good working order are vital for accurate results. Follow the manufacturers' instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance.



Blood Glucose Testing Tip

Be sure hands are clean before performing the test, but don't use alcohol to cleanse your fingertip. It's drying and may cause fingertips to crack. Wash hands with a mild antibacterial soap like Dial.



Diabetes Test After Heart Attack Shows Future Risk

Testing patients who have had heart attacks for signs of diabetes before they leave the hospital may identify those with the highest risk of future heart attacks. Many people hospitalized for a heart attack have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes, a term coined to describe the millions of overweight and obese people who have blood sugar levels suggesting an elevated risk of full-blown diabetes. Medications, exercise and diet changes, all of which can restore normal glucose levels, may reduce the risk of heart attacks in patients who have already had a heart attack.



Diabetic Dental Care

Immaculate mouth care is a must. Diabetics are much more prone to gum disease. More frequent dental visits may be needed and careful brushing and flossing are a necessity. Avoid ill-fitting dentures that may cause mouth sores.



Diabetic Eye Care

If you're a diabetic, regular visits to your eye care professional are a must to prevent problems that could lead to blindness.



Diabetic Foot Care Tips

* Take the pressure off your feet by losing weight if you are obese.

* Inspect your feet at least once per day. If you can't see well, ask someone to do it for you.

* Wash feet with mild soap and lukewarm water daily.

* Wear white cotton socks rather than synthetic ones with dyes.

* Don't go barefoot or wear ill-fitting shoes.

* See a podiatrist regularly for toenail trims and other routine maintenance.



Diabetics Are Prone to Foot Problems

Diabetics have decreased sensation and circulation in their feet making them prone to foot infections/wounds that could eventually lead to amputation.



Drug Could Delay Diabetes

Acarbose, a drug that blocks the digestion of starch, could prevent or delay the development of the most common form of diabetes in those with slightly high blood sugar.



Exercises to Avoid

Diabetics should avoid exercises that involve pushing or pulling heavy objects and lifting weights. Blood sugar levels and blood pressure are raised during this kind of exercise.



FDA Approves New Sweetener Neotame

A non-nutritive sweetener said to be 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be marketed as an additive in candies, soft drinks and various other products.

Like other familiar sweeteners, Neotame is a white crystalline powder that dissolves in water. It is made by Monsanto, which also makes NutraSweet's sweetener Equal. Neotame is approved for use in baked goods, nonalcoholic beverages, chewing gum, confections, frozen desserts, gelatins and puddings, jams, jellies, fruit, juices, toppings and syrups.

The FDA declared the product to be safe for consumption after reviewing more than 113 animal and human studies, some of which looked at any possible links with cancer-causing or neurological side effects.


Inhaled Insulin

Inhaled insulin may soon offer an alternative to needles for people with diabetes.

Novo Nordisk, a Denmark-based company, has ongoing clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of an electronic pulmonary insulin system. They say it may be available in the United States and Europe within a few years.

This is the first electronic pulmonary insulin system currently being tested in clinical trials. It works by converting a special liquid insulin into aerosol particles, which are inhaled into the lungs.

Regular Exercise Is a Must

Exercise is extremely important for diabetics as it strengthens the cardiovascular system, increases circulation to the arms and legs and helps control blood sugar levels. Walking, jogging, rowing and swimming are best.

Shoes for Diabetics

* Avoid plastic shoes and waterproof shoes. They encourage perspiration and fungal growth.

* Avoid tight or unventilated footwear.

* Don't wear boots all day.

* Choose cotton or leather shoes.

* Wear sandals as much as possible in the summer.

* Don't wear the same shoes two days in a row.

* Air shoes in the sun to inhibit fungal growth.


Small, Frequent Meals

Diabetics should follow their American Diabetic Association diet and eat small meals more frequently such as three small meals with one or two healthful snacks between meals. This helps maintain a more stable blood sugar level.

Treatment of Hyperglycemia

Some symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are: excessive urination, weight loss, excessive hunger and thirst. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

Some symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are: cool, clammy skin, numbness of the mouth, a fluttering in your chest, hunger and feeling faint. Emergency treatment includes ingesting something containing sugar like orange juice, a candy bar, or sugared soda pop. Follow that with some cheese or peanut butter crackers to sustain your blood sugar level.
What's an Exchange?

