Have you heard of the bacteria – Salmonella Typhi? This bacteria is the primary cause of typhoid fever. In developing nations, typhoid symptoms can be found in children and adults. If you come in close contact with an infected individual or have some contaminated water and food, you’re more likely to have typhoid fever. In this article, we’ll go through all the typhoid symptoms so that you know when you or your loved ones are at risk.
Typhoid Symptoms In Adults To Know About
You must remember that typhoid is a type of enteric infection. This health condition targets and affects the intestine, thus resulting in most typhoid symptoms being digestion-related.
Typically, the primary typhoid symptom is fever, which eventually shows up over two weeks after exposure to the bacteria. You may suffer the symptoms and complications for around 3-4 weeks.
The common typhoid symptoms that will require you to visit the doctor are:
- Headache
- Weakness and tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular fever that can go as high as 104.9 ˚F
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle pain and soreness
- Anorexia or loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
If untreated, typhoid symptoms can last for a month or more and lead to severe health conditions, even causing fatality.
Typhoid Fever Stages
Now that you know the common typhoid symptoms, you should know that typhoid fever (the most common symptom) comes in different stages. Having knowledge of the stages and opting for early treatment via antibiotics can keep you away from entering the later stages.
Stage 1:
Once you come in contact with the bacteria – S. Typhi – you’re infected. It will take the next five to 14 days for you to experience typhoid symptoms. The initial typhoid symptom is a fever that gradually rises within a few days. In this stage, the bacteria will move into your bloodstream.
Stage 2:
When you enter typhoid fever’s second week, the bacteria multiply in one part of your body’s immune system. This will result in typhoid symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Like rashes, your skin may develop small pink dots (rose spots).
Stage 3:
If left untreated without any intake of antibiotics, the typhoid-causing bacteria can do some serious damage inside. It will usually happen when you enter the third week of having typhoid fever. Encephalitis and internal bleeding are some severe complications that happen at this stage.
Stage 4:
This is the final stage when individuals start recovering. Now, you’ll witness that your fever is going down. However, if you still leave the condition untreated, you’ll be at risk of having this disease again. The symptoms can reoccur as the S. Typhi won’t cause any symptoms while living in your gallbladder.
Complications of Typhoid
Some of the common complications of typhoid are:
- Intestinal bleeding (the most severe complication)
- Inflammation of the lining of the valves and heart
- Inflammation of the heart muscles
- Pneumonia
- Inflammation of the heart muscle
- Pancreatitis or Inflammation of the pancreas
- Infection of some major blood vessels
- Bladder or kidney infections
- Psychiatric issues like hallucinations, delirium, and paranoid psychosis
- Inflammation and infection of the fluids and membranes around the spinal cord and brain
Final Words
If you experience typhoid symptoms, you should consult your doctor and seek an early diagnosis. The earlier you treat typhoid, the lesser the complications and the faster the recovery. The only solution to treat and cure typhoid is antibiotics.
So, if you experience these symptoms, perform some tests, start with the diagnosis, and get better within a week or so. Always consult a specialist who can diagnose the issue effectively and offer targeted treatments.
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