Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs DiphtheriaUpdated: 2020-01-01OverviewDiphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat.SymptomsSymptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. A sheet of thick, gray matter covers the back of the throat, making breathing hard.TreatmentsTreatments include medications and gray matter removal from the throat. A vaccine is available. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use