In an exchange diet, foods that are similar are grouped together. Serving sizes are well defined so that each will have the same amount of carbohydrate, fat, and protein as any other. Foods can be "exchanged" or traded with others in a category while still meeting the desired overall goals. Exchanges can be applied to most any eating situation and may make it easier to follow a prescribed diet. For example, if a nutrition plan calls for one starch exchange a person could choose 1/2 cup of cooked pasta, OR one slice of bread, OR a small (3 oz.) baked potato.

Rest

Having diarrhea for more than a couple of days can be very exhausting. If you have lost a lot of fluid you are bound to feel very tired and weak. So it's very important to let your body rest when you can.


Ask family and friends to help you with things like cooking, cleaning the house, shopping and collecting the kids from school. They really won’t mind so don’t be afraid to ask. It’s important you get all the help and rest you need.

Being prepared when you go out

One of the hardest things about having diarrhea is that it can sometimes happen so suddenly. You will probably want to be close to a toilet at all times to avoid accidents.

 

If an accident does happen it is very natural to feel embarrassed and upset, even if no one else knows about it. You may worry that people will smell it. This is very hard to cope with so try not to be too hard on yourself. Your close family and friends will understand and will only want to make things as easy as possible for you.

 

To avoid accidents when you go out, you can help to prepare yourself

 

• Know exactly where the toilets are in the place you are going
• Don’t go on long car, train or bus trips
• Take spare underwear, pads, soothing creams and a plastic bag with you, just in case. You can always rinse out underwear you have on in the bathroom sink and put it in the bag to take home. No one needs to know about this
• Wearing a pad can help protect your underwear and make you feel a bit safer
• If you have a colostomy take a spare colostomy bag with you. There are products on the market that can help mask the smell from a colostomy so ask your stoma nurse about these.

 

And also when you are at home, try to

 

• Protect your mattress - put a large pad or towel on your bed if you are worried about having an accident during the night
• Leave a night light on near your bed, in the hallway and bathroom so that you can see where you are going and get to the toilet quickly

 

There are disposable waterproof bed pads on the market that are made for toddlers during toilet training. These can be very handy and help you to feel more secure. You can buy these in supermarkets. Or your nurse may be able to give you some from the hospital, as they use a similar product.

 

If you aren’t able to move quickly, you may feel safer with a commode by the bed. Your nurse can help you arrange to borrow a commode for as long as you need it.

 

Even if it is embarrassing, it is important to let your doctor know if you are having accidents. They may be able to change your anti-diarrhoeal drugs

Looking after the skin around your anus

Looking after the skin around your anus


The skin around your back passage (anus) can become very sore and may even break down if you are having severe diarrhea.

These tips may help

Use unscented baby wipes instead of toilet paper to wipe yourself after you’ve been to the toilet

Have a warm bath to help soothe pain and help with healing. Do this a few times a day if necessary

Pat the area dry with a soft towel after a shower or bath - don’t rub

Ask your doctor or nurse about soothing creams to apply around your anus

Avoid wearing tight trousers or underwear

Cotton underwear will help to keep the area ventilated – nylon can make you sweat and cause even more soreness

Drinking plenty

You lose a lot of fluid if you have diarrhea so it is important to replace this to prevent dehydration. Drink as often as you can, even if it is just small sips. And avoid alcoholic drinks, as they make you lose fluid, rather than replacing it.


The best types of fluids to drink include

Water

Herbal teas

Clear soups

Non fizzy drinks

Electrolyte replacement drinks such as Dioralyte

Soy milk

Managing your diet

Although it is usually better for us to eat a diet high in fiber, this makes diarrhea worse. So if you have diarrhea you will need to break the rules for a while and eat foods that don’t contain too much fiber. It’s best to check with your doctor how long you should do this for.


Foods high in fiber include

High fiber cereals such as bran

Wholegrain breads

Dried and fresh fruit

Nuts

Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and beans

Other foods that tend to make diarrhea worse include

Greasy, fatty and fried foods

Foods with caffeine in them – chocolate and coffee

Dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, butter and cream

Some foods tend to make your stools firmer so try these instead

Rice and pasta

Potatoes without the skin

Dry cracker biscuits

Baked foods

White bread

Pretzels

Bananas

Chicken, beef or fish

Avoid pickled and spicy foods as these irritate the digestive tract and can make diarrhea worse. Eating several small meals a day instead of 3 large ones can help you feel less bloated.