Description

Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. The disease causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and the muscles of the neck. Tetanus is a disease commonly known as " lockjaw."

Severe complications of tetanus can be fatal. There is No cure for tetanus. The treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve.

Due to the widespread use of the vaccine, cases of tetanus are rare in the united States and other parts of the developed world. The disease remains a threat to people that are not up to date on their vaccines. It is more common in developing countries.

Symptoms

The average time from infection to the onset of signs and symptoms (incubation period) is 10 days. The incubation period may vary from 3 to 21 days.

The most common type of tetanus is called generalized tetanus. The signs and symptoms start gradually, and then get progressively worse over two weeks. Usually, the jaw, and the progress down in the body.

The signs and symptoms of generalized tetanus include:

  • Painful muscle spasms and rigid, immobile muscle (muscle stiffness) in your jaw
  • The tension of the muscles around your lips, sometimes producing a persistent grin
  • Painful spasms and stiffness in the muscles of the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Rigid abdominal muscles

The progression of tetanus results in repeated painful, seizure-like spasms that last for several minutes (generalized spasms). Generally, the neck and the back arched, the legs become rigid, the arms are drawn up to the body, and the fists are closed. Stiffness of the muscles in the neck and the abdomen can cause difficulty breathing.

These severe spasms can be triggered by minor events that stimulate the senses — a loud sound, a physical contact, a project, or of the light.

As the disease progresses, other signs and symptoms may include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Low blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fever
  • Extreme sweating

Localized tetanus

Of this rare form of tetanus results in muscle spasms near the site of the wound. While that is generally a less severe form of the disease, which may progress to generalized tetanus.

Cephalic tetanus

This rare form of tetanus results from a wound in the head. This results in the weakening of the muscles of the face and the spasms of the muscles of the jaw. You can also progress to generalized tetanus.

When to see a doctor

Tetanus is a potentially deadly disease. If you have signs or symptoms of tetanus, seek emergency medical attention.

If you have a simple, clean the wound and has had a tetanus shot within 10 years — you can take care of your wound at home.

Seek medical attention in the following cases:

  • You have not had a tetanus shot within 10 years.
  • You are sure when was the last time you had a tetanus shot.
  • You have a puncture wound, a foreign object in the wound, an animal bite or a deep cut.
  • Your wound is contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, oxidation, or saliva, or have any questions about if you have cleaned the wound enough after such an exposure. Contaminated wounds require a booster dose if it has been five or more years since the last tetanus shot.

Causes

The bacteria that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. The bacteria can survive in a dormant state in the soil and in the feces of animals. Essentially, it is shut down until you discover a place to thrive.

When the dormant bacteria enter a wound — a good condition for the growth of the cells are "awakened." As they grow and divide, they release a toxin called tetanospasmin. The toxin affects nerves in the body that control the muscles.

Risk factors

The greatest risk factor for infection with tetanus is not vaccinated, or not keeping up to date with the 10-year booster shots.

Other factors that increase the risk of tetanus infection are:

  • Cuts or wounds exposed to the soil or manure
  • A foreign body in the wound, such as a nail or splinter
  • A history of immuno-suppression, medical conditions
  • Infected skin lesions in people living with diabetes
  • An infected umbilical cord when the mother is not fully immunized
  • Shared and non-health of the needles for the use of illegal drugs

Complications

Complications of tetanus infection may include:

  • Breathing problems. Life-threatening breathing problems may occur tightening of the vocal cords and of the stiffness of the muscles in the neck and the abdomen, especially during a spasm widespread.
  • The blockage of a lung artery (pulmonary embolism). A blood clot that has traveled from other parts of your body can block the main artery of the lung or one of its branches.
  • Pneumonia. A lung infection caused by the accidental inhalation of something in the lungs (aspiration pneumonia) may be a complication of generalized spasms.
  • Broken bones. Generalized spasms can cause fractures of the spine and other bones.
  • Death. Death by tetanus is often caused by an obstruction of the airway during spasms or damage to the nerves that regulate breathing, heart rate, or other functions of the organs.

