Typhoid Fever

Overview

Typhoid fever is an advanced form of Salmonella infection caused by two very different strains of bacteria—Salmonella Typhi and S. paratyphi. These bacteria tend to flourish in underdeveloped regions where food and water are easily contaminated. Unlike other illnesses, this fever can be mitigated with early treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

• High fever, particularly elevating during the afternoon and evening hours
• Weakness and fatigue
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Muscle pain, headache
• Decreased appetite
• Digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea
• Rashes such as red spots, particularly on the chest and abdomen
• Perspiration
• Brownish skin discoloration
• Dry cough

Types of Typhoid Fever

Acute Typhoid Fever:

The symptoms consist of high fever, headache, and abdominal pain, all of which occur suddenly. Without treatment, these symptoms progressively worsen over time.

Chronic Typhoid Fever:

These are enduring symptoms, which may persist for several weeks, months, or in some cases, even years. This type can lead to certain complications such as the formation of a perforated ulcer or bleeding of the intestinal tract.

Diagnosis

• Physical Examination: The physician looks for fever, rash, and abdominal tenderness.
  
• Blood Tests:
  • Blood Culture: Identifying organisms, Salmonella Typhi and paratyphi, which are responsible for the infection present in the blood.
  • Complete blood count: This test is done to check for the presence of infection and any existing anemia.
  • Fecal and Urinary Analysis: Testing urine and stool for the mentioned organisms.
  • Widal Test: Evaluating serum for specific antibodies is the method for this bacterial infection.
  • Bone Marrow Culture: This is the most accurate test, especially in chronic cases.

Treatment

Medical Treatment:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the primary treatment for typhoid fever. 
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, including Oral rehydration solutions (ORS). Intravenous fluids may be advised to prevent dehydration.
• Fever Management: Antipyretics like acetaminophen may be prescribed for fever and discomfort.

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery is rarely needed in typhoid treatment, but it may be necessary in cases of severe complications such as:

• Intestinal Perforation: Surgery is done to repair the perforation in the intestine and cleanse the abdominal cavity.
• Intestinal Hemorrhage: Stopping the bleeding and repairing any damaged areas.

Prevention

• Vaccination: Typhoid vaccines are recommended for people traveling to high-risk areas.
• Sanitation: Ensure drinking clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices.
• Safe Food Practices: Avoid raw or undercooked foods, and consume boiled or treated water.

FAQs

What causes typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterium, Salmonella Typhi and paratyphi that is associated with consumption of food or water that is contaminated.  

How can I prevent typhoid fever?

Vaccination, personal hygiene, clean water, and practicing safe food handling are effective preventive practices.

Can typhoid spread to other people?

Yes. Infection can spread through eating food or drinking water that is contaminated, as well as proximity to a person who is infected.  

What should I do if I have contracted typhoid fever?

Seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are effective in the management of typhoid and can prevent complications.

Can typhoid fever be managed at home?

While mild typhoid cases can sometimes be managed at home with oral antibiotics and proper hydration, severe cases will require hospitalization.

How much time does it take to recover from typhoid fever?

People can expect to recover from typhoid fever in two to three weeks, and allow for the possibility of several months of some symptoms, like fatigue persisting.

Complications

If not treated on time, typhoid fever may lead to acute problems like:

• Intestinal perforation
• Internal bleeding
• Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
• Lung infection (pneumonia)
• Urinary tract infections (Kidney or bladder infections)
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Prognosis

The prognosis of typhoid fever is usually good, provided the treatment is timely and appropriate. Most patients are likely to recover, albeit some may experience or prolonged tiredness alongside other symptoms. Typhoid fever, if left untreated, may turn out to be fatal.

Yatharth Hospital provides care for patients suffering from typhoid fever, starting from diagnosis and continuing through treatment and recovery, ensuring comprehensive management. We have an experienced team at Yatharth Hospital who help in ensuring the best outcome for the patients. Contact us for further questions or to book your consultation today.