Typhoid is caused by bacteria known as Salmonella typhi. It is rare in developed nations, though it is a major threat in underdeveloped countries, particularly to children. Contaminated water and food or close contact with infected individuals can lead to typhoid. Most people who have typhoid feel better after antibiotic treatment. It is important to know the symptoms of typhoid to start the treatment on time.
The most common typhoid symptoms
The symptoms and signs of typhoid tend to gradually develop – often showing up one or three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Here are the signs of the disease:
Early signs of illness
- Headache
- Low-grade fever that keeps increasing gradually to reach even 40.5 C (104.9 F)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
- Dry cough
- Stomach pain
- Loss of weight loss and appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Highly swollen stomach
- Rash
Signs after progression of the illness
A lack of treatment might lead to:
- Severe delirium
- A state of semi-consciousness; a condition called the typhoid state
Life-threatening complexities tend to develop during this time. In several cases, these signs and symptoms might return for at least two weeks after the patient’s fever subsides.
The right time to see doctors for typhoid symptoms
You need to see your doctor right away if you have typhoid fever. In case the symptoms and signs persist. it is crucial to see a doctor who is an expert on infectious diseases. Doctors who are familiar with the condition will be able to identify and treat the illness faster.
Risk factors for typhoid fever
Typhoid is a serious health threat across the world and impacts nearly 27 million or more individuals every year. The disease has been detected in India, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Across the world, kids are at a higher risk of getting infected with the disease, though they usually have much milder symptoms compared to adults.
The risk of typhoid increases if:
- travel to or work in areas where there is a spread of typhoid recently
- have close contact with an individual who is presently or has been recently infected by the disease
- drink polluted water that contains the dangerous Salmonella typhi
- are a clinical microbiologist who has to handle Salmonella typhi bacteria
The endnote
It is important to see a doctor if someone is suffering from fever with the associated symptoms. Make sure not to self-medicate without seeing a doctor because that might worsen the situation. Getting the right treatment early on can help control the symptoms better and get cured faster.