How Does Typhoid Affect the Human Body?
What is Typhoid?
Typhoid is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly spreads through contaminated food or water. It also can spread because of the poor hygienic conditions. The major symptoms of this disease are characterized by high fever, loss of appetite and diarrhoea. Salmonella typhi is the bacterium responsible for this disease and humans are the sole carriers. The first case of typhoid fever was reported in the United States in the early 1900’s. Overall, about 21 million people are infected with this disease annually, and about 200,000 cases are fatal. Furthermore, scientists have identified 2 types of typhoid causing bacterium, namely:
ST1
ST2
Causes of Typhoid
Also called “Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi”, this microbe is the causative agent for this disease. It is a gram-negative bacteria characterized by a skinny cell membrane and an outer membrane. The cells are reddish in colour, with some having black stains in the centre.
It is rod-shaped and grows in the small intestine of the human body. Human beings are the main hosts of this bacteria. This type of species can survive in environments which are rich in oxygen and also, they are found in sewage, water bodies and some eventually make their own food.
The bacteria enter the human body through the contaminated foods and water, where it then enters into the intestinal cells of the human body. Later, it passes through the bloodstream and destroys the lymphatic system and spreads throughout the body. This bacterium is mainly carried by the white blood cells present in the liver and also the bone marrow. There, they multiply and re-enter the blood cells, which successively , causes a variety of symptoms that are seen within the later stages.
Symptoms of Typhoid
Patients affected with typhoid usually display the subsequent symptoms:
High fever
Loss of Appetite
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Dehydration
Skin rashes
Hallucinations
Severe headache
Irritation
Ulcers
Treatment for Typhoid
Sanitation is one of the most important things that one can do to prevent the infection of such diseases. The other way would be the utilization of antibiotics which kill the disease-causing germs. Also, by maintaining good and hygienic food habits, one can get rid of diseases easily.
What to Consume and What Not to Consume in Typhoid?
A typhoid patient should consume the following food -
High-calorie Food: It's recommended to eat a high-calorie diet and consume foods like boiled potatoes, bananas, boiled rice, pasta, light bread. Small portions of such foods will give some strength and energy to the typhoid patients.
Fluids and Fruits with High Water Content: Follow liquid diet and consume adequate fluids in the form of fresh fruit juices, tender coconut water, lime juice, buttermilk, electrolyte fortified water, vegetable broth. Add water content-rich fruits like watermelons, cantaloupes, grapes, apricots to the diet. These fluids and fruits help in restoring the water content within the body that gets depleted during typhoid and cause dehydration. Dehydration may then cause further complications during the typhoid treatment.
Foods Rich in Carbohydrates: Semi-solid foods like porridge, poached eggs, baked potatoes are easy to digest, and these healthy carbs are beneficial for a typhoid patient.
Dairy Products: Dairy products like yogurt, milk, and eggs ensure adequate protein within the body, therefore should be included within the typhoid recovery diet plan. These foods are easier to digest as compared to meat. Vegetarians can choose legumes, lentils, pot cheese to fulfil their protein requirements.
A Typhoid Patient Should Avoid Consuming the Following Food
While keeping an in-depth eye on what's consumed in typhoid is vital, equally important is to strictly avoid few foods. Such foods which may interfere with the typhoid treatment include:
High Fiber Foods: Foods like whole grain cereals and whole wheat bread can distress the gastrointestinal system as these are hard to digest. These foods high in roughage or fiber should ideally be avoided.
Oily Foods: Oily or fried foods, butter should be avoided during typhoid .
Spices: A bit like oily food, spices, seasonings, and ethanoic acid foods can aggravate the inflammation within the intestines. It is thus advisable to avoid food items such as chili, pepper, cayenne, vinegar, hot sauce, salad dressings, canned fruits and vegetables.
Raw Vegetables: Such as cabbage, capsicum, turnip. These vegetables should be avoided because it can cause bloating.
FAQs on Typhoid: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention
1. What exactly is typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It primarily spreads through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The illness is characterized by a sustained high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite.
2. What are the most common symptoms of typhoid?
A person infected with typhoid typically experiences a range of symptoms that develop over a few weeks. The most common signs include:
- A high fever that steadily increases, often up to 104°F (40°C).
- Severe headache and body aches.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Either constipation or diarrhoea.
- In some cases, a rash of flat, rose-colored spots may appear.
3. How does typhoid spread from one person to another?
Typhoid spreads through the fecal-oral route. This means the Salmonella typhi bacteria are passed in the feces and sometimes urine of infected people. You can get infected if you eat food or drink water that has been contaminated by an infected person who hasn't washed their hands properly after using the toilet.
4. How is typhoid officially diagnosed by doctors?
The most reliable way to diagnose typhoid is through a blood culture, where a sample of blood is tested to see if the Salmonella typhi bacteria grows. Other tests, like a stool or urine culture, can also be used. The Widal test, which looks for antibodies, is common but is generally considered less accurate than a culture.
5. Which organ in the body is most affected by typhoid?
The bacteria primarily attack the small intestine. After being ingested, they invade the intestinal wall and can cause inflammation and ulcers. If the infection becomes severe, it can lead to a life-threatening complication called intestinal perforation, which is a hole in the intestine.
6. Why is proper sanitation so critical in preventing typhoid outbreaks?
Proper sanitation is critical because it breaks the chain of transmission. Since typhoid spreads through contaminated feces, effective sewage disposal and clean water systems prevent the bacteria from contaminating the food and water supply. Simple habits like handwashing with soap after using the toilet and before handling food are extremely effective at stopping its spread.
7. What is the difference between typhoid and paratyphoid fever?
Both are enteric fevers with similar symptoms, but they are caused by different bacteria. Typhoid is caused by Salmonella typhi, while paratyphoid is caused by Salmonella paratyphi. Generally, the illness caused by typhoid is more severe than paratyphoid fever. Treatment for both involves antibiotics.
8. How can typhoid fever be prevented?
Prevention is key and involves a few important actions. The most effective methods are getting vaccinated against typhoid, always drinking safe and purified water, avoiding raw or undercooked food, and maintaining good personal hygiene, especially frequent handwashing. These steps are particularly important when travelling to regions where typhoid is common.
