Signs and symptoms
... Signs and symptoms of diphtheria may include: A sore throat and hoarseness Painful swallowing Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in your neck A thick, gray membrane covering your throat and tonsils...

Causes
... The bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes diphtheria. Usually the bacteria multiply on or near the surface of the mucous membranes of the throat, where they cause inflammation. Some types of C....

Risk factors
... Children younger than 5 years old and adults older than 60 are particularly at risk of contracting diphtheria, as are: People living in crowded or unsanitary conditions Undernourished people Children ...

When to seek medical advice
... Call your family doctor immediately if you or your child has signs or symptoms of diphtheria or if anyone in your family is exposed to diphtheria. If you''re not sure if your child has been vaccinated...

Screening and diagnosis
... Doctors may suspect diphtheria in a sick child who has a sore throat with a gray membrane covering the tonsils and throat. Doctors confirm the diagnosis by taking a sample of the membrane from the chi...