Is tetanus serious?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on September 02, 2024
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In usual circumstances, when we diagnose tetanus, it is crucial to use a large amount of tetanus antitoxin and tetanus immunoglobulin early on to neutralize the toxins in the blood and alleviate the symptoms of tetanus. If tetanus severely manifests with symptoms such as muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, difficulty in opening the mouth, stiff neck, or complications like respiratory difficulty, respiratory failure, or even cessation of breathing and heartbeat, the condition can lead to severe complications and high mortality rates. Thus, tetanus becomes very severe in its late stages.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Can a festering wound lead to tetanus?

Wound suppuration and contracting tetanus are two different concepts. Wound suppuration primarily occurs when there is an infection at the wound site, which spreads due to lack of significant control over the infection focus. We need to actively locate the infection source, perform thorough surgical debridement and drainage, use sensitive antibiotics as needed globally, and change dressings in a timely manner to manage the infection. Tetanus, on the other hand, is typically considered when the wound is too deep and visibly contaminated, often by rusty, sharp objects causing the infection. In such cases, thorough surgical cleansing of the wound is essential to prevent surface contamination, along with the systemic use of tetanus antitoxin to reduce or prevent a tetanus infection.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can you eat eggs if you have tetanus?

Tetanus patients should eat more light food, with low fat and sodium content, and avoid strong irritants, such as spicy foods. They can eat more foods containing protein, because sufficient protein in the body can help heal wounds and also provide enough energy for the patients, which is beneficial to their condition. Therefore, tetanus patients can eat a moderate amount of eggs.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Can you get tetanus if there's no rust?

For patients, if a wound occurs without rusting, there is still a possibility of tetanus. This is because if the wound is deep, it can lead to an infection by anaerobic bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to go to the surgical department for thorough debridement and disinfection as soon as possible. At the same time, pay attention to resting, keeping the wound clean and dry, changing dressings on time, and taking oral antibiotics if necessary, such as cephalosporins, to prevent infection. Generally, with good control, recovery will be quick. However, tetanus can still occur, so it is still necessary to pay attention. Afterwards, keep the wound clean and dry, be mindful of your diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and follow up with your doctor.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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Can you drink alcohol with tetanus?

After receiving a tetanus vaccine, it is not recommended to drink alcohol. It is best to avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods. Usually, when patients are injured, they may need to receive a tetanus vaccine. Especially when injured by rusty metal, the tetanus vaccine can effectively prevent tetanus. However, drinking alcohol at the same time as receiving the tetanus vaccine can easily lead to a drug reaction, causing adverse reactions. For example, increased heart rate, dizziness, palpitations, vomiting, and even shock, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Furthermore, drinking alcohol is also detrimental to the healing of wounds. Depending on the recovery of the body, patients can generally drink a small amount of alcohol after a week.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Tetanus is what it means.

The pathogen of tetanus is Clostridium tetani, which abundantly exists in our surrounding environment, such as rusty iron and moist soil. When the skin or mucous membranes of the human body are damaged, Clostridium tetani enters the body through these breaches. In an anaerobic environment, it grows and proliferates extensively, thereby producing toxins that cause a specific infection called tetanus. The main clinical manifestations are lockjaw, muscle spasms, and rigidity.