Typhoid symptoms generally appear gradually over a period of several weeks. If not treated immediately, typhoid symptoms can get worse and even cause serious complications.
Typhoid is caused by bacteria Salmonella typhi. Bacterial infection S. typhi This can occur when a person consumes food or water that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
Typhoid is more common in areas with poor hygiene or sanitation. Therefore, to avoid typhus, we need to always keep ourselves and the environment clean, especially water and food sources.
The ways include washing hands after defecating or urinating and before eating, as well as ensuring the cleanliness of the food and drinks consumed.
Some Symptoms of Typhoid based on the course of the disease
Symptoms of typhoid or typhoid tend to develop gradually from week to week and often appear within 1-2 weeks after being infected with the bacteria. Salmonella typhi. The following are some of the symptoms of typhoid as the disease progresses in a matter of weeks:
1st week
In the first week, there are some common typhus symptoms, including:
- Fever with body temperature that rises and falls and tends to increase at night
- Headache
- dry cough
- Feeling unwell
- Nosebleed
If not treated, the symptoms of typhoid above can get worse and continue for the next week.
2nd week
People who experience typhus symptoms in the second week of the disease course, may experience the following symptoms:
- High fever up to 39–40°Celsius that gets worse in the afternoon or evening
- Rash or red spots appear on the chest and lower abdomen
- Body shivering and limp
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Digestive disorders, such as diarrhea or constipation
In this week, typhoid can also cause the stomach to feel bloated and enlarged due to swelling of the liver and spleen.
3rd week
In the third week, untreated typhoid symptoms can get worse. During this period, people with typhoid can also experience several other symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Body is very weak
- Foul-smelling diarrhea with greenish discharge and feces
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms of fever, decreased appetite, and nausea and vomiting can also get worse and have the potential to cause dehydration. In some cases, typhoid symptoms in the 3rd week can also be accompanied by delirium or confusion and restlessness.
In the 3rd week, typhoid can also cause some dangerous complications, such as bleeding and wounds or tears (perforations) in the digestive tract and sepsis.
4th week
In this week, the fever began to subside but medical treatment is still needed. In some patients, typhoid symptoms can return within 2 weeks after the fever subsides.
At this time and for several months or even years after, some people who have recovered from typhoid can become carriers (carrier) bacteria S. typhi. This means they can transmit bacteria S. typhi to others, even though his body is free from typhoid symptoms.
One's risk to become carrier germs S. typhi will be higher, if he does not get proper treatment.
Steps for Handling the Disease and Symptoms of Typhoid
If you experience various typhus symptoms that have been mentioned above, immediately go to the nearest doctor or hospital to undergo an examination and get the right treatment. Avoid using natural remedies, such as earthworm extract, before consulting a doctor, especially if you experience typhoid during pregnancy because it can increase the risk of complications.
To diagnose typhoid, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations consisting of blood tests, urine tests, Widal tests, and blood or stool cultures.
If the results of the examination show that you are suffering from typhoid, the doctor can provide several treatments in the form of:
Prescribing drugs
To treat the bacterial infection that causes the typhus you are experiencing, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics, such as: ciprofloxacin, azithromycinsulfa antibiotics, chloramphenicol, and ceftriaxone, for about 7–14 days.
Typhoid symptoms will usually begin to improve within 2-3 days after taking antibiotics. However, antibiotics must be taken until they run out so that the bacteria that causes typhus can be completely removed from your body.
In addition, doctors can also prescribe fever-reducing drugs, such as paracetamol. This drug can also be used to reduce symptoms of pain in the body that arise due to typhus symptoms. In cases of severe typhus or causing severe symptoms, the doctor may also give corticosteroid drugs.
Fluid therapy
Patients with typhoid are at high risk for dehydration due to high fever, decreased appetite, and prolonged diarrhea. Therefore, the doctor will advise you to eat enough and drink enough water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
If the symptoms of typhoid are severe, such as difficulty eating and drinking, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, or abdominal swelling, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and intravenous fluid therapy to prevent malnutrition and dehydration.
Operation
Surgery may be needed if you have life-threatening complications of typhoid, such as severe bleeding or tearing in the digestive tract. However, this complication is relatively rare if the typhoid symptoms you experience have been treated properly early on.
If treated immediately, typhoid symptoms can improve quickly within 3-5 days. However, you may need to take medication and rest for at least 1-2 weeks until you are declared completely cured by the doctor.
On the other hand, if typhoid is not treated properly, you may experience symptoms that get worse and last for a long time for weeks or months.
Therefore, don't hesitate to go to a doctor or hospital if you experience typhus symptoms as mentioned above. If you quickly get treatment from a doctor, you will recover faster from typhus and avoid various complications.