Can You Have Tetanus and Not Know It

• Definition
  • What is tetanus?
• Symptoms
  • Signs and symptoms of tetanus
• Causes
  • Causes of tetanus
• When to See the Doctor
  • When to see the medico for tetanus
• Diagnosis
  • Diagnosis for tetanus
• Treatment
  • Treatments for tetanus
• Center
  • What Are the Warning Signs of Tetanus? Center

What is tetanus?

Warning signs of tetanus may include headache, increased blood force per unit area, stiff jaw, difficulty swallowing, and body spasms.

Sometimes referred to as lockjaw, tetanus is a severe disease that prompts painful muscle contractions. These tin lead to the tightening of the jaw. The disease can as well cause several other painful symptoms and, in some cases, may prove life-threatening.

Historic records reveal that people suffered the signature symptoms of tetanus thousands of years ago. People have feared the affliction throughout history, although its not-catching nature removed much of the social stigma associated with other illnesses.

With an average of 30 cases per twelvemonth in the United states of america, tetanus is now rare. This represents a huge accomplishment, largely thanks to the tetanus vaccine.

Although tetanus is currently uncommon, it has not been entirely eradicated. These days, it is well-nigh probable to develop in unvaccinated individuals or those who don't receive booster shots every 10 years.

Without proper vaccination, the condition tin be a big threat. Because it's rare, many people are completely unaware of the warning signs. Given the severity of the illness, information technology'due south important to take hold of the symptoms early.

Signs and symptoms of tetanus

A variety of alert signs may signal the evolution of tetanus. It'due south of import to scout for early problems, every bit the severe symptoms that develop afterward on can be painful, emotionally distressing, and difficult to treat.

Headache

One of the earliest signs of tetanus and the easiest to miss, headaches may be surprising in their severity. Some patients describe sensations alike to "tightening of the whole head".

Increased blood pressure level

Tetanus can lead to sudden increases in blood pressure, even in people who normally do not have hypertension. This symptom may be accompanied by a higher than usual heart rate.

Stiff jaw

The term "lockjaw" references the almost notable symptom of tetanus: stiffness of the jaw muscles. In some people, this stiffness may also extend to the cervix or even abdominal muscles.

Difficulty swallowing

The stiffness you experience in the jaw and neck may brand information technology difficult for you to eat properly if yous accept tetanus. Muscle spasms may besides contribute to issues with swallowing.

Also known equally dysphagia, this condition can be life-threatening, as the swallowing difficulty tin lead to choking.

Torso spasms

Often, tetanus causes painful, involuntary muscle spasms. These last for several minutes and can exist triggered past a multifariousness of factors, including bright lights, loud noises, or physical touch.

Tetanus-induced muscle spasms in the back may atomic number 82 to a type of arching known as opisthotonus. In some cases, muscle spasms may exist severe enough to cause ruptured muscles or os fractures.

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Causes of tetanus

Tetanus forms due to the clostridium bacteria, which lives in soil or dust and enters the homo torso through breaks in the skin. Common scenarios that pb to the development of tetanus include:

Puncture wounds

When many people hear the term "tetanus," they immediately motion picture the painful scenario of stepping on a blast. This is only one type of puncture wound that tin increment the likelihood of developing the affliction. Deep wounds may not always bleed, just they can be amid the most dangerous as they increase the gamble of infection.

Superficial wounds

Wounds exercise non need to exist deep to allow spores from the clostridium bacteria to enter the trunk. This tin also occur with superficial wounds such as small cuts and scrapes.

Injections

Although rare, tetanus can occur following some types of injections. Examples include intravenous (4) drug use and intramuscular injections.

Whatsoever other circumstances that lead to a break in the skin could increase the likelihood of suffering tetanus. Other examples include:

• Insect bites
• Chronic sores
• Compound fractures
• Surgical procedures

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When to encounter the doctor for tetanus

Prompt handling is critical as presently as yous suspect that you may exist at risk of developing tetanus.

If you have an injury that breaks the peel and haven't received the tetanus vaccine or a booster within the past 5 years, seek medical attention. If you don't remember when you had your last shot, you lot should come across a md to be safe. A proactive approach could save you lot considerable suffering.

If yous have any of the symptoms or injuries referenced above and don't have proper immunization, be certain to contact a md as soon equally possible.

Diagnosis for tetanus

Lab tests are rarely effective for diagnosing tetanus. Instead, your medico will examine your immunization history and look for physical signs, like muscle stiffness or spasms.

Treatments for tetanus

While there is no permanent cure for tetanus, the disease tin can be managed with a diverseness of treatments. First, it is important to receive the vaccine—even after existence exposed to the illness.

Tetanus antitoxins can take intendance of tetanus toxins that accept not yet bonded to nerve tissue. You tin also fight the bacteria responsible for the illness with antibiotics.

Drugs such equally beta blockers or magnesium sulfate may help to control breathing, heartbeat, muscle spasms, and other functions damaged by tetanus.

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References

Register of Nutrition and Metabolism: "Pediatric Dysphagia: Physiology, Assessment, and Direction."

Cedars-Sinai: "Tetanus."

Centers for Illness Command and Prevention: "Well-nigh Tetanus."

Centers for Illness Control and Prevention: "Almost Tetanus: Causes and Manual."

Clinical Example Reports: "A Case of Atraumatic Tetanus Developed Initially With Worsening Headache in a Woman Regularly Cared for Chronic Headache at an Outpatient Clinic."

Critical Care: "Pharmacological management of tetanus: an evidence-based review."

Harvard Health Publishing: "Tetanus - What Is It?"

Miami University Journeys Into the By: "Medicine and Disease in History - Tetanus"

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Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_warning_signs_of_tetanus/article.htm

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