Madani Clinic
Typhoid
Doctor Umm Saarib Attariya
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by the Salmonella syphi bacteria. Typhoid is most common in regions that have poor sanitation and hygiene infrastructures.
Main Symptoms of Typhoid:
1. Persistent fever that increases each day
2. Headache
3. Aches and pains in the body
4. Weakness and fatigue
5. Constipation
6. Nausea
7. Temporary red spots on the stomach and chest.
These symptoms begin to appear one or two weeks after infection occurs. Children are most at risk of developing typhoid. If a child has symptoms of typhoid, immediately take them to the doctor.
Causes:
Typhoid is transmitted by bacteria which spreads when the infected person does not properly wash their hands after going to the toilet and contaminate the food they touch. Anyone who eats this food may become infected. Consuming unwashed vegetables and fruit causes this infection to spread in the body. Generally, children who have a weak immune system quickly fall prey to this disease.
Complications:
Without immediate treatment or treatment with appropriate antibiotics, the following complications may occur:
1. Severe weight loss
2. Severe diarrhea
3. High fever
4. Anxiety and numbness.
If you are taking the child to an area or country where typhoid fever is widespread, make sure to take precautionary measures.
Diagnosis:
Typhoid is confirmed by analyzing samples of urine, stool, or blood. The person is then hospitalized according to their condition, or a course of oral antibiotics is commenced at home. If the typhoid is severe, intravenous antibiotics (injection in the vein) may be administered.
Treatment:
Timely administration of an antibiotic can improve the patient’s health within 48 hours, as well as reduce pain and fever. Two necessary actions must be undertaken:
1. Complete the course of antibiotics to avoid complications.
2. Do not take medicine to reduce fever without consulting your doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help the body recover.
Prevention:
To protect children and adults against typhoid, give them water that has been boiled (at a drinkable temperature). Keep your hands clean and teach children to wash their hands with a suitable handwash or soap before they eat. Apart from this, wash your hands properly after using the toilet. Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, and try to use more fruits and vegetables that are peeled before being eaten or cooked, such as bananas, peas, and bottle-gourd. Avoid eating out from outside, and always use a new syringe when needed.
Vaccination:
A vaccine is available for children under two years of age which strengthens the immune system and protects against infection.
Spiritual prescription for fever
The one who has fever should recite this supplication seven times:
بِسْمِ الـلّٰــه الْکَبِیْرِ اَعُوْذُ بِالـلّٰــه الْعَظِیْمِ مِنْ شَرِّ عِرْقٍ نَّعَّارٍ وَّ مِنْ شَرِّ حَرِّ النَّارِ[1]
If the patient cannot read it himself, another person who is punctual in salah should recite it seven times and blow on the patient or on water and make him drink it. The fever will decrease اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه. Repeat if the fever does not subside straight away.[2]
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