Tetanus symptoms can appear anytime from a few days to several weeks after the bacteria enter your body — often through a puncture wound of the foot, such as stepping on a contaminated nail. The doctor will rely on a physical exam, as well as a medical and immunization history, to diagnose tetanus. No lab or blood tests are helpful to detect tetanus. Diseases that cause similar symptoms to tetanus that your doctor will want to rule out include meningitis, rabies and strychnine poisoning. The medical staff will need to clean the wound as well, removing any debris, dead tissue, and foreign objects. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
As such, time is of the essence. The sooner you get to the doctor (once you notice symptoms) the more effective the immunoglobulin will be in preventing the severity of symptoms. You will be given a dose of 3000 to 6000 units intramuscularly as soon as the diagnosis of tetanus is made. In countries in which IG is not available, equine antitoxin is used. Don’t wait for symptoms. If you get a deep injury (such as a puncture wound) from something sharp that appears contaminated with soil, rust, feces or other debris, then clean the wound and get a tetanus shot shot from your doctor or an urgent care clinic as a preventative strategy.
If you catch tetanus in its early stages, then antibiotics can be effective because they can kill the bacteria before they release much toxin. If your condition is advanced, antibiotics may be relatively useless, so their potential side effects may not outweigh possible benefits. You will be given IV antibiotics. Metronidazole 500 mg every six to eight hours is the preferred treatment for tetanus. Treatment will last seven to ten days.
Muscle relaxers don’t impact tetanus bacteria or toxin directly, but they can reduce the impact that the excited nerves have on muscle fiber contraction. Tetany can be so powerful that it causes muscle tears and avulsion fractures — where contracting tendons rip away bone. Sedatives, such diazepam (Valium), are also helpful in relieving muscle spasms, as well as the anxiety and increased heart rate associated with moderate-to-severe cases of tetanus. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In addition to airway obstruction and respiratory arrest (the most common reason people with tetanus die), other possible complications that can occur include: pneumonia, heart failure, brain damage and bone fractures (the ribs and spine are most common).
In the U. S. , tetanus boosters are recommended every 10 years, starting at the age of 19. People who get tetanus usually get vaccinated as part of their treatment because getting the condition does not provide immunity from it in the future.
Antibiotic creams, such as Neosporin and Polysporin, also work well. They don’t promote faster healing, but they discourage bacterial growth and infection. Change your dressing / bandage regularly, at least once a day or whenever it gets wet or dirty.
Always wear flip-flops or sandals when walking on the beach and wading into shallow water. Don’t forget to also protect your hands when working outdoors or in shops. Wear thicker gloves made from leather or a similar material.
