What is lockjaw?

Lockjaw is one of the names for tetanus which is a serious
disease that affects muscles. Among other effects, it causes severe muscle contractions
in the jaw, making it difficult for the victims to open their mouth. This effect has
given the disease its name.

Tetanus is caused by effect of
poisons produced by a germs called clostridium tetani, that thrive in dust and dirt. A
person gets infected by these germs through open wounds. In particular, the chances of
getting infected with tetanus is higher when the wound is caused by any dirty object
such as a nail of a dirty hand tool. The effect of infection may become visible only
after a few days or weeks of getting the infection. A person so affected feels
depressed, has headaches, fever, pain, and soon has trouble opening the mouth or
swallowing. After some time all the body muscles tighten causing spasm. This may
interfere with breathing, and if timely treatment is not given the affected person may
die of asphyxiation.

To prevent tetanus all wounds should
be cleaned thoroughly. Also it is advisable to give anti tetanus injection to persons
with any significant injuries or wounds.