Tetanus: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that causes stiffness in a person's muscles. It is also known as lockjaw as in some cases it can lead to stiffness of the jaw. It is caused by the bacterium 'Clostridium Tetani'. The main affected areas are the jaws, neck but soon the stiffness may spread to other parts of the body. Let’s discuss the topic, its causes, treatment, prevention, and some important questions on it. 

• This disease mainly affects the nervous system as the bacterium 'Clostridium tetani' produces nerve toxins.
• The bacteria are mainly found in the soil and digestive tract of animals.
• The bacteria enter the human body through a small cut or wound when the hurt person comes in contact with the contaminated matter.
• It then enters the body and produces toxin chemicals. 

Keywords: Tetanus, Clostridium Tetani, Fever, Pain, Headache, Tetanus injection, Diazepam, Toxin, Nervous system, Bacteria

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What is Tetanus?

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Tetanus is caused by the bacterium 'Clostridium Tetani'. The bacteria are found in the soil or in the digestive tract and discharge of the animals. These bacteria can remain inactive in the soil for up to 40 years. Spores are also found on the body of the bacteria. When the bacteria enters the body, it starts multiplying through the spores and grows rapidly. The bacteria enter the body and produce nerve toxins. The messages from the spinal cord are blocked from reaching the muscles by the nerve toxins.

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Causes of Tetanus

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Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium 'Clostridium Tetani'. The main pathways through which the bacteria can enter a person's body are:

• Open wounds which get exposed to contaminated matter like soil, dust, etc.
• Animal and Insect Bites.
• Injuries from tattoos, piercings, injections, or any other needle.
• Compound Fractures
• Dental Infections

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Symptoms of Tetanus

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Tetanus generally starts as a stiffness in the jaw, thus it is also known as lockjaw. The stiffness then spreads to the other parts including facial muscles, neck, back, abdomen, etc. In some cases, it can also lead to difficulty in breathing as sometimes the muscles in the respiratory system also get affected due to stiffness. The main symptoms include:

• Stiffness in the muscles
• High Fever
• Headache
• Restlessness
• High Blood Pressure
• Shortness of Breath
• Sweating

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Treatment of Tetanus

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There is no specific treatment for tetanus. However, the symptoms can be controlled using different treatments. The treatment of tetanus depends on the severity of the symptoms. Most of the cases can be treated with therapy and medication. Some of the most common treatments are:

• Mild Tetanus can be treated using Tetanus immunoglobulin. It is using intravenous therapy or intramuscular injection. Antibiotics are also given to reduce toxin production. Metronidazole intravenous, Benzodiazepines, Diazepam and Lorazepam are some of the commonly preferred antibiotic treatments.
• Severe Tetanus requires intensive care. The most common treatments are Human tetanus immunoglobulin injection, Tracheotomy, and mechanical ventilation, Magnesium sulfate, Diazepam, IV labetalol, magnesium, clonidine, or nifedipine. In severe cases, paralyzing drugs and ventilators are also considered.

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Prevention of Tetanus

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Tetanus can be prevented by building immunity against it. Tetanus can be fatal if proper preventive is not taken. Some of the steps that can be to prevent tetanus are:

• Vaccination- The most effective way to prevent tetanus is to get vaccinated frequently. Vaccine not only treats tetanus but also prevents any preceding infection. Young children and older people are at a greater risk of infection and are advised to take the vaccine. For higher protection, people are advised to take the tetanus vaccine regularly. 
• Taking good care of the wound- It is an important preventive measure that can be taken after suffering from an injury. Proper first aid should be given to the injured person. The wound should be properly cleaned and antiseptic should be applied. After that, the wound must be covered with Band-Aid or gauze. The injured person is advised to change their dressing from time to time. Taking care of the wound reduces the chances of getting tetanus considerably.

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Things To Remember

• Tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes stiffness in different body parts.
• It is caused by the bacterium 'Clostridium Tetani'. 
• The bacteria are generally found in soil, digestive tract and in the excrete of the animals.
• The bacteria enter the body when the wound is exposed to contaminated matter.
• The main causes of tetanus are open wounds, animal bites, dental infections, burns, etc.
• The major symptoms of tetanus include stiffness in the body parts, high fever, irritability, high blood pressure, etc.
• Tetanus has no definite cure. However, the symptoms can be controlled by using different antibiotics.
• Tetanus can be prevented by getting vaccinated against it. If a person suffers a wound, he/she should clean the wound, cover it properly, and frequently changing the dressing.