Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow" to share professional medical science knowledge with you every day to help you and your family improve the quality of healthy life, thank you for your support!
In our daily life, it is common to accidentally get stabbed, scratched or fallen, and many people often dismiss these small wounds. However, these seemingly inconsequential wounds, if not properly treated, can lead to a deadly disease called tetanus. Today, we're going to talk about all aspects of tetanus and see why small wounds also need to be taken seriously.
Causes and transmission of tetanus
Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is widely found in soil, animal feces, and dust.
When it enters the body through a wound, Clostridium tetani produces a strong neurotoxin that travels through the bloodstream to the central nervous system, triggering intense muscle spasms and other symptoms.
According to research by Dr. Leslie Cole of Addenbrooke's Hospital in the United Kingdom, tetanus was home to about 84 fatal cases per year in England and Wales in the 40s and 50s of the 20th century. These data suggest that tetanus, while relatively rare, is deadly.
A high risk factor for tetanus from a small wound
In most people's minds, only serious wounds are at risk of infection, and in fact, many cases of tetanus are caused by minor, often overlooked small wounds.
Stabbings, abrasions, or even small scratches from gardening activities can be a route of entry for Clostridium tetani. 80% of tetanus cases are caused by small wounds, which often occur in a home setting and are not treated promptly and appropriately.
People at high risk of tetanus include agricultural workers, gardening enthusiasts, children and the elderly. These populations are in constant contact with soil, plants, and animals and are susceptible to Clostridium tetani infection.
Farmers may be stabbed by tools or plants while working in the fields; Children fall and bruise while playing, and these wounds can become a risk of tetanus if not treated promptly.
Clinical manifestations and early recognition of tetanus
The initial symptoms of tetanus are often subtle, but they are key to early diagnosis. The most common early symptom is painless jaw stiffness (trismus), which makes it difficult for the patient to open his mouth.
This symptom occurs in about 90% of tetanus cases and is an important warning sign. Other initial symptoms include difficulty chewing, difficulty swallowing, and spasms of the facial muscles in the form of a "spastic smile."
As the disease progresses, the muscles of the neck, back, and abdomen become gradually stiff, and in severe cases, generalized spasms may occur.
The spine is often arched, a phenomenon known as "angular arch reflexion". These spasms, when frequent and intense, can lead to life-threatening apnea. According to Dr. Leslie Cole's research, the prognosis is generally poor when symptoms of tetanus appear within 48 hours of injury.
Correct treatment and preventive measures for minor wounds
To avoid tetanus infection, the most important thing is to treat the wound correctly and prevent it in time. Here are some specific suggestions:
Wound cleaning
For any open wound, the first step is to wash thoroughly with clean water and soap to remove dirt, dust, and other foreign objects from the wound. Wounds can be irrigated with saline and direct wound treatment with unsterilized tools is avoided to prevent bacteria from entering.
passive immunity
Passive immunity is achieved by injecting tetanus antitoxin as soon as possible after the injury. This method was widely used during the First World War and effectively reduced the incidence of tetanus.
If you're not sure if you need an antitoxin injection after an injury, you can talk to your doctor and they'll make a judgment based on the specific condition of the wound.
Active immunity
Active immunization is the prevention of infection through tetanus vaccination. Especially for high-risk groups, such as agricultural workers and gardening enthusiasts, regular tetanus vaccination is recommended to ensure immunity. This method was widely used in the military during World War II and achieved good results.
conclusion
Tetanus is a serious and fatal disease, and although its incidence is relatively low, its fatality cannot be ignored. It is inevitable that we will encounter various small wounds in our lives, and if these wounds are not treated properly, they can lead to tetanus infection.
The public needs to raise awareness about tetanus, clean and treat wounds promptly, and get vaccinated against tetanus if necessary to protect their health.
With the right preventive measures and timely treatment, we can effectively prevent the occurrence of tetanus. I hope that everyone can pay attention to the small wounds in life, avoid small mistakes, and protect their own lives.
Bibliography:
● Leslie Cole, “The Prevention and Treatment of Tetanus,” Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, 1953 。
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!