Prevention

You can prevent the disease by vaccination.

Vaccination for children

The tetanus vaccine is given to children as part of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine acellular (DTaP). Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection of the nose and throat. The acellular pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

Children who do not tolerate the vaccine against whooping cough, you may receive the alternative of the vaccine, called DT.

The DTaP vaccine is a series of five shots are usually given in the arm or the thigh to the children at the ages:

  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 15 to 18 months
  • 4 to 6 years

Vaccination for children aged 7 to 18

A booster dose of the vaccine is recommended for children at age 11 or 12. With this reinforcement is called the the Tdap vaccine. If your child does not receive a booster vaccine as of this age, talk with your doctor about the appropriate options.

Vaccination for adults 19 years of age and older

A booster dose of the vaccine is recommended for adults every 10 years. This may be one of the two vaccines, Tdap, or Td. If you were not vaccinated against tetanus as a child, or you are not sure about their vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine.

Vaccination during pregnancy

A booster dose is recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy, irrespective of the mother, the timing of vaccination.

Other recommendations

  • Ask your doctor to check your vaccination status on a regular basis.
  • Check to see if you are current on their vaccination schedule if you are planning an international trip.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose tetanus based on a physical examination, medical and vaccination history, and the signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, muscle stiffness and pain. A laboratory test that could be used only if your doctor suspects the presence of other conditions that cause the signs and symptoms.

Treatment

A vaccine against the infection requires emergency and long-term care support, while the disease runs its course, often in an intensive care unit. None of wound care and the health care team will ensure that the ability to breathe is protected. Drugs are given to relieve symptoms, the goal of the bacteria, the aim of the toxin produced by the bacteria and stimulate the immune system's response.

The disease progresses for about two weeks, and the recovery can last about a month.

Wound care

The care of your wound needs cleaning to remove dirt, debris or foreign objects which may be carriers of bacteria. Your health care team can also clear the wound of any dead tissue that could provide an environment in which bacteria can grow.

Drugs

  • The antitoxin therapy is used to target the toxins that have not been attacked to the tissues of the nerves. This treatment, called passive immunization, is a human antibody to the toxin.
  • The sedatives that decrease the function of the nervous system can help to control muscle spasms.
  • Vaccination with one of the standard vaccination against tetanus helps your immune system to combat the toxins.
  • Antibiotics , either by mouth or by injection can help to combat the tetanus bacteria.
  • Other drugs. Other medications may be used to regulate involuntary muscle activity, such as the beating of his heart and breathing. Morphine can be used for this purpose, as well as for sedation.

Supportive therapies

Supportive therapies include treatments to make sure that their airway is clear and to provide respiratory assistance. A feeding tube in the stomach is used to provide nutrients. The care environment is designed to reduce the sound, light or other possible triggers of the generalized spasms.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Proper wound care is important for any cut or wound. Seek medical attention if you have an injury, a deep cut, an animal bite, a foreign object in the wound, a wound contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, oxidation, or saliva.

If you are not sure when was the last time you had a tetanus vaccine, seek medical attention. Contaminated, or more serious injuries require a booster dose if it has been five or more years since the last tetanus shot.

If you have a minor wound, these steps will help prevent infections:

  • The Control of bleeding. Apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding.
  • Clean the wound. After the bleeding stops, rinse the wound with a saline solution, bottled water or clean drinking water.
  • The use of antibiotics. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream or ointment to discourage the growth of bacteria and infection.
  • Cover the wound. Bandages to keep the wound clean and free from harmful bacteria out. Keep the wound covered until they form a crust. If you do not clean the wound thoroughly, do not cover it and instead seek medical attention.
  • Change the dressing. Rinse the wound, apply an antibiotic ointment, and replace the dressing at least once a day or every time the dressing becomes wet or dirty.
  • Manage adverse reactions. If the antibiotic causes a rash, stop using it. If you are allergic to the adhesive used in most bandages, switch, adhesive-free dressings or sterile gauze and paper tape.
Symptoms and treatment of Tetanus