TETANUS (LOCKJAW) INFECTION

Overview and Facts

Tetanus (lockjaw) infection is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. These bacteria release a toxin that causes painful muscular spasms when they enter the body. The spores may enter the body via damaged skin, commonly caused by traumas. When a person has tetanus infection, their neck and jaw muscles often lock, making it difficult to open their mouths or swallow.

Moreover, tetanus (lockjaw) infection may be life-threatening and has no known treatment. Treatment focuses on symptom management and consequences until the tetanus toxin’s effects wear off. Countries that are not current on their immunisations continue to be at risk from this illness. Tetanus is more prevalent in underdeveloped nations. In addition, tetanus cannot be passed to another individual, unlike other vaccine-preventable infections.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

In tetanus (lockjaw) infection, signs and symptoms gradually progress in two weeks. They normally begin at the jaw and work their way down the body.
The following are the signs and symptoms of tetanus:

  • Headache
  • Seizures
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Painful muscle tightness throughout the body
  • Muscle spasms can occur suddenly and without warning
  • Jaw cramping

Other symptoms that may appear as the illness progresses include:

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

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Doctors may identify tetanus (lockjaw) infection by asking about recent trauma, wounds, scrapes, and punctures and looking for specific symptoms and indications. The presence of tetanus cannot be verified by hospital lab testing.

TREATMENT

The treatment for tetanus (lockjaw) infection relies on how bad the infection is. But if you have tetanus, you must see a doctor right away. Your doctor may use the following method to treat tetanus:

  • Wound care: Your doctor may have to do surgery to clean your wound and get rid of the source of the poison.
  • Medication: Your doctor or nurse will give you different medicines to treat tetanus.
  • Bed rest: Your physician may propose a tranquil atmosphere with dim lighting and low noise. Bright lights and loud noises can cause muscle cramps.
  • Breathing assistance: If necessary, your provider will offer oxygen. The air will come through a breathing tube or a machine that helps you breathe.
  • Tetanus antitoxin (TIG): It aids in toxin removal in certain cases.

Vaccination and muscle spasm-controlling medications may also be prescribed.

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