The disease tetanus causes muscle spasms and stiffness, affecting the nervous system. It is also known as lockjaw because it can make opening your mouth difficult. Tetanus is caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium tetani that produces a toxin. The bacteria can enter your body through wounds or cuts and can be found in soil, dust, and animal feces. It is not contagious and cannot be passed on. You can prevent it, however, by getting vaccinated and taking care of your wounds.
In order to contract tetanus, you must have a wound or cut contaminated with soil, dust, or animal feces in order to catch the spores of Clostridium tetani bacteria. In addition to producing tetanospasmin, the spores also cause severe and painful muscle contractions, particularly in your jaw and neck. The toxins can also affect your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Some of the common ways that you can get tetanus include:
Puncture wounds from nails, splinters, needles, or animal bites
Burns, surgical wounds, or ulcers that are not properly cleaned
Dental infections or procedures that involve the gums
Injections of drugs that are not sterile
Umbilical cord infections in newborns whose mothers are not vaccinated
Some people are more likely to get tetanus than others, such as:
People who have not been vaccinated or have not received a booster shot in the past 10 years
People who live in rural areas or have contact with animals or soil
People who have diabetes, immune system problems, or chronic wounds
People who travel to countries where tetanus is more common
Tetanus symptoms usually appear between 3 and 21 days after infection, but most often within 10 days. The symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, but usually include:
Muscle spasms and stiffness, starting from the jaw and moving to the neck, chest, abdomen, and limbs
Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing
Fever, sweating, and increased heart rate and blood pressure
Seizures, confusion, or coma
As a result of the spasms, you may be unable to move for several minutes. They can be caused by noise, light, touch, or movement. The spasms can also affect your breathing and cause respiratory failure, the most common cause of death from tetanus. Other complications of tetanus include:
Broken bones or dislocations from the force of the spasms
Blood clots or bleeding in the brain from the high blood pressure
Pneumonia or lung infections from the difficulty breathing
Kidney failure or urinary tract infections from the muscle damage
Dehydration or malnutrition from the difficulty swallowing
Tetanus is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. Without treatment, tetanus can be fatal in up to 50% of cases.
You will be diagnosed with tetanus based on your medical history, physical examination, and symptoms. A medical professional may check your wound for signs of infection or take a sample of your blood or fluid to test for tetanus bacteria or toxins. You may also be asked about your vaccination status and any recent injuries or exposures by your doctor.
Tetanus is treated by controlling the symptoms, neutralizing the toxin, and killing the bacteria.
Antitoxin, which is an injection of antibodies that can bind and inactivate the toxin before it reaches the nerves. This can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms, but it cannot reverse the damage that has already been done.
Antibiotics, which are drugs that can kill the bacteria and prevent further production of the toxin. The antibiotics may be given by mouth or by injection.
Muscle relaxants, which are drugs that can reduce the muscle spasms and pain. They may also help with breathing and prevent seizures.
Painkillers, which are drugs that can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the spasms and stiffness.
Sedatives, which are drugs that can calm you down and make you sleep. They may also help with breathing and prevent seizures.
Ventilation, which is a machine that can help you breathe if your breathing muscles are affected by the spasms. You may need a tube inserted into your throat or nose to connect you to the machine.
Fluids and nutrition, which are given through a tube or a vein to keep you hydrated and nourished if you cannot eat or drink.
Wound care, which involves cleaning and dressing your wound to prevent further infection and promote healing.
The treatment of tetanus may last for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the infection and the response to the treatment. You may need to stay in the hospital for a long time and have regular check-ups and tests to monitor your condition. You may also need physical therapy or rehabilitation to help you recover your muscle strength and function.
You can protect yourself against tetanus by getting vaccinated and taking care of your wounds. The tetanus vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from the disease. The vaccine is usually part of a combination vaccine that also protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
Children, who should receive five doses of the vaccine at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months of age, and at 4 to 6 years of age
Adolescents, who should receive a booster dose of the vaccine at 11 to 12 years of age
Adults, who should receive a booster dose of the vaccine every 10 years or sooner if they have a high-risk wound or exposure
It is important to speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated if you have never been vaccinated or are not sure of your vaccination status. You should also see your doctor as soon as possible if you have a wound or injury that may expose you to tetanus. You may need a booster dose of the vaccine or antitoxin injections to prevent infection.
To take care of your wounds, you should:
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your wound
Clean your wound with soap and water and remove any dirt, debris, or foreign objects
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or cream to your wound
Cover your wound with a sterile bandage or dressing and change it regularly
Seek medical attention if your wound is deep, dirty, or infected, or if you have signs or symptoms of tetanus
Tetanus is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can be prevented through vaccination and wound care. If you have any questions about tetanus, please consult your doctor.
