About this topic
Typhoid fever is caused by a germ called Salmonella typhi. Parathyroid fever is a milder form of typhoid fever. It is caused by a germ called Salmonella paratyphi. These germs most often infect food and water systems. People get the germs by: ‚
- Drinking water contaminated by the germs
- Eating food contaminated with the stool from a person with this illness
- Having anal sex with someone who is infected with the germs
When you have this illness, you may have serious health problems if it is not treated. You may need drugs and care to control the signs of the illness. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may give you an oral solution that can replace the water you lose because of loose stools and throwing up. Take sips of this throughout the day.
- Get lots of rest. Give your body enough time to get well from the infection.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. This will help to avoid very bad fluid loss.
- Practice good hand washing when going to the bathroom or when preparing food.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Help with pain
- Prevent fluid loss
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited if you are feeling weak due to loss of fluids. Ask your doctor when you can return to work, especially if you work in food service or a nursery. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Your doctor may want you to change your diet for a short time. This may help with the loose stools. ‚
- Stay away from caffeine and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or sweet.
- Eat soft, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
- Eat small meals every few hours instead of 3 big meals.
What problems could happen?
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen
- Sores inside the bowels
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Infection
- Very bad fluid loss
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be careful when eating.
- Choose foods that are freshly cooked and served very hot.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits. Be careful when eating salads as the produce may have been washed with tap water.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are peeled or cooked.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F (60 ‚ °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Follow good hygiene habits.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
- After using the bathroom or changing diapers
- Before eating
- Before cooking
- After working in the dirt
- Keep sick children away from daycare. This will prevent spreading the infection to others.
- Wear a condom when having anal sex.
- Ask about shots to prevent these illnesses if you are traveling.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth, cracked lips, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint, or passing out.
- Belly pain that wont go away, even with drugs
- Problems eating
- Bloody stool
- Nonstop throwing up
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Changes in behavior
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Avoid taking antidiarrheal drugs. They can make your signs worse. Ask your doctor before taking any drugs. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have belly pain, bloody stools, throwing up, or seizures.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/typhoid-and-paratyphoid-fever.htm ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/typhoid_fever/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/730/viewAbstract ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/typhoid/en/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