Symptoms of Typhoid Fever: Cure, Causes and Treatment of Typhoid

Typhoid Fever is characterized by typical course of temperature and ulceration of the bowels. The fever is of uncertain duration and is infectious.

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

  • The patient feels weak, cold and tired.
  • Headache, backache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite are other symptoms.
  • Temperature rises and remains high for about 10-14 days. Body  temperature typically rises in the evening and drops in the morning.
  • Skin eruptions appear, tongue becomes dry and gets white patches in the center, which causes oily taste in mouth and inflamed bones.
  • Fever comes down gradually by the end of fourth week.

Causes of Typhoid Fever

  • Poor sanitation, contaminated water and infected milk are some of the main factors responsible for typhoid.
  • Flies contaminate the food with germs. People carrying the germs can also spread the disease if they prepare or serve food.
  • Wrong dietary habits and faulty lifestyle lead to accumulation of toxic waste in the body and promotes typhoid fever.
  • Typhoid is common in people who eat more meat and meat products.

Natural Remedies for Typhoid Fever

  • Complete bed rest is essential.
  • Patient should be kept on a liquid diet of orange, barley juice and milk. Orange juice, especially, hastens recovery as it increases energy, promotes body immunity and increases urinary output.
    Administer warm water enema regularly.
  • Apply cold compress to the forehead if temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, wrap the body and legs twice with a sheet wrung in cold water and then cover it with a warm material. The pack should be kept for an hour and renewed after every 3 hours. Hot water bottles may be applied to the sides of the body and feet.
  • Fresh fruits and easily digestible foods can be given after once the fever subsides and body temperature comes down to normal.
  • Plain water or unsweetened lemon water can be used for drinking.
  • Gradually start a well-balanced diet.

Prevention of Typhoid Fever

Implementation of anti-fly measures, proper disposal of sewage, boiling or thorough purification of drinking water and pasteurization of milk are some of the preventive measures.

Typhoid Fever Questions and Answers

I was diagnosed with viral fever by my local doctor. After 4 days when the fever did not  subside, my doctor asked me to get a blood test done as he is suspecting typhoid.

[A] What symptoms are you facing for typhoid fever?
[Q] I have Headache and fever, but commonly occurs at night, temperature not more than 101 degree and irritation in eyes plus tiredness and fatigue.
[A] And how many days do you have the fever for?
[Q] About 4 days with sputum in chest.
[A] How is your appetite? Do you have any appetite?
[Q] My appetite seems to be ok; I don’t have a problem there.

[A] Do you have constipation?
[Q] No constipation.
[A] It’s tough to diagnose this remotely. What exactly are you looking for? Do you want to know some home remedies for typhoid? Do you want to know about typhoid symptoms?
[A] You must most certainly follow your doctor’s advice and get your blood check up done to detect what the problem is – whether its typhoid fever or something else
[A] Here are some home remedies I can suggest – but use them only after you have consulted your doctor:

  • Take a lot of rest
  • Cold compress if your fever goes over 103
  • Drink more water; even orange juice will be good as that will give you more energy
  • Stick to easily digestible foods – liquid diet is good if you can tolerate it.
  • Warm eater enema may also be administered for some people during typhoid fever.

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Question: About a week ago I was suffering from constipation & stomach ache with occasional fever. Last 2 days,  I have continuous fever of around 99-100 degree F. My widal test (not from reputed lab ) is +ve.

Answer: Since the Widal test has been done and the result has been positive, your diagnosis is typhoid. Diet and hygiene will play an important role in your treatment.
Here are a few home remedies for treating typhoid:

* Drink 2 tall glasses of warm milk to which Psyllium seeds have been added. Psyllium seeds help in the easy and smooth passage of stools and check constipation.
* To settle a disturbed stomach, drink 2 tender coconut water everyday. Coconut water is alkaline and rich in essential nutrients.
* To battle fatigue and exhaustion, eat 5 dates daily. Soak them overnight in water and eat the next day. Dates provide great strength and vigor.
* Stomach pain can be relieved by consuming a mixture of 1 spoon cumin seed powder and 1 spoon of powdered sugar.
* In order to manage fluctuating temperatures, drink raisin water. Raisins are an excellent tonic during fevers. Avoid popping anti-pyretics.
* Avoid foods which derange and upset the stomach. Stay away from spicy food, tea, coffee, aerated drinks, refined foods and alcohol.
* Increase your fluid intake to prevent typhoid.

Control Typhoid:

* Take rest for a period of 1 week. Your body needs to recover and recuperate.
* Drink boiled and filtered water only.
* Wash hands and feet thoroughly.
* Always keep food in covered containers.
* Eat steaming hot food.

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Question: I am suffering from high fever for about 25 days. Recently I have been diagnosed with typhoid. I was being treated for malaria. I have constant high fever which drops after I take Crocin. I have lost my appetite and feel so weak I cannot stand for more than 10 minutes at a stretch. My stomach pains after I take medicine or food. My physician has prescribed Ofloxacin tablet 400mg, twice a day and Efixime tablet U.S.P 200 mg.

Answer: Typhoid is an infectious disease, caused by a microbe salmonella typhii which is transmitted by feco-oral route. Nutritional correction is most critical for ensuring a lasting cure. Typhoid is notorious for becoming a chronic case, so it is of very important that you follow a judicious diet, healthy lifestyle and hygienic practices to prevent a relapse or a progression of the disease.

  • Avoid popping too many anti-pyretics like crocin. Also, avoid treating yourself randomly without a definite diagnosis.
  • Take adequate rest. Your body needs to recuperate.
  • Drink only boiled water.
  • Wash your hands and feet after you get home. Wash you hands clean before you eat.
  • Always keep food in closed containers.
  • Prefer hot food.

Treatment for Typhoid:

  • In order to overcome fatigue, have raisins and dates daily. Soak them overnight in plain water and consume them the next day. They promote quick recovery and provide strength and vigor.
  • Stomach pain can be relieved by consuming a mixture of 1 teaspoon cumin seed powder and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
  • Consume lot of fluids – fruit juices, soups, glucose water or coconut water will be helpful.
  • Homoeopathy mixture, biochemic 28 is a very good tonic for the entire system, combating infection, stepping up the immunity and bringing about speedy cure for typhoid.

What was your experience with typhoid? What were your symptoms? How did you cure your typhoid? Share your experience to help our readers.