Typhoid Fever Symptoms

Symptoms of Typhoid - A Comprehensive Overview

Identifying the symptoms of Typhoid earlier is significant because it helps in prompt treatment and prevents any further complications. The initial symptoms are generally seen 1–3 weeks after exposure to the Salmonella typhi bacteria. Typhoid symptoms in babies appear for 1-3 weeks after exposure to the Salmonella typhi bacteria.

To identify typhoid symptoms, a medical professional can go through a physical exam, blood tests, and other tests. But, finding the symptoms at home is also possible. There is a Typhoid Fever Rapid Test Kit that is available in several countries, India, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and most countries in South Asia where Typhoid is more prevalent. Typhoid Fever Rapid Test Kit is a medical diagnostic tool used to find out the presence of antibodies against Salmonella typhi in the blood, serum, or plasma samples of the patient. This guide will delve into the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods in preventing typhoid.

What is Typhoid?

Typhoid refers to a bacterial infection that affects the intestines and bloodstream. Typhoid can be life-threatening if it is left untreated.

Early Symptoms of Typhoid

The early symptoms of typhoid fever typically appear within 6 to 30 days after exposure to the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Primary signs include a gradual onset of fever, often increasing each day, along with weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Patients can experience muscle aches, headaches, dry cough, and mild abdominal pain.

Depending on their age and overall health, some individuals might have constipation or diarrhoea. Chills and sweating occur in some cases. These symptoms may initially go unnoticed and resemble a viral infection. But if left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid worsening.

Typhoid symptoms often begin with several conditions, making the person feel low. Recognising the symptoms of typhoid early is crucial for timely treatment and recovery. Here are some of them listed below:

• Fever very high as 104°F (40°C)
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Weakness and fatigue
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Rash with flat, rose-colored spots
• Chills
• Agitation, confusion, delirium, or hallucinations
• Muscle aches
• Bloody stools
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty paying attention.

Also Read: Brain Stem Stroke symptoms

Signs of Typhoid

Active typhoid symptoms include continuous fever, diarrhoea, and other symptoms. It's more contagious and can be fatal if it is untreated. The inactivated typhoid vaccine refers to a shot that prevents typhoid fever that is given into a muscle in a doctor's office.

Types of Typhoid 

There are four types of typhoid fever. They are Typhi, Paratyphi A, Paratyphi B, and Paratyphi C.

• Salmonella Typhi (also called Typhoid bacteria), known as S. Typhi, causes typhoid fever.
• Salmonella Paratyphi A causes paratyphoid fever, a serious and contagious bacterial infection.
• Salmonella Paratyphi B causes paratyphoid fever, a contagious, serious, and sometimes life-threatening disease.
• Salmonella Paratyphi C causes a potentially life-threatening infection called paratyphoid fever.

Paratyphoid fever is less severe and common than typhoid fever.

• Typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi serotype.
• Paratyphoid fever is caused by the Salmonella Paratyphi A, B, and C serotypes.

Causes of Typhoid

Typhoid fever is mainly caused by the bacteria called Salmonella Typhi, which spreads through contaminated food or water. We have seen the causes of Typhoid; let's see how it spreads.

• Eating food that has been handled by a person who is infected or a carrier of the bacteria.
• It spreads through contaminated water from sewage, which is used for drinking or washing food.
• If a person with the disease don't wash his/her hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, it spreads.

Also Read: Pterygium Symptoms

Risk Factors of Typhoid

We have discussed the causes and symptoms of Typhoid, so let's see the risk factors. There are many risk factors for typhoid fever, they include :

1) Food

• Eating unsafe and contaminated food.
• Food washed in contaminated water.
• Food from street sellers or vendors.

2) Water

• Drinking contaminated water or using ice from unclean water.

3) Travelling

• Traveling to places with poor sanitation
• Travelling to places having food handling practices.

4) Improper Hygiene 

 Not washing hands properly with soap, particularly after using the toilet or changing a diaper.

5) Environment 

 Staying in unhygienic conditions.

6) Crowded Places 

 Residing in a crowded place.

7) Poverty 

 Not drinking safe drinking water and less access to sanitation .

Typhoid Symptoms in Kids

Typhoid symptoms in kids can have a broad range of symptoms, and it develops gradually over a week or more. A persistent high fever is one of the most frequent signs, which can reach 104°F (40°C). Children can also experience weakness, tiredness, and crankiness, accompanied by a loss of appetite. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation, and occasionally an eruption of flat, rose-coloured spots on the chest or abdomen.

