Toxins in the exudation are likely to harm the heart muscle and the nerves. It begins as an inflammation of the throat and a false membrane develope choking the patient. It is predominantly a disease of the autumn and winter and, although it may occur at all ages it is common in childhood.
If the false membrane extends into the air passages, there is asphyxia or a general condition of collapse. The toxin of diphtheria has a special predilection for the heart as it attacks it vehemently resulting in its failure.
The temperature in this disease rises beyond 103*F.
The course of the disease is extremely rapid; if the proper medication is not given in time, there is little hope for the patient, to survive. Sometimes surgical help has to be sought. Normally the surgeons make a supplementary air passage to let the patient breathe and in the meantime, medication is given.
According to Ayurveda, the following prescriptions are useful in this melody.
- Shuddha Visha 20mg.
- Kasturi Bhairava 30 mg.
- Shringa Bhasma 30mg
- Kalaka Churna 240mg.
One dose to be administered every three hours till relief is noticed.
2)
- Shuddha Tankan 260 mg
- Yavakshara Churna 750 mg
- Kata-phaladi Churna 4gm.
Mix the powders with honey and juice of ginger; it is to be used as a linctus.
In the modern age, the Allopathy has developed a serum which, if injected in childhood, gives lifelong immunity against this disease. Normally it is a part of the triple antigen which is administered to infants free of charge by the government.
