Typhoid Fever Symptoms, Causes, Complications, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis and Prevention

What Is Typhoid Fever ?

It is an infection responsible for triggering rash and diarrhea. Usually, a bacterium type, named Salmonella typhi sources the infection.  The infection is also known as enteric fever.

What Are The Symptoms Of Typhoid Fever ?

Initial signs of typhoid fever are:

• Abdominal pain.
• Ill- feeling.
• Fever.

The patient may experience high temperature, 103 F, or can be higher than this. In addition, as your condition gets worse, you may have severe diarrhea. Few individuals develop ‘rose spot’, small, red rash on their chest and abdomen. Few other signs may include:

• Weakness.
• Slow, lethargic feeling.
• Severe fatigue.
• Nosebleed.
• Hallucinations.
• Fluctuating moods.
• Delirium.
• Attention deficit.
• Confusion.
• Chills.
• Bloody stools.
• Agitation.
• Abdominal tenderness.

What Causes Of Typhoid Fever ?

As mentioned earlier, the bacterium S.typhi is responsible for instigating the infection. The virus spread by means of contaminated water or food. This means that consuming something contaminated with S.thphi allows it to get into the body. The bacterium reaches the intestines, then travel into the blood. Through your blood, they move to the spleen, liver, gallbladder, lymph nodes etc. Few individuals serve as the carrier of the bacterium, and keep on releasing them in their stool for many years. This helps in transmitting the virus to others.

What Are The Possible Complications Of Typhoid Fever ?

If treatment is not immediately pursued, then the disease may head towards a number of complications, few of which are as follow:

• Peritonitis.
• Kidney failure.
• Intestinal perforation.
• Intestinal hemorrhage.

How Is Typhoid Fever Diagnosis ?

The doctor will perform a physical exam. He will also need details regarding your symptoms. After which, the doctor will suggest blood tests, wherein CBC will reveal an increased level of W.B.C.

Few other tests that can help detect typhoid fever are:

• Stool culture.
• Platelet count.
• ELISA urine test.
• Fluorescent antibody study.

How Is Typhoid Fever Treatment ?

Electrolytes and fluids can be given intravenously, through your vein. If not this, then the patient is advice to drink boiled water accompanied with electrolyte packets. In order to kill the bacteria responsible for the infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. It is important to act according to the recommendations, in terms of taking doses, and duration of taking antibiotics.

What Is The Prognosis Of Typhoid Fever ?

Often, the signs of typhoid fever improve within 3-4 weeks of regular treatment. If treatment is followed as earliest as possible, then the outcome is particularly good, however, in case the infection manages to lead complications, then the outcome is poor.

If the infection is not cured completely, then chances of recurring symptoms increase.

How Is Typhoid Fever Preventable ?

Yes, to a greater extent. It is advice to get vaccinated against typhoid fever, prior leaving for a country where the infection is common. While traveling, it is advice to have well-cooked meals and boiled water.

By : Natural Health News