Close look on typhoid fever -

Typhoid fever is an acute illness with fever caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria and salmonella paratyphi which is a bacterium that causes a less severe illness. The bacteria are found in water or food by a human carrier and spread to other people in the area.

Typhoid fever symptoms

There is headache, backache, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite
Feeling weak, cold and tired
Body temperature rises and will remain high for about 10-14 days. The temperature rises in the evening and drops in the morning.
Eruptions in the skin will start to appear while the tongue becomes dry and have white patches in the center. This can cause an oily taste in the mouth and inflamed bones.
Fever will subside by the end of the fourth week.

Causes of typhoid fever

Typhoid fever can be caused by the following:

Flies that contaminate food with germs and the person carrying the germs can spread the disease when he/she prepares or serves food.
Poor sanitation such as in cases where water is contaminated as well as infected milk.
Improper dietary habits and defective lifestyle can cause buildup of toxic waste in the body and cause typhoid fever.
Typhoid fever is common among people who usually eat meat and meat products.

Complications

Intestinal bleeding or holes can develop in the third week of illness.
Inflammation of the heart muscles, lining of the heart and valves.
Kidney or bladder infections
Infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluids that surround the brain and spinal cord or meningitis.

Treatment of typhoid fever

Once an individual has typhoid fever, there are several measures that you should take into consideration.

Complete bed rest is necessary.
The affected person should be on a liquid diet which includes orange, barley juice and milk. Orange juice can help promote faster recovery since it increases the energy level, promotes immunity of the body and increases the urine output.
Give warm water enema which is a procedure that is used in order to stimulate stool evacuation and should be done regularly.
Apply cold compress to the forehead if body temperature is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit and then wrap the body and legs twice using a sheet wrung in cold water and cover with warm cloth. The cold compress should be kept in the forehead for one hour and reapply again after three hours. Place hot water bottles to the sides of the body and feet.
Once the fever subsides and temperature of the body is normal, fresh fruits and easy to digest foods can be given to the person.
Drink plain water or unsweetened lemon water.
Minimize drinking of sodas, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
Drinking coconut water helps with boosting the immune system of the body and fight germs.

Once the symptoms seem to persist, it is vital to consult a doctor for proper assessment of the condition as well as start appropriate treatment.