Typhoid fever is a pretty rare one among the different kinds of diseases that were termed to be caused mainly by Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi). The bacteria that cause it are a special type which exhibits both flu symptoms and stomach-related ones such as constipation and loss of appetite. If you have the feeling that you are ill with typhoid fever, then without delay, see a doctor who is capable of diagnosing you and prescribing you antibiotics. Remember also to tell the doctor about the places you have been traveling so that they could have an idea of the origin of their problem. Remember that Typhoid fever is not a serious problem until you take proper treatment and medication. In this blog, we discuss about 4 stages of typhoid fever, typhoid symptoms, typhoid causes, supportive therapy, and more.
Table of Contents
Know About Typhoid Fever
Before we know about the 4 stages of typhoid fever, we will get to know about typhoid fever. It is a malady that is mainspring by a particular kind of bacteria, Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi). Bacteria are most likely to be the one that is responsible for the infection of the small intestine and as a result, the infected person’s intestines will be painful, and they will have a sensation of cold, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and so on. According to scientific language, the symptoms of this infection are also known as enteric fever.
Are Paratyphoid and Typhoid Fever the Same?
Signs of paratyphoid and typhoid fever are identical. Only the effect of paratyphoid fever symptoms is much lower than that of the typhoid fever. The paratyphoid fever is the result of the attack of the bacteria called Salmonella Paratyphi, of which the short name is S. Paratyphi.
Difference Between Typhoid and Typhus
Typhoid and Typhus are completely different diseases that are accompanied by different types of bacteria. Their scientific names sound almost the same, even their symptoms are quite similar, but they vary in a lot of other aspects. Sometimes, the healthcare provider misunderstands them due to their similar signs. But with proper diagnosis, the main source can be found easily.
What are Symptoms of Typhoid in Adults and Children?
Typhoid symptom or sign that show in adult humans are more than 8. All these symptoms can cause a high fever if the proper treatment is not conducted on the infected person. It can even create severe problems in the future.
Symptoms of typhoid fever are:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Headache
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Constipation
- Rose spots (especially on the stomach and chest)
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle aches
What are the Causes of Typhoid Fever?
But the roots of the diseases leading to typhoid are mostly dependent on bacterium S. Typhi, which is a type of bacteria living in the intestines of a person who is already infected. Consequently, it is able to contaminate both water and food and thus cause disease in humans.
4 Stages of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is divided into four stages. In most cases, fever is treated in stages 1 or 2 due to proper diagnosis and lab test reports. Nonetheless, there are some instances (stage 3 or 4) when typhoid is not that easy to be treated under normal conditions. To be safe from such a condition, you first need to be aware of the 4 stages of typhoid fever that are detailed in the next section.
- Stage 1: The very first signs of symptoms are usually recorded between 5 to 14 days. In this period, the person experiencing the disease may develop a high fever, and the temperature of the body will increase gradually.
- Stage 2: After the first stage, bacteria begin to make copies in the human’s immune system (Peyer’s Patches, a part that identifies foreign agents) around the second week. Due to its effects, the affected person will feel stomach-related problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc. Apart from that, you may see ‘rose spots’, small pink dots on your skin.
- Stage 3: The third week of symptoms is when the bacteria start doing the serious harm at the ulcer spots after the second stage. The infected person, due to the bacteria’ massive destruction, will be in a situation of facing a crisis that includes such as swelling of the brain and bleeding inside the body.
- Stage 4: It is at this point when the bacteria in the affected individual’s gallbladder are getting ready to leave, and as a result, they will no longer exhibit any signs or symptoms. Due to that, your high fever begins to go down gradually, and your health begins to recover. However, the person will still be affected even after no effects of symptoms.
Complications of Typhoid Fever
If a certain precaution is not taken against typhoid fever, then it can cause serious complications, such as:
- Intestinal perforation
- Heart inflammation
- Miscarriage
- Bone inflammation
- Swollen or burst gallbladder
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Bronchitis
- Meningitis
- Delirium
How to Diagnose Typhoid Fever?
Generally, doctors check your heartbeat and lung conditions, which help them to understand the cause at the initial stage. If that does not help, then they can ask for a lab test report by providing samples like urine, stool, blood, etc. For confirmation purposes, they can ask you about your travel history, especially recent places. That way, they get an idea about what is actually causing the problem and why. Then, they perform the treatment on the patient.
Necessary Tests for Typhoid Fever
A doctor can ask you to visit a diagnostic specialist and submit a report of samples such as blood, stool, urine, and bone marrow.
- Urine
- Blood
- Bone Marrow (in exceptional condition)
- Stool
- Lung test by X-rays
Typhoid Fever Treatment
Typhoid is usually treated by the use of common antibiotics. As time is evolving, bacteria are also evolving. Due to that, the common kind of antibiotics may not be able to treat typhoid fever. In such cases, your healthcare provider can use different kinds of antibiotics. That way, typhoid treatment is possible in normal circumstances.
In exceptional cases, doctors can use additional treatment that can be done by admitting in the hospital.
Typhoid Fever Medication
Typhoid fever is mainly treated by the use of various antibiotics because of its long-lasting effects. Some of the most recommended medications are:
- Azithromycin
- Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin
- Carbapenems
- Ceftriaxone, cefotaxime or cefixime
Kindly note that if your condition is severe and has no effect of antibiotics, in those cases, the doctors can use steroids such as dexamethasone.
Typhoid Treatment at Home
It is feasible to carry out typhoid treatment at home. The doctor can be asked to instruct you through the process and also inform you about the drugs that you can use for self-medication. For instance, you can inquire about the use of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. All three are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which work in reducing fever and alleviating pain. In addition, you can also be informed about the other treatment options that can be done at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. Supportive therapy for typhoid fever includes staying hydrated with fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or broth, getting adequate rest, and a balanced diet.
Ans. 4 stages of typhoid fever include: stage 1 is incubation, stage 2 is invasion, stage 3 is peak, and stage 4 is recovery.
Ans. The latest treatments for typhoid fever are azithromycin, carbapenems, and cephalosporins.
Ans. Preventions of typhoid fever include vaccination, good hygiene, eating freshly cooked food or hot food, and boiled or bottled water.
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