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What Should You Know About Typhoid And Its Treatment?

By The Assam Tribune


A kind of bacteria known as Salmonella typhi is the underlying cause of Typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is seen as a health threat in these developing times. When in doubt, it is better to get the fever checked. This helps in understanding whether the fever is Typhoid or something else. An online doctor appointment booking can come in handy during doubting times.

Causes of Typhoid Fever

There are two main routes through which Salmonella typhi attacks the body. They are briefly discussed as below-

  • Transmission Route - Fecal-Oral

Many Typhoid fever patients get it after a period of travelling. Once they are infected with the bacteria, it can transmit from them to others. This occurs through the route of fecal-oral.

The leading cause of Typhoid fever in developing countries is either by-

  • Taking contaminated food
  • Drinking contaminated water
  • If the infected person does not maintain hygienic habits, they can further spread the fever.

  • Carriers of Typhoid

A small population of infected patients can still carry the bacteria even after their treatment has been completed.

Such a population is known as the chronic carriers. These chronic carriers do not show overt signs or symptoms. But, they still can spread the bacteria if they do not maintain proper hygiene. This includes washing hands after using the bathroom.

Symptoms and Signs of Typhoid Fever

The symptoms and signs of Typhoid fever develop in a gradual manner. That is, there are more chances of observing them after 1 - 3 weeks of bacteria exposure.

Early signs and symptoms include-

  • Fever that starts with a low temperature and gradually increases
  • Headache
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Aches in the muscular regions
  • Severe sweating
  • Dry coughs
  • Loss of appetite and resulting weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Rashes on the body
  • Severely swollen stomach

The patient, if not treated early, can experience-

  • Deliriousness
  • The Typhoid state - Here, the person lies motionless with their eyes half-closed.

This is when complications that are life-threatening are most likely to develop.

A percentage between one and five out of the infected patients have the chance of experiencing toxic myocarditis. It is a state wherein the heart muscles are inflamed due to drugs. These drugs can be those implemented in the treatment program or the ones taken illicitly.

A cardiologist in Pune can help with such situations.

Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever

An online doctor appointment booking can help in receiving a medical diagnosis.

Often the diagnosis is given after examining a blood sample for the presence of the fever-causing bacteria. Other than blood, doctors also examine-

  • Bone marrow sample
  • Stool sample
  • Urine sample

Treatment of Typhoid Fever

The most effective treatment for typhoid fever is antibiotic therapy. A few commonly suggested antibiotics include the following-

  • Zithromax or Azithromycin
  • Ceftriaxone
  • Cipro or Ciprofloxacin

The above-mentioned drugs can also cause some side effects. In the long run, using them can also result in the patient developing bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

A few other treatments include-

  • Fluid injections - either orally or intravenously. This is done to counteract the dehydration in the patient.
  • Surgery to repair any intestinal damages like tearing of intestines.

In the cases of toxic myocarditis and other heart-related issues, one can consult a cardiologist in Pune.

Risk Factors of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever attacks approximately twenty-seven million or more people in a year. The disease is more prevalent in:

  • India
  • Southeast Asia
  • Africa
  • South America

Children are especially at risk of being infected by Salmonella typhi. However, it has been observed that there are more chances of children experiencing mild symptoms.

Complications in Typhoid Infected Individuals

The following are certain complications that can arise in an individual infected by the typhi bacteria-

  • Bleeding in the intestine or rupturing of intestines
  • Myocarditis - heart muscle inflammation
  • Endocarditis - inflammation of the heart valves or the lining of the heart
  • Mycotic aneurysm - infected blood vessels
  • Pneumonia
  • Pancreatitis
  • Bladder or kidney infections
  • Meningitis
  • Psychiatric issues like - hallucinations, delirium, and paranoid psychosis.

It is best to see a cardiologist in Pune for all complications with the heart.

It is also to be noted that with timely treatment, Typhoid fever can be treated.

Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent the spread of typhi bacteria, one can simply follow some basic health rules. These are-

  • Washing hands thoroughly
  • Drinking only treated water
  • Washing fruits and vegetables before consuming them

When one is in doubt of being infected by the Salmonella typhi bacteria, it is always better to visit a doctor. Only a medical professional can give an appropriate diagnosis and suggest treatment methods. A simple online doctor appointment booking can help in clearing all doubts regarding health.

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