Patient's question:
The baby's face and lips have turned purple, a hoarse sound is coming from the throat, and the baby keeps spitting up milk and cannot eat. There is also blood-tinged fluid coming from the navel. The doctor at the hospital said the baby has tetanus. Could you please tell me what are the symptoms of tetanus in babies?Doctor's answer:
Tetanus in infants is caused by the infection of the umbilical cord after birth. It typically occurs between 3 to 14 days after birth. The main symptoms of tetanus include crying, difficulty opening the mouth, and difficulty feeding. Later, symptoms may progress to teeth clenching, facial muscle stiffness, and intermittent clenched fists. In severe cases, spasms of the respiratory muscles can lead to suffocation. Currently, children born in local hospitals are unlikely to develop tetanus if diagnosed.