Younger individuals may experience vomiting, cough, or headache, and in severe infections, confusion or delirium may develop. If left untreated, the condition can cause complications such as intestinal bleeding or perforation. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antibiotics are required to avoid severe health threats. Parents need to have medical consultation if a child develops chronic fever for more than a few days, particularly following travel or exposure to places where typhoid is prevalent.

Treatment for Typhoid

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics. Treatment at the correct time is necessary to prevent more complications and death. Some newer types of bacteria are able to survive even after antibiotic treatments, so you'll be treated with different antibiotics based on what type of Typhoid you have and where you got sick.

Typhoid is generally treated with antibiotics. A few bacteria types are able to survive antibiotic treatments, so you shall be treated with various antibiotics based on the type of Typhoid and where you became sick. Also, Paratyphoid fever is treated with antibiotics.

Foods to Eat in Typhoid

Eating some foods helps fast recovery during Typhoid. Here are the foods to be included during Typhoid.

Foods to Avoid during Typhoid

There are some foods which have to be avoided to prevent further complications. Here are those foods that have to be avoided during Typhoid.

Typhoid Medications

Some medications help in typhoid treatment; let's see them.

These medications will only be provided by your Doctor, you must not take these tablets for Typhoid, without his/her prescriptions.

Signs of Recovery from Typhoid

Recovery from typhoid fever is a slow process, and it is essential to recognise the signs of improvement for better progress in monitoring. The first indication is a gradual drop in fever accompanied by increasing appetite and improved energy status. As the fever subsides, the patient will feel less tired and more energetic.

Improvement in digestion, less abdominal pain, reduced bloating, and regular bowel movements indicate healing. Mental acuity comes back, and the patient becomes more alert and responsive. Additionally, fluid levels improve as nausea and vomiting subside, enabling better fluid and food intake.

Blood tests, such as normalisation of white blood cell count and lower inflammation markers (like CRP), confirm internal recovery. The lack of complications, such as intestinal bleeding or prolonged diarrhoea, also indicates a good recovery.

However, complete recovery is time-consuming, and adherence to medicine as prescribed, along with rest and a healthy diet, is crucial to avoid relapse.

Recovery time for Typhoid

Typhoid fever can take up to 7–10 days to recover from if it is treated early, but it can take so longer if it is left untreated. The recovery signs from Typhoid fever include :

• No fever
• Less diarrhea
• No chest congestion
• Reduced fatigue
• Restored appetite
• No headaches or stomach aches

Complications of Typhoid Fever

If typhoid fever is poorly managed, it can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Intestinal bleeding– This can result in blood in stools or black, tarry stools, leading to anaemia and weakness.
• Sepsis (blood infection)– The bacteria may enter the bloodstream, spreading to other organs.
• Intestinal perforation– A hole in the intestinal wall causing severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening infection (peritonitis).
• Myocarditis– Inflammation of the heart muscles, affecting heart function.
• Pneumonia– Lung infections can develop as a secondary complication.
• Hepatitis– Liver inflammation may occur, especially in severe or prolonged cases.
• Encephalopathy– Confusion, delirium, or even coma in extreme cases.
• Meningitis– Rarely, the infection may spread to the brain and spinal cord.
• Kidney or bladder infections– It is caused by the spread of
• Relapse– Symptoms may return after initial recovery if not fully treated.

Timely treatment and effective management techniques can prevent most complications.

How to Prevent Typhoid?

In general, one can prevent typhoid fever by some procedures like practicing good hygiene, getting properly vaccinated, and avoiding food and water that are contaminated.

Also Read: Heart Block Symptoms

How is Typhoid Diagnosed?

Typhoid diagnosis can be made through undergoing many tests like blood tests, stool test or urine samples test, which help find the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria. Also, a healthcare provider might perform a physical examination and enquire about your travel history.

Conclusion

There are many signs and symptoms of Typhoid. While these signs and symptoms of typhoid fever are diagnosed, treatment could help for a fast recovery. Always consult a healthcare provider to find out the symptoms of Typhoid in children. Don't use kits for your children to identify typhoid symptoms and have a safer move for your child’s health.

If you notice early symptoms of Typhoid, get treatment from your Doctor. Moreover, as prevention is better than cure, it is wiser to practice prevention methods.