Q10. What is diphtheria?
A10. Diphtheria is a serious inflammation of the top of the airways which can result in the growth of a thin layer of skin across the throat. This membrane spreads from one tonsil to the other and causes breathing difficulties.
Diphtheria can be fatal if left untreated.
For more information visit our throat infections section.
FAQS Index : Sore throat FAQ
- What does the throat consist of?
- What does the throat do?
- What is the larynx?
- What are the tonsils?
- How do the vocal cords work?
- What enables us to speak?
- Why do we get a sore throat?
- Can you treat a sore throat with antibiotics?
- Why does my child get lots of sore throats?
- What is diphtheria?
- What is croup?
- What is quinsy?
- What is acid reflux?
- What is strep throat?
- What is the difference between a viral throat infection and a bacterial throat infection?
- Why do children have frequent episodes of tonsillitis?
- What are adenoids?
- Do you need to have your tonsils removed?
- What are the different types of throat cancer?
- What causes throat cancer?
- How is throat cancer treated?
- Can oral sex damage the throat?
- What effect does your lifestyle have on your throat?
- Why are singers prone to throat problems?
- Why does being overweight affect your throat?
- Can you treat a sore throat at home?
- My child has a sore throat; do I need to see my GP?
- What causes someone to lose their voice?
- Can you prevent a sore throat?
- Why is it important to look after your throat?
Sore Throat Guide
- Sore Throat
- Throat anatomy
- Adenoids
- Tonsils
- Epiglottis
- Uvula
- Larynx
- Pharynx
- Vocal cords
- Trachea
- How the throat works
- Coughing
- Speech
- Swallowing
- Causes of a sore throat
- Throat related problems
- Dysphonia
- Dysphagia
- Throat ulcers
- Globus pharyngeus
- Acid reflux
- Lumps in the throat
- Reinke’s oedema
- Enlarged adenoids
- Congenital throat problems
- Wegener’s granulomatosis
- Pharyngeal pouch
- Croup
- Sinusitis
- Bad breath
- Throat infections
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Laryngitis
- Pharyngitis
- Diphtheria
- Bacterial throat infections
- Viral throat infections
- Glandular fever
- Throat polyps
- Quinsy
- Candidiasis
- Epiglottitis
- Throat cancers
- Cancer of the larynx
- Cancer of the oesophagus
- Cancer of the pharynx
- Cancer of the thyroid gland
- Cancer of the trachea
- Cancer of the mouth
- Treatment for sore throat
- Home based treatment
- Over the counter treatment
- Prescription medicine
- Throat surgery
- Laryngectomy
- Tonsillectomy
- Recovery after tonsillectomy
- Adenoidectomy
- Tracheostomy
- Thyroidectomy
- Looking after your throat
- Lifestyle factors
- Smoking
- Excess weight
- Alcohol
- Housedust
- Voice misuse
- Professional speakers and singers
- Preventing a sore throat
- Sore throat in children
- Sore throat FAQs
- Glossary