How to Recognize, Prevent, and Manage Typhoid Fever
Typhoid is a chapter in the NCERT Science Books, classified under the Health and Wellness module. This segment deals with typhoid as a disease, signs and symptoms of typhoid, causes of typhoid, and how to get typhoid treated. Students are suggested to refer to the resource material from the official website of Vedantu for a better understanding of the subject as well as taking precautionary measures for better health in the future.
What is Typhoid?
Typhoid is a contagious disease that spreads through contaminated water and food. It is an infectious disease regarding bacteria that spreads through the body and affects several organs of the body. It is an illness related to fever. The type of bacteria that causes typhoid is originally known as Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi bacteria. It comes in the form of high fever, reaching upto 104° F and is sustained fever, which means it does not increase or decrease the temperature easily and stays constant for a long while.
Signs of Typhoid
Typhoid is a type of fever, so it generally affects the outer factors. The major signs of typhoid fever are headache, constipation or diarrhoea, stomach ache, and high temperature, which is typically high fever. The infected tend to have a poor appetite as well, along with feeling lethargic and generally in pains and aches. Other signs shown are also dry cough, sweating profusely, muscle aches and rash. Discomfort is the most found symptom in all the infected. These are the initial indications of the disease.
When typhoid completely sets it, it is evident by two major signs. Firstly, without treatment, the infected may get delirious and unable to handle themselves. Secondly, the infected might lie without motion and remain exhausted for a longer duration of time.
If you see these signs in someone, immediately call an adult and consult a specialist in this field.
Causes of Typhoid
There are two causes of typhoid. Firstly, the contaminated water and food supply. The ingestion of polluted water and food infect the consumer. Secondly, the carriers of the disease. Staying in contact with someone who is affected with typhoid results in the fever being transmitted to another person.
Treatment of Typhoid
Typhoid can be effectively treated through the usage of antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to demolish the bacterias that carry the disease Antibiotics, with the assistance of care and support, guarantee the disease to be destroyed.
FAQs on Typhoid Symptoms: Signs, Causes, and Treatments Explained
1. What are the common symptoms of typhoid fever?
The most common signs of typhoid include a sustained high fever that can reach up to 104°F (40°C), weakness, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite. Some people may also experience constipation or, less commonly, diarrhoea, and a rash of flat, rose-coloured spots.
2. What causes typhoid and how does it spread from person to person?
Typhoid is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi. It spreads through the faecal-oral route, which means it is transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Poor sanitation and unhygienic food handling are major risk factors for its spread.
3. What are the different stages of typhoid, and how do symptoms change over time?
Typhoid typically progresses in four stages over about a month if left untreated:
- Week 1: A gradually rising fever, headache, and cough begin.
- Week 2: The fever becomes high, stomach pain worsens, and rose-coloured spots may appear on the chest. Diarrhoea or constipation can occur.
- Week 3: This is a serious stage where complications like intestinal bleeding or perforation can happen. The person may become delirious and exhausted.
- Week 4: The fever slowly starts to decrease. Recovery begins, but the person can still be a carrier of the bacteria.
4. How are the symptoms of typhoid different from those of malaria?
While both cause high fever, there are key differences. Typhoid fever is typically sustained and constant, while malaria fever often comes in cycles of chills, fever, and sweating. Typhoid primarily causes digestive issues like stomach pain and constipation, whereas malaria is more associated with severe chills, joint pain, and anaemia due to the destruction of red blood cells.
5. What are the more severe symptoms or complications that can occur if typhoid is not treated?
If typhoid is not treated promptly with antibiotics, it can lead to serious complications. The most dangerous is intestinal perforation, where a hole develops in the small intestine, causing its contents to leak into the abdomen. This can lead to a life-threatening infection called peritonitis. Other complications include internal bleeding, pneumonia, and inflammation of the heart muscle.
6. Why does typhoid cause a high fever and stomach problems?
The Salmonella typhi bacteria, after being ingested, multiply in the small intestine and then enter the bloodstream. The body's immune system reacts to this invasion, causing a sustained high fever. The bacteria specifically target the intestinal wall, causing inflammation and ulcers. This damage to the intestine is what leads to symptoms like stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea.
7. Besides vaccination, what are the best ways to prevent getting typhoid fever?
The most effective prevention strategies focus on hygiene and sanitation. Key steps include:
- Always drink safe, purified or boiled water.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
- Only eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
- Avoid food and drinks from street vendors where hygiene may be a concern.
8. What are the signs that show a person is recovering from typhoid, and can they still be contagious?
Signs of recovery usually begin after a course of antibiotics, with the fever gradually reducing and appetite returning. However, even after symptoms disappear, a person can still be a typhoid carrier. This means they continue to shed the Salmonella typhi bacteria in their stool for weeks or even longer, making them contagious to others. It is important to complete the full antibiotic treatment and maintain strict hygiene to prevent spreading the disease.
