The symptoms of typhoid fever can be scary, and knowing what they mean can make them less so. After all, if you know the specifics behind your sickness, it’s a lot easier to cope with. There are many different types of typhoid, and each one has its own set of symptoms – so let’s break down exactly why you’re feeling what you are.
What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is an infection of the gut caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. This infection can cause symptoms that last between one and four weeks and can lead to complications. The incubation period for typhoid is typically one to three weeks, though some people may be unwell as early as one week after exposure. Symptoms can come on suddenly, but are often preceded by a high fever, headache, and abdominal pain. People with typhoid may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. A person can be infected with the bacterium that causes typhoid fever by consuming contaminated food or drink, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by coming into contact with an infected person.
Typhoid Symptoms
The symptoms of typhoid vary from case to case, but generally include high fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms can be accompanied by chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases, people experience vomiting, abdominal pain, and a low-grade inflammation of the blood called thrombocytopenia. In other cases, people may have no symptoms at all, only finding out they have typhoid once they get a blood test. Some people also experience joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and an increased sensitivity to light.
Causes of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. The incubation period for typhoid is usually two to six weeks. People who are most at risk of getting the infection are those who eat or drink foods or beverages that are contaminated with the bacterium that causes typhoid. Risk of infection is also increased in people who have poor standards of hygiene and in people who live in poverty. Most people infected with typhoid are asymptomatic so it is important for health care workers as well as the general public to practice good hygiene to prevent its spread. One way to prevent typhoid fever is to avoid foods and beverages that are contaminated with the bacterium that causes the disease.
Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever
The diagnosis of typhoid fever is based on the symptoms and the findings in the blood of a person with the infection. Blood tests that can be used to detect the infection include the anti-Salmonella antibody test and the anti-mitochondrial haemagglutination test. In addition to blood tests, other tests that can be used to detect typhoid fever include CT scan, X-rays, and ultrasound. If a person has fever and one of these other tests show that there are fluid in the abdomen, the infection can be detected. A stool sample can be tested for the bacterium that causes typhoid fever. Typhoid is a preventable infection that can be prevented by avoiding foods and drinks that are contaminated with the bacterium that causes the infection.
Treatment for Typhoid Fever
The right antibiotics can quickly cure typhoid fever. People who have been infected for less than one month can be treated with antibiotics such as ampicillin, penicillin, or ceftriaxone. People who have been infected for longer than one month can be treated with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol or tetracycline. Treatment should begin within one week of the start of symptoms. After treatment, a person may still have some symptoms, but they should go away within two weeks.
Summing Up
The symptoms of typhoid fever can be scary, and knowing what they mean can make them less so. After all, if you know the specifics behind your sickness, it’s a lot easier to cope with. There are many different types of typhoid, and each one has its own set of symptoms – so let’s break down exactly why you’re feeling what you are. Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. The incubation period for typhoid is usually two to six weeks. People who are most at risk of getting the infection are those who eat or drink contaminated foods or beverages. Risk of infection is also increased in people who have poor standards of hygiene and in people who live in poverty.