Typhoid Fever Symptoms, Causes and Stages: Everything You Need to Know

Typhoid fever (Enteric fever) is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, the bacteria which also causes salmonella food poisoning. It is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted from an infected person via bodily excretions. The disease affects many body organs and can be propagated via contaminated food and water. Once the bacteria enters the body, it multiplies and propagates vigorously in the bloodstream.

Typhoid Fever Symptoms

Recognizing typhoid fever symptoms early is crucial for timely treatment. The following are common symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Muscle aches or pains
• Weakness or severe fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea

Read more about - Constipation Causes, Diarrhoea - Natural Remedies for Relief, and What is Whooping Cough?

Typhoid Fever Causes

The primary cause of typhoid fever is the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. It primarily spreads through contaminated food and water, making it more prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation. Key contributing factors include:

• Poor hygiene practices
• Overcrowded living conditions
• Inadequate sewage disposal systems

Stages of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever typically progresses through four stages:

1. Stage I – Early Stage

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and abdominal pain.

Read more about - Headache Types.

2. Stage II – Progression

Symptoms intensify, especially fever and gastrointestinal issues, with risk of complications.

3. Stage III – Complications Stage

Severe complications may arise, affecting various organs.

4. Stage IV – Recovery or Further Complications

Recovery begins or, in critical cases, complications may worsen and require hospitalisation.

Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever

Diagnosing typhoid fever usually involves:

• Blood tests
• Stool cultures

These help detect the presence of Salmonella Typhi. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Treatment for Typhoid Fever

Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for typhoid fever. Key considerations include:

• Completing the full course of antibiotics
• Monitoring for antibiotic resistance
• Hospitalisation for severe or complicated cases

Risk Factors of Typhoid Fever

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of contracting typhoid fever:

• Poor sanitation
• Limited access to clean drinking water
• Travel to or residence in high-incidence regions
• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Lack of vaccination

How to Prevent Typhoid Fever

Preventing typhoid fever involves multiple strategies:

1. Food and Water Safety

Consume only safe, well-cooked food and clean during typhoid, treated drinking water.

2. Practice Proper Hygiene

Frequent handwashing, sanitation, and waste disposal minimize risk.

3. Travel Precautions

Travelers to endemic regions should be vaccinated and follow safe food/water guidelines.

4. Vaccination

Both oral and injectable typhoid vaccines offer effective protection.

Common Complications in Untreated Typhoid Fever

Without appropriate treatment, typhoid can lead to serious complications by the third week of infection.

Internal Bleeding in the Digestive System

Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting blood
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dark-coloured stools

Intestine Perforation

A critical condition where bacteria cause infection in the peritoneum (abdominal lining), leading to:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Risk of diffuse peritonitis
• Requires emergency surgical treatment

Read more about – Dengue Symptoms & Causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can typhoid fever be treated at home?

Mild cases can sometimes be managed at home, but severe cases require hospitalisation. Consult internal medicine specialists for infectious disease management to ensure timely treatment and proper care.

2. How many days of rest are needed after typhoid?

Recovery time varies but may extend for several weeks.

3. What food should be avoided during typhoid?

Avoid raw or undercooked foods; opt for hygienic, well-cooked meals.

4. Can blood tests detect typhoid?

Yes, blood tests and stool cultures help confirm diagnosis.

5. How does typhoid fever impact pregnant women?

It poses risks to both the mother and fetus.

6. How does typhoid impact global health?

It remains a global health challenge, especially in low-resource regions.

7. What are the symptoms at the highest level of typhoid?

Stage IV may involve:

• Kidney failure
• Pneumonia
• Severe infections
• Meningitis

Learn more about – Top 5 Symptoms of Pneumonia, and Acute Kidney Failure Diagnosis & Treatment in Delhi.

8. Can tablets cure typhoid disease?

Yes, a full course of prescribed antibiotics is effective. Never stop treatment without medical advice.

9. What is the best typhoid medicine?

Antibiotics such as:

• Cephalosporins
• Fluoroquinolones
• Macrolides
• Carbapenems

Explore the expert guide about - Malaria Causes & Symptoms and Chikungunya Symptoms, Causes, & Prevention.