What is Typhoid fever and how do you manage it?

Typhoid is a bacterial infection, often passed on to the human body through contaminated food and drinking water. It is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi (S.typhi), that can lead to a high fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Globally, typhoid fever affects more than 21 million people annually, with about 2,00,000 people dying of the same.

Countries prevalent with typhoid fever

Parts of the world commonly found affected with typhoid fever are Africa, the Caribbean, parts of East and Southeast Asia and Central and South America. The situation so with these countries because the water and food may be unsafe and unsanitised. In India, nearly 494 children per 1,00,000 of the age 5- 15 years, suffer from typhoid. In 2015, an estimated 569 million were diagnosed with typhoid. But, various research studies suggest that, with improved urban planning and fraction of people living in the slums have reduced the recurrence of the illness.

Causes of typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium S. typhi, which lives in the intestines and bloodstream of humans. The bacteria are transmitted from human to human and individuals with acute illness can further contaminate the surrounding water supply through stool. This contaminated water supply will in turn infect food supply. These bacteria have the ability to survive in water or dried sewage for weeks.

Symptoms of typhoid fever

Major and primary symptoms of typhoid are fever and rash. Fever will be particularly high that gradually increases over days from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. The incubation period for the typhoid fever may vary from 6 to 30 days. Rash is not observed in every patient, it consists of rose- coloured spots, found on the neck and abdomen. Other common symptoms are, weakness, abdominal pain, constipation and headaches. Few rarely observed symptoms include, confusion, diarrhea and vomiting. Few people are asymptomatic carriers of typhoid. They harbor the bacteria but won’t suffer any ill effects. At times, in these cases, disease can appear again.

Related complications are-

·         Intestinal bleeding or holes

·         Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle

·         Endocarditis, inflammation of the lining of the heart and valves

·         Pneumonia

·         Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas

·         Kidney or bladder infection

·         Meningitis, infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord

·         Psychiatric problems like delirium, hallucinations and paranoid psychosis

Diagnosis of typhoid fever

Diagnosis of typhoid fever is done through simple blood test or stool test. By the test, the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria is identified in blood or stool. Body fluid or tissue culture can be done.

Treatment for typhoid fever

Medications-

Antibiotics are used to treat typhoid, most common antibiotics include ampicillin, chloramphenicol, or cotrimoxazole (Bactrim®). Even fluoroquinolones like Cipro® and Levaquin®, cephalosporins like Cefepime®, and azithromycin are used. One can avail these medicines through 3MEDS, the best medicine app in India, by providing doctor’s prescription.

Surgery-

A surgery is recommended to repair the hole if the intestines become perforated.

Therapy-

Depending on the severity of the infection therapy method like fluid replacement or electrolyte replacement is recommended by the doctor.

Vaccine-

There are two types of typhoid vaccine available. The live, oral version of the vaccine is the strongest of the two. It still protects individuals from infection 73 percent of the time, even after three years. But, this vaccine comes with more side effects. The current vaccines are not very effective and more research is required to be done.

Prevention of typhoid fever

·         When travelling outside, drink bottled water, preferably carbonated

·         Don’t eat anything that has been handled by someone else, during travel

·         Avoid street food

·         Don’t have ice in drinks

·         Avoid popsicles and flavored ices

·         Wash your hands frequently with hot, soapy water

·         Don’t drink untreated water

·         Peel the fruits and vegetables instead of consuming them raw

·         Intake hot foods, either served at room temperature or steaming hot

·         Keep yourself hydrated with fluids

·         Get vaccinated against typhoid while planning a travel, two weeks’ prior

·         Safe eating should be practiced, as it can protect you from all kind of illness

Ending note

Typhoid is contracted when consumed contaminated food or water. Its primary symptoms are fever, rash, headaches and muscle ache. The illness is treated with antibiotics, which can be bought from 3MEDS, the best medical store app in India.