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Typhoid Treatment Guidelines

While typhoid fever is rare in developed countries, it is still a major health risk in developing nations. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. Contaminated food and water and contact with an infected individual are the main ways the illness is spread. Typhoid causes fever, headache, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It usually responds well to antibiotic treatment.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Antibiotic treatment is designed to kill the Salmonella bacteria that cause the illness. According to MedicineNet.com author Dr. Jerry Balentine, most people with typhoid fever begin to improve in one to two days of starting antibiotics. Most patients make a full recovery in seven to 10 days. Patients who relapse after treatment receive a second round of antibiotics, sometimes in a higher dose. Doctors in the United States typically prescribe ciprofloxacin to treat typhoid. Pregnant women and children cannot take ciprofloxacin, so these individuals are usually treated with ceftriaxone injections.

    Antibiotic Resistance

    • Doctors originally used chloramphenicol to treat typhoid fever but have discontinued its use due to severe side effects and Salmonella bacterial resistance. The bacteria that cause typhoid fever can become resistant to antibiotics quickly when certain medications are used over a long period to treat typhoid in a particular geographic area. Doctors carefully consider the geographic location where the bacteria were picked up and the results of cultures to identify the specific bacteria strain and determine which antibiotic to use. According to the Mayo Clinic, Salmonella typhi bacteria have become resistant to trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole and ampicillin in recent years.

    Other Treatment Steps

    • If you are diagnosed with typhoid fever, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Fevers that last a long time and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a person, leading to other complications. If you are severely dehydrated, your doctor may give you fluids and electrolytes through an IV. Since your body loses nutrients when you are ill, make sure to eat high-calorie, healthy meals to help your body replenish itself.

    Prevention

    • If you have typhoid, take steps to prevent spreading the illness to others. By preventing the spread of the bacteria, you lower your risk of relapsing. Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water and scrub them for at least 30 seconds. Disinfect household items such as telephones, door handles, water faucets and light switches daily. Do not handle food for other people to avoid contamination. Use separate towels, bedding, silverware and dishes and wash them thoroughly in hot water.

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