Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that can be passed from an infected person to others by coughing or sneezing. Early symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat, mild fever and chills. Usually the disease causes a thick coating at the back of the throat that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow. The most common complications are inflammation of the heart that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and inflammation of the nerves which can cause temporary paralysis of some muscles. Diphtheria bacteria not only affect the throat, but can also infect other areas of the body, such as the nose, eyes, and skin.
