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Diphtheria manifests itself in several parts of the body and the symptoms depend on the site of the disease. Let us discuss the main manifestations :

1.Nasal Diphtheria

Nasal diphtheria is very much like common cold in the initial stages. However, as the disease incubates, the nasal discharge, that contains both mucus and pus, may contain some dried blood.
Nasal diphtheria is usually mild in nature and can be cured by antibiotics.


2.Pharyngeal and Tonsillar Diphtheria

Diphtheria is commonly caused in the pharynx and the tonsils.
Pharynx is part of the respiratory tracts extending from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus.

The symptoms intially include sore throat and/or a little bit of fever. In about 2-3 days a bluish white membrane starts growing over the tissues and start covering the tonsils and other soft parts in the neck/mouth. The membrane darkens in color gradually because of bleeding when attempts to remove the membrane are made.

If treatment is not sought within the first 2 to3 days, diphtheria may even prove fatal for the patient in about 7 to 10 days.


Laryngeal Diphtheria

Larynx is the throat. When diphtheria is present in the larynx the symptoms may include fever, hoarseness and a barking cough. The membrane can lead to airway obstruction, coma and death.

Skin Diphtheria

The skin diphtheria symptoms consist of rash or ulcers with clearly demarcated edge and membrane. The skin diphtheria is not serious.

Diphtheria may also occur in the mucous membranes of the eyes, auditory canal as well as the vulvo-vaginal area.