Typhoid is one of the most common bacterial infections. Like every other disease, typhoid exhibits several symptoms and there are many ways in which the disease can be treated. However, most people ignore the symptoms and deem typhoid as common to cold and flu. Initially several symptoms might appear similar to the common cold, however as the disease progresses the symptoms may get worse or new ones may appear.
Once you identify that your body is showing different types of typhoid symptoms, you need to follow strict rules and restrictions so that you won’t spread the disease or cause more problems to your health. This is why you should know more about what you need to do once you are diagnosed with typhoid. In this section, we have illustrated these rules and regulations and explained what can happen if you don’t follow them. But first, we would like to briefly talk about typhoid fever and its symptoms.
What is typhoid, and how it is caused?
Salmonella is the main cause of typhoid fever. It spreads through water and hence, is highly contagious. Typhoid has emerged to be an epidemic disease in many countries, owing to the high infection rate. Perhaps this is why doctors are so concerned about this bacterial disease.
Here are some ways you can become infected with typhoid:
- If you drink water contaminated with salmonella bacteria, you will likely get infected with the bacteria.
- Often human excreta are present in seawater, and river water, which is why eating fish from these sources can cause typhoid.
- When public bathrooms are not sanitised properly, people using them can easily get infected with the same.
What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?
Since you now know about the causes of typhoid, let’s have a look at the symptoms. Being aware of the symptoms will help you take measures that will prevent the rise of complications.
- Cough and cold usually occur from the first day, but they only intensify after a couple of days.
- Fever is inconsistent during the initial days, but it may become consistent later on.
- Pain in bones and muscles is one of the most common typhoid symptoms that you need to be aware of.
- Loss of appetite is also a symptom, but you will encounter it in later days.
What not to do if you recognise your body is showing typhoid symptoms
When you have typhoid symptoms, there are certain things you need to avoid at all costs. If you do not follow these rules and restrictions, you might have to face a wide range of consequences.
- Never leave your hands unwashed because germs may thrive there and get transferred to someone else.
- Do not drink water from the same bottle that others use because they may also get infected with the bacteria.
- Stop smoking at once after you are diagnosed with typhoid symptoms. The smoke contains nicotine and several other harmful components that can worsen the situation.
- Do not drink alcohol or any other refrigerated drink because that may worsen your respiratory health.
- Apart from this, you shouldn’t eat unwashed foods or fish from unknown sources. These are often contaminated and can easily cause typhoid.
Diagnosis of typhoid symptoms
To diagnose typhoid, several signs help doctors decide whether you are suffering from this disease or not. First of all, they will ask you about the symptoms you experience along with your travel history to any place where typhoid has recently become an epidemic. Apart from this, a simple blood test is also conducted to check whether you are infected with this bacterium.
Foods to avoid after recognising typhoid symptoms
Once you are diagnosed with typhoid symptoms, you should prepare a proper food chart. We have down the foods you need to avoid at all costs in the following section.
- Uncooked or raw fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains because these can cause problems with indigestion
- Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and others can delay the action of medicines on your health
- Avoid oily and spicy foods because they can worsen your digestion and even cause heartburn
At this time, you should take more liquid foods like soups, broths, fruit juice, water, etc.
Conclusion
With typhoid symptoms emerging, you must immediately follow the rules and restrictions to ensure that you won’t have to wait longer for recovery. Also, you must follow up with the doctor to get relief from the disease as early as possible.
If you notice any symptoms of typhoid, do not delay treatment. Immediately get in touch with a doctor at Max Healthcare or any other reputed hospital.