kthxnohate asked:
I need to get rid of this horrible case of lockjaw by Friday. I just had all of my wisdoms taken out so I didn’t move my mouth much, thus earning myself a pain in the tush case of lockjaw. If anyone has any tips on how to recover faster, thank you guys SO MUCH in advance!!
To “Bob says”: Okay, so it’s not lockjaw, but I can’t open my mouth more than an inch and I can’t close it either. Thanks for the explanation, though. =)
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Lockjaw is an infection that causes extreme muscle stiffness and spasms. Also referred to as tetanus, it’s easily prevented with shots of tetanus vaccine, which are usually given in infancy. Protection eventually wears off, so a booster is recommended every 10 years.
Causes
Lockjaw is caused by germs called Clostridium tetani, which live in the soil. These bacteria typically enter the body through a puncture wound, such as one caused by stepping on a nail. Once inside the body, the bacteria produce a toxin that attacks the nerves in control of the muscles, thereby causing severe spasms.
Signs/Symptoms
The first symptoms typically appear within four to 25 days after infection. At the outset, you’ll be troubled by painful muscle stiffness and spasms in the jaw and neck (from which the disease derives its name). Gradually, the back, chest, abdomen, and limbs also become affected. High fever, convulsions, restlessness, difficulty swallowing, fever, sore throat, chills, and extreme pain may eventually join the initial symptoms
NOW………. do you really have lockjaw?
Care
Treatment includes a number of drugs. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to ease muscle contractions. Antibiotics are given to fight the infection. Antitoxin injections in the afflicted muscles help halt the progress of the disease, but will not counteract the toxin already in your system or relieve symptoms already present. Intravenous nutritional fluids may also be given. If your breathing is disrupted, an artificial respirator may be needed.