Typhoid Fever – SP Medifort Hospital

Typhoid Fever Treatment In Trivandrum

Typhoid fever is a serious systemic infection caused by the Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi bacterium. It typically spreads through contaminated food and water and is more common in regions with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to severe complications and prolonged illness.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Typhoid Fever?

Symptoms usually develop 1–3 weeks after exposure and may include:

Prolonged Fever.
Weakness and Fatigue.
Stomach Pain and Abdominal Discomfort.
Headache.
Loss of Appetite.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Rash of Flat, Rose-Colored Spots.
Swollen belly.

What causes Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever occurs when Salmonella Typhi bacteria enter the body, typically via:

Bacterial Infection: Salmonella Typhi enters the body after ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Fecal–Oral Transmission: Poor hygiene and unsafe sanitation allow bacteria from stool to contaminate water or food supplies.
Human Carriers: People who recover may continue to shed bacteria and spread the disease.

Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:

Blood Culture: The most reliable test for typhoid, especially in the first week, detects Salmonella Typhi in the blood and guides antibiotic treatment.
Stool and Urine Tests: Detect bacteria excreted from the body, useful in later stages or carriers, and help monitor infection and prevent spread.
Widal Test: A serological test that detects antibodies against Salmonella Typhi in the blood. It helps indicate exposure to the bacteria and can support diagnosis, especially when culture tests are not readily available, though it is less definitive than blood or stool cultures.

What are the Typhoid Fever risk factors?

Typhoid fever risk increases due to factors that enhance exposure to Salmonella Typhi or reduce the body’s ability to fight infection:

Travel to High-Risk Areas: Visiting regions with poor sanitation increases exposure.
Contaminated Food and Water: Eating unsafe food or drinking untreated water spreads the bacteria.
Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Living with or caring for someone with typhoid raises risk.
Lack of Vaccination: Unvaccinated individuals are more susceptible, especially travelers.
Weakened Immunity or Age Extremes: Children, older adults, and those with compromised immunity are at higher risk.
Age Extremes: Children and older adults are at higher risk due to less robust immunity.

What treatment options are available for Typhoid Fever?

Antibiotics treat typhoid, speeding recovery and preventing complications.

Antibiotic: The cornerstone of typhoid fever treatment is antibiotic medication, which helps shorten the illness, reduce fever, and prevent severe complications. Commonly used antibiotics include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins like ceftriaxone, and macrolides such as azithromycin. The choice depends on factors like regional resistance patterns and the severity of the disease.

Timely Treatment Importance: Starting antibiotics early significantly reduces the duration of fever and the risk of life‑threatening complications. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks or months.

Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining fluids and a proper diet helps manage dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting.

Hospitalization (if severe): Severe cases with complications like intestinal bleeding, perforation, or persistent vomiting may require hospital care for intensive monitoring and supportive therapy.

Preventive Measures: After recovery, vaccination and education on safe food and water practices help prevent reinfection.