Signs & Symptoms Of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a grave and deadly bacterial infection that is caused by the bacteria known as Salmonella typhi. Typhoid fever is an extremely contagious disease and hence can spread at a faster rate. Typhoid fever is mostly prevalent in countries where sanitation is poor and clean water is not accessible to the general population.

It is very important to take precautionary measures against the typhoid fever. And if you don’t do this, you may fall an easy prey to Salmonella typhi and become a sufferer of typhoid fever. Once you develop this bacterial infection, you may experience a variety of signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms may indicate that you have been attacked by the typhoid bacteria.

Given below are some major signs and symptoms of typhoid fever. You must immediately call your doctor if you experience these symptoms so as to keep the complications at bay.

Sometimes, children suffering from typhoid fever become ill all of a sudden. But usually the patients of typhoid fever develop and show the signs and symptoms related to this infection gradually. Signs and symptoms may be clearly visible after 3 to 4 weeks of contracting the disease.

In the first week of sickness, the person suffering from typhoid fever is more likely to experience headache, high fever, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, and fatigue as well as weakness. Diarrhea is experienced mostly by the children whereas the adults suffer more from constipation. The patient may also develop skin rash. Fever may rise up to 104 F. It is recommended to get medical assistance to control these symptoms.

If typhoid fever is treated in the early stage i.e. just after developing the above mentioned signs and symptoms then developing further symptoms can be greatly reduced. But in the absence of any treatment, the patient enters the second phase of the illness.

In the 2nd week, the signs and symptoms experienced by the related patients may include persistent high fever, drastic weight loss, exceptionally bloated stomach, and diarrhea or serious constipation.

If the patient enters the 3rd week of illness then he or she can become very restless and extremely weak and exhausted. This phase may develop life-threatening complications. Patient usually becomes immobile and lies on the bed in the typhoid state.

In the 4th week, the patient may show improvement and gradual recovery. Fever may slowly decrease and become normal.