overview
Tetanus is a serious illness caused by a bacterial toxin that affects your nervous system and causes painful muscle contractions, especially the muscles of the jaw and neck. Tetanus can affect your breathing and can be life-threatening. Tetanus is commonly referred to as “tetanus”.
Thanks to the tetanus vaccine, tetanus cases are rare in the US and other parts of developed countries. However, the disease remains a threat to those who are not up to date on their vaccinations. It’s more common in developing countries. Lockjaw Treatment in warangal
symptoms
The signs and symptoms of tetanus appear anytime from a few days to several weeks after the tetanus bacteria invade your body through a wound. The average incubation period is seven to 10 days.
Common signs and symptoms of tetanus include:
- Cramps and stiffness of the jaw muscles (trismus)
- Stiff muscles in the neck
- difficulties swallowing
- Stiffness in your abs
- Painful body cramps that last several minutes and are usually caused by minor events such as drafts, loud noise, physical contact, or light
The reasons
Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by bacterial spores, Clostridium tetani, found in soil, dust, and animal feces. When the spores enter a deep flesh wound, they turn into bacteria that can produce a powerful toxin, tetanospasmin. The toxin affects the nerves that control your muscles (motor neurons). The toxin can cause muscle stiffness and cramps – the main signs and symptoms of tetanus. Lockjaw Treatment in warangal
Risk factors
The following things will increase your chances of getting tetanus:
- Don’t get vaccinated or keep up to date with tetanus booster shots
- An injury that leaves tetanus spores in the wound
- A foreign object like a nail or a splinter
- Tetanus cases have developed from the following factors:
- Puncture wounds – including splinters, piercings, tattoos, and injecting drugs
- Gunshot wounds
- Compound fractures
- Burns
- Surgical wounds
- Injection drug use
Complications
Once the tetanus toxin binds to your nerve endings, it is impossible to remove. Full recovery from a tetanus infection requires the growth of new nerve endings, which can take several months.
Complications of a tetanus infection can include:
- Broken bones. The severity of the cramps can cause the spine and other bones to tear.
- Obstruction of a pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism). A blood clot that has moved elsewhere in your body can block the main artery of the lungs or one of its branches.
- Dead. The severe muscle spasms caused by tetanus (tetanus) can affect or stop your breathing. Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death. Lack of oxygen can also lead to cardiac arrest and death. Another cause of death is pneumonia. Lockjaw Treatment in warangal
prevention
You can easily prevent tetanus by getting the vaccine.
The primary series of vaccines
The tetanus vaccine is usually given to children as part of the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. This vaccination provides protection against three diseases: infection of the throat and respiratory tract (diphtheria), whooping cough (whooping cough), and tetanus. Lockjaw Treatment in warangal
The DTaP vaccine consists of a series of five injections that are usually given to the arm or thigh in older children:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15-18 months
- 4 to 6 years