What is Tetanus?

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani. It is commonly known as lockjaw because one of the most common and dangerous symptoms of this infection is muscle spasms in the jaw that can prevent the person from being able to open their mouth. The bacteria lives in the environment and is most commonly transmitted through cuts and punctures involving rusty nails and contaminated soils. Tetanus can be dangerous for people of all ages and can lead to death if left untreated.

Signs and Symptoms

The onset of signs and symptoms of tetanus usually occur within three to twenty-one days after infection but can take longer in some cases. The most well-known symptom of tetanus is the tightness of the jaw and difficulty opening the mouth due to muscle spasms. This lockjaw is usually accompanied by difficulty swallowing, headache, fever, and disturbed sleep. Other symptoms may include sweating, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. As the disease progresses, other muscle spasms may occur, usually in the abdominal and the back muscles. These spasms can be so severe that the person may have fractures or dislocations of the spine, and these spasms can be very painful.

Treatment

Tetanus is treated with antibiotics and a tetanus toxoid vaccine to help prevent reinfection. Hospitalization is often necessary because these muscle spasms can make breathing difficult. To ease the muscle spasms, sedatives and muscle relaxants are sometimes prescribed and an intravenous line may be needed to provide medications and fluids. Tetanus patient may need oxygen and in some cases, mechanical ventilation if breathing problems persist. Once the person is recovering, physical therapy may be recommended to help with muscle strength and coordination.

Summing up

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani. It is commonly known as lockjaw because one of the most common and dangerous symptoms is muscle spasms in the jaw. Other signs and symptoms include difficulty swallowing, headache, fever, sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure, body temperature, and severe muscle spasms. Treatment usually includes antibiotics, tetanus toxoid vaccine, sedatives and muscle relaxants, an intravenous line to provide medications and fluids, and physical therapy once the person is recovering. Without treatment, tetanus can be fatal. Therefore it is necessary to be tested and vaccinated regularly to help prevent infection from occurring in the first place.