Highlights:
- Typhoid fever is an infectious fever that propagates through the oral-fecal route.
- Symptoms of Typhoid may include high-grade fever, stomach ache, muscular aches, nausea, and vomiting.
- Typhoid is quite common in developing countries and this high prevalence rate resonates with that area’s hygiene condition.
Introduction:
Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi (S. typhi). This bacteria spreads via the oral-fecal mode of contamination.
What are the stages of Typhoid?
Typhoid is a complicated type of fever, and understanding its every stage can help immensely. The four stages of Typhoid fever are:
- First Stage: This stage has a particular significance. The person who Salmonella Typhi infects experiences initial symptoms such as progressing fever and it starts after 5 to 14 days of incubation. This type of fever is called “Stepwise” because of its progression.
- Second Stage: In the second week, the infection grows in the payer’s patch, a lymphoid tissue in the small intestine. You may experience pain in the abdomen, nausea, and diarrhea, etc. There may be “rose spots” i.e. reddish pink spots on your skin that look like a rash.
- Third Stage: If left untreated, the infection can further spread and cause damage. The third week of infection is the most virulent stage of all. It is the stage where typhoid may get complicated. There can be severe complications such as internal bleeding and encephalitis (swelling of brain tissues).
- Fourth Stage: It is the recovery phase, and most people start their recovery—all of the symptoms of Typhoid, like fever, stomach complaints, and rash start to subside. Salmonella Typhi can also stay in your gall bladder even after you recover, making you contagious for a long time. Approximately 3 to 5% of patients develop this chronic stage of typhoid.
What is the Carrier Phase of Typhoid?
It is the phase of contagiousness, where an individual keeps on spreading the infection even after full recovery. One can be a long-term disease carrier without experiencing any actual symptoms. This time can last from a year to a lifetime.
Who was Typhoid Mary?
You must have heard this common phrase that is often generalized these days. “Don’t be a Typhoid Mary” or “He is such a Typhoid Mary”, this title has succumbed to a fate of negativity. It may demonstrate if someone is causing a disaster. Mary Mallon moreover ill-famed as “Typhoid Mary” was the carrier of typhoid. She was an Irish-American cook who transmitted typhoid to quite a large population. She was the first ever known person who was a healthy typhoid carrier.
What are the symptoms of Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid Fever is a communicable disease that spreads from contaminated water. Its symptoms are:
- High-grade progressive Fever
- Chills
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Rose Spots on skin
- Muscular pain
- Loss of Appetite
- Cough
What are the diagnostic tests for Typhoid?
The diagnostic process of Typhoid starts from the moment you visit a doctor. They will take a complete history of disease including onset of disease, progression, travel history, and physical examinations. After a thorough exam, some lab tests will be conducted to rule out other possibilities and a specific widal test will be for Typhoid.
- Blood test: Your blood sample will be taken from your arm in a small amount.
- Stool test: Your doctor will ask you to give a sample of your feces for analysis.
- Urine test: You may be asked for your pee sample in a test cup for further testing of infections.
- WIDAL test: This test is specific for typhoid fever. You can get reliable results for this test if you get tested in the second week after the manifestation of symptoms. This test measures the total sum of antibodies present in the blood for the salmonella typhi. A small quantity of blood will be taken from your arm and your test sample will be compared with a reference sample to give you accurate results. If you receive a positive result that means you are infected with S. Typhi.
Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) is the culprit behind this virulent Typhoid disease. Let’s go down the historic lane of the disease. It was the late 19th century when typhoid became a public health issue. In that era, the mortality rate of Typhoid was 10 to 20%. Now it came down to less than 1%.
But still, are we progressing towards a better prognosis or are we destined to be doomed? The increase in the cases of Multi-Drug Resistant Typhoid is a clear response to antibiotic abuse.
What is MDR Typhoid?
MDR (Multi-Drug Resistant) Typhoid is a type of bacterial infection that has developed resistance to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol. These were the primary line of treatment in cases of typhoid. But now they are not efficacious in the treatment of Typhoid.
What are the preventative measures for Typhoid?
The prevention methods for typhoid are general hygiene practices.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after going to the toilet.
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Do not cook food if you are sick.
- Wash the surfaces and utensils with soap before and after cooking.
- Do not eat or drink anything that you know might be contaminated.
- Do not drink untreated water if uncertain about the water source. Carry your water along with you.
What are the Homeopathic medicines for Typhoid Fever?
Homeopathy is proven to be a holistic treatment method. There is no debate that it can treat patients in the healthiest way close to nature. Homeopathy works on the principles of nature and an individualistic approach. Every patient is unique in its manifestation even if suffering from the same disease. These are the group of medicines frequently indicated in cases of Typhoid fever.
- Baptisia tinctoria: It is a potent homeopathic medicine used to treat various infectious disorders, including typhoid. It is frequently recommended for a high temperature, severe weakness, headache, or delirium. Other symptoms might include a thickly coated tongue, a bad smell, and stomach pain. Baptisia tinctoria stimulates the body’s natural defensive systems and aids healing.
- Arsenicum album: It is commonly used to treat a variety of diseases, including typhoid. It works well in conditions of prostration, restlessness, and anxiety with increased temperature. Individuals may suffer abdominal burning sensations, an acute desire for little sips of water, and diarrhea with foul-smelling feces. Arsenicum album can ease symptoms.
- Rhus toxicodendron: It is a homeopathic medicine used to treat typhoid cases characterized by acute weakness, restlessness, and bodily pains. There might be a fever, severe thirst, headache, and excessive perspiration. Common symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, which are worsened by early movement but eased by prolonged activity. Rhus toxicodendron helps to reduce fever, relieve physical aches, and improve general health.
- Pyrogenium: It is highly suggested for typhoid patients with a high and persistent fever, severe body heat, and acute restlessness. Other symptoms may include excessive tiredness, hurting muscles, and a fast, weak pulse. Pyrogenium helps the body remove impurities and restore vigor.
- China officinalis: It is an effective homeopathic treatment for typhoid patients marked by weakness, tiredness, and anemia. It is especially beneficial when there is a recurring fever with chills and heavy perspiration. Individuals may suffer a bloated belly, flatulence, and a need for cool beverages.
Typhoid has always been a public health concern and its treatment should be very careful. Homeopathy is a system of medicine curated with science where the treatment is not merely based on the name of the disease. It is rather concerned about the individualistic manifestation of that particular disease. Homeopathic medicines are quick and gentle, and they have permanent results. They are based on the natural principles giving you the best treatment available without after-effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How long does Typhoid Fever last?
Ans. It can take around 3 to 4 weeks before it leads to recovery. In cases where typhoid gets complicated then it can take up to more than a month.
Q. Which insect causes Typhoid fever?
Ans. Typhoid is not a vector-borne disease. It is caused by contaminated food and water.
Q. Which organ is affected by Typhoid fever?
Ans. The bacteria first encounters with intestine and then goes to your bloodstream. It affects various organs including lymph nodes (payer’s patch), liver, spleen, and gall bladder.
Dr Aditi
Dr Aditi (BHMS) from NHMC Delhi, HMO ( Chandigarh Administration), Ex- SRF ( CCRH ), currently doing a research study of effect of Homoeopathic medicines in Mother and Child Health care in Chandigarh.