Tetanus (lockjaw) – causes, complaints & therapy

Tetanus .dem or lockjaw is an infectious disease that forms toxins (toxins) in the wound caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. These toxins can cause severe spasms and spastic paralysis via the nervous system.

The pathogen Clostridium tetani is found in dust, dirt, soil and animal and human excrement. Even the smallest injuries can lead to infection with the pathogen. Through open wounds, the poison of the bacterium Clostridium tetani can simply spread throughout the body.

Causes

Tetanus or lockjaw is caused by the pathogen Clostridium tetani. In particular, this pathogen is found in the soil. It forms spores that can survive in the soil for years. Feces of animals are also considered extremely dangerous.

However, humans usually become infected through knives, tools, nails, thorns or wood splinters to which the spores attach. A wound is an ideal habitat for the pathogen.

In addition to the objects mentioned so far, however, the bacterium is contained throughout the environment. Street dirt, attics or rusted objects could also be dangerous.

The bacterium is not transmitted from person to person. In order to become infected, an injury to the skin or mucous membrane is necessary. It can be both a minor injury caused by foreign bodies and larger wounds with great soiling. When the bacteria enter the small wound, they will multiply there, forming toxins.

Symptoms and course

Typical signs of tetanus or lockjaw:

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Visual impairment

• Jaw clamp

• Swallowing

• Shortness of breath

• Flushing

Anyone who has been infected with the tetanus or lockjaw pathogen will first feel slight visual disturbances, fatigue, hot flashes and headaches. After about a day or two, increased muscle tension will occur.

It comes to the characteristic jaw clamp, so that the mouth can no longer be opened. Swallowing and speaking will be extremely difficult. This will lead to a stiffening of the entire musculature.

First, the head and neck, then back and abdominal muscles and later legs, arms, ribs and diaphragm will be affected. The body can bend downwards in an arc. There will be severe pain. This can lead to cramps. These last about 5-10 seconds and will occur in quick succession. The body is pulled backwards with a jerk and overstretched. Sooner or later he will eventually slacken completely.

The tetanus disease becomes life-threatening when it comes to acute respiratory arrest, for example, when cramps occur in the throat or respiratory muscles. Sweating is also part of it. The patient will lose a lot of fluid, since due to the jaw clamp it is not possible to eat or drink. In the final stage, circulatory failure or cardiac arrest will occur. The brain could be permanently damaged as there is a lack of oxygen during seizures.

Diagnosis

Tetanus or tetanus is diagnosed on the basis of a typical clinical finding. If cramps or muscle stiffness occur as a result of a minor or major injury, the diagnosis of lockjaw is actually already clear. However, more tests are being conducted to be sure. The toxin of the tetanus bacteria can usually be detected in the Blood. But these can sometimes already be found in the wound material. If a complete basic immunization has taken place, it is extremely unlikely to get tetanus or tetanus. However, the booster vaccination must then be carried out in good time so that the vaccination protection is not lost. With increasing age, the amount of antibodies directed against the tetanus toxin decreases.

treatment and therapy

Once the bacterium that causes tetanus (lockjaw) has reached the nerves, there is no way to stop the harmful effects on the spot. On the one hand, the blood must be cleaned to neutralize it from circulating toxins. On the other hand, with treatment, the symptoms of this disease are alleviated as much as possible. First, the wound is thoroughly cleaned and the edges of the wound are carefully cut out. This must be done within a maximum of 6 hours of the injury.

So that the bacterium can be killed and the formation of poison prevented, penicillin must be taken in a very high dose for two days. Anyone who receives a special immune serum immediately after the injury can neutralize the toxin that is not yet bound in the brain.

At the same time, a tetanus vaccination is given to promote the additional formation of the body’s own antibodies. Muscle relaxants ( spasmolytics ) and Sedative will make the patient feel more comfortable and prevent seizures.pain is relieved. The sick person must be treated in intensive care as quickly as possible, so that he is under constant observation.

In severe cases of tetanus, a tracheotomy is performed with artificial respiration. Artificial nutrition is often necessary. Patients lie in a darkened room, since the slightest stimulus could trigger an attack.

After about 2 weeks, the condition will then slowly improve, but the total recovery time is extremely long. In most cases, no neurological damage remains.

Prevention

In Germany, tetanus or tetanus is very rare, since most people are vaccinated. Primary immunization should begin in infancy. When the baby is more than two months old, he will have his first vaccination. Further vaccinations will then follow. In adulthood, booster vaccinations are usually required every ten years. Only then can protection be maintained and properly prevented.