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Understanding Typhoid fever: Everything you need to know

By Dr. Rajinder Kumar Singal in Internal Medicine

Nov 27 , 2023 | 3 min read

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Typhoid fever (Enteric fever) is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, the bacteria which also causes salmonella food poisoning. It is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted from an infected person via bodily excretions. The disease affects many body organs and can be propagated via contaminated food and water. Once the bacteria enters the body it multiplies and propagates vigorously in the bloodstream.


What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?


What are the causes of typhoid fever?

Salmonella Typhi bacteria is responsible for typhoid fever. It primarily spreads through contaminated food and water, making it more prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation. Factors contributing to its spread include poor hygiene practices, overcrowding, and inadequate sewage disposal.


What are the stages of typhoid?

Typhoid fever typically progresses through four stages:

Stage I: Early symptoms of Typhoid, including fever, headache, and abdominal pain.

Stage II: Increased fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the potential development of complications.

Stage III: Severe complications may arise, affecting various organs.

Stage IV: Recovery or, in severe cases, further complications leading to hospitalisation.


Diagnosis of typhoid fever

Diagnosing typhoid fever usually involves blood tests and stool cultures to detect the presence of Salmonella Typhi. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.


How is typhoid fever treated?

Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for typhoid fever. Completing the prescribed antibiotic course is essential to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure a full recovery. Hospitalisation may be necessary for severe cases.


What are the risk factors of Typhoid fever?

Poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water are significant environmental factors facilitating the transmission of the Salmonella Typhi bacterium. Additionally, travel to or residence in regions with high typhoid incidence, consuming contaminated food or water, and inadequate vaccination coverage can elevate the risk of contracting the disease. Addressing these risk factors is crucial in minimising the spread and impact of the disease.


How is typhoid fever prevented?

Preventing typhoid fever involves a multi-faceted approach:

  • Be careful of what you eat and drink: Consuming only safe and well-cooked food and drinking clean during typhoid fever, treated water is essential to prevent infection.
  • Highlight the importance of hygiene practices: Promoting proper handwashing, sanitation, and safe waste disposal can minimise the risk of contamination.
  • Recommendations for travellers to endemic areas: Travelers should be cautious when visiting regions with high typhoid prevalence, considering vaccination and adhering to safe food and water practices.
  • Typhoid vaccines: Vaccination is an effective preventive measure, with both oral and injectable vaccines available.


Common Complications in Untreated Typhoid Fever

People who haven’t received proper antibiotics treatment for typhoid may develop the below-mentioned two complications during the third week of infection.

Internal Bleeding in the Digestive System

People with typhoid disease often face internal bleeding which although not life-threatening, can make them feel very unwell. Some of the symptoms include breathlessness and feeling tired, vomiting blood, irregular heartbeat and dark-coloured faeces.

Intestine Perforation

It is one of the dreaded complications of typhoid fever leading to diffuse peritonitis that requires surgical intervention. In simple terms, the bacteria living in the digestive system may move to the stomach causing infection in the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) causing peritonitis. The most common symptom is abrupt abdominal pain which gets worse without treatment.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can typhoid Fever be treated at home?

Mild cases can sometimes be managed at home, but severe cases require hospitalisation.

2. How many days rest after typhoid?

The duration of rest required varies from person to person but may extend for a few weeks.

3. What food should be avoided in typhoid?

Avoid raw or undercooked foods, and opt for well-cooked, hygienic meals.

4. Can blood tests detect typhoid?

Yes, blood tests and stool cultures are used for typhoid diagnosis.

5. How does typhoid fever impact pregnant women?

Typhoid can pose risks to both the mother and the fetus.

6. How does typhoid impact global health?

Typhoid fever remains a global health concern, particularly in low-resource settings, and efforts to control its spread are ongoing.

7. What are the symptoms that people face at the highest level of Typhoid?

The fourth stage of typhoid is the highest stage which brings a lot of health complications. This includes kidney failure, pneumonia, severe infections and inflammation of the pancreas (meningitis).

8. Can tablets cure Typhoid Disease?

A successful course of antibiotics prescribed by the healthcare professional can efficiently cure typhoid disease. It is prescribed not to stop taking medicines without a doctor's consultation.

9. What is the best Typhoid Medicine?

Typhoid can be best treated with antibiotics. The different classes of antibiotics used for treatment are cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides and carbapenems.