As a multisystemic illness, the effects of typhoid can include kidney failure and internal bleeding, as well as inflammation and perforation of the intestines. Commonly characterized by diarrhea and an unusually high fever, typhoid disease can also cause changes in mood, extreme fatigue and may even result in hallucinations. The symptoms of bacterial infections like this can be treated if detected early enough, but the effects of the disease tend to eventually return if not properly treated after an initial diagnosis.
Also known as enteric fever, dangerous typhoid effects are caused by Salmonella bacteria present in an infected person’s intestines and blood. Highly contagious, it is passed to others by infected persons as well as carriers who shed the bacteria via fecal matter. People around the world are susceptible to it if proper hygiene habits are not routinely practiced. In particular, typhoid fever is spread through food and water, whereby it enters a person’s bloodstream via the intestinal tract. Once a person becomes infected, typhoid can easily spread throughout the body and affect the spleen, lymph nodes, liver and gallbladder.
In addition to a high fever and fatigue, the effects of typhoid also produce skin rash, headache and abdominal pains. Some people also experience extreme mental confusion, nosebleeds and uncomfortable mood changes. Often, people with typhoid fever also produce bloody stools.
Treatment for the effects of typhoid generally includes antibiotics, rest and a replenishing of fluids. Within a few weeks, symptoms do disappear, but they may only subside and then reoccur later if treatment regimens are not strictly followed. Further complications from inadequate treatment may also include gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, inflamed kidneys or complete kidney failure. It is also possible that a person can continue to carry typhoid in her or his stool and continue to spread it to others for several years without knowing that the infection still exists.
As a highly contagious infection, the effects of typhoid may be avoided by vaccination as well as by frequent hand washing and avoiding contaminated water and food sources. As high fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite and diarrhea are early signs of the illness, experts recommend that medical treatment be sought immediately upon experiencing these to avoid further complications or spread of the infection. With antibiotics, symptoms begin to subside within a few days. Without proper treatment, however, the effects of typhoid can last for several months. Complications stemming from a lack of quality treatment can also result in death.
