Diphtheria: Treatment

How is diphtheria diagnosed?

Diphtheria is diagnosed based on symptoms and laboratory tests.

What is the treatment?

Diphtheria is treated with antibiotics as well as with a diphtheria antitoxin. The antitoxin is given to fight the toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria.

Even with treatment, diphtheria can be fatal in 1 in 10 cases. Diphtheria is especially dangerous for young children.