Tetanus is a disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium Tetani and it attacks the nervous system. It is also known as the lockjaw disease as it tightens the jaw muscles. In severe cases, the patient becomes unable to swallow anything or even open his mouth. This bacteria will be found in human intestines, animals and soil and this makes its attacks prevalent since it is almost everywhere. The tetanus bacteria will mostly grow in contaminated wounds, which have been caused by either insect bites, nails, splinters and burns. Other injuries that may lead to the contraction of tetanus include frostbites, surgery, abscesses, crush wounds, and childbirth. The tetanus disease can be disastrous if left untreated and it is accredited for one death in 10 reported cases.
The tetanus diseases can be immunized against and many adults and children are given the injection, which prevents a tetanus attack. These vaccines include the Td (Tetanus diphtheria vaccine), the DTaP (Pediatric diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine), the DT (pediatric diphtheria tetanus vaccine), and the TDap (tetanus diphtheria acellular pertusis vaccine). The symptoms that characterize this disease include irritability, general body weakness, and sore muscles. People will also complain of muscle cramps and will have difficulty when swallowing since the jaws will be locked. As the facial muscles are affected first, it becomes impossible for people to chew or even smile. Facial muscle spasm also read to a condition known as the risus sardonicus, which refers to a sardonic smile that many patients bear.
Other symptoms of the tetanus disease include muscle spasms that make the back arch. These muscle spasms are very intense that many patients suffer broken bones and dislocated joints. The vocal cords are not spared and the spasms may attack them too. When this happens, people cannot breathe and this can cause death. A person suffering from the vocal cord spasms needs a constant doctor attention as a respirator can help avert a possible death. People with cephalic tetanus will suffer facial muscle spasm as well as lockjaw. Those with localized tetanus will suffer muscle spasms which if not treated can lead to generalized tetanus. Treatment includes administration of the tetanus vaccine to people who are suffering from open wounds, burns, and bites.
People with incomplete immunizations will be given tetanus antibodies, which will help fight the bacterium. People who have suffered injuries in the recent past and are now experiencing spasms must seek medical attention immediately since this can be a sign of tetanus. People must seek medical advice if they experience any of the listed symptoms. The home treatment for wounds must include soap and running water to wash away the bacterium and lower the risk of contracting the tetanus disease. Medical treatment will include the use of antibiotics such as metronidazole, which helps in eliminating the bacteria. The wound is cleansed to prevent further infection and other drugs to stop the pain are administered as well. Muscle spasms are controlled using sedatives such as diazepam and ventilators are provided for people with vocal cords spasms.