Typhoid: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid is a type of fever caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi, which spreads through water and food. Bacteria is transmitted by coming in direct contact with feces of an infected person. Typhoid is associated with symptoms like poor appetite, headache, lethargy, general pain, diarrhoea and gastric discomfort.Typhoid fever is very rare in the industrial countries but the diseases play a significant role in deteriorating the public health issue in the developing countries

The symptoms of typhoid are as shown in the figure above. They are –

• Typhoid causes profuse sweating
• Illness or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Develop hallucinations
• Develop abdominal pain
• Ulcers and body stools
• Severe headaches and irritation
• High fever
• Fatigue
• Encephalitis
• Dehydration in the body
• Develop skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Constipation and etc

Treatment and prevention of typhoid

Sanitation is one of the most important things that one can do to prevent the infection of diseases. The other way would be the use of antibiotics that can kill the disease causing germs. Also by maintaining good and hygienic food habits, one can get rid of diseases easily.
Drink plenty of purified water to prevent dehydration which results in prolonged fever and diarrhea. Hence, the water you drink must be purified to reduce the chances of infection. Therefore,  water purifier should be installed at your home to ensure consumption of pure water. There are so many good purifiers available on the market. Kent is one of the leading brands in India which provides 100% pure and safe water.

In the case of severe complication such as intestinal bleeding which can be also life-threatening sometimes surgery might be needed for the treatment. Typhoid vaccines are now available. These vaccinations are recommended for those who travel in parts of the world where a risk of typhoid is very high. People must consult a doctor if they feel symptoms of typhoid. If a person is severely dehydrated he needs to receive fluids intravenously.

FOLLOWING MEASURES CAN BE ADOPTED TO PREVENT TYPHOID.

•  Drink only pure and safe water
• Wash hand thoroughly with soapy water before preparing or eating food and after using toilets
• Avoid using ice made of tap water
• Do not eat food from street vendors
• Never eat raw vegetables and fruits

Since Typhoid is a life-threatening waterborne disease, you should ensure that you take complete care of yourself and ensure that you do not drink or eat contaminated water or food. Besides, if you experience fever, stomach pain, abdominal cram or diarrhea, it would be better that you go for an immediate check-up and take necessary steps to clear it at first stage.