7 Typhus symptoms in adults to watch out for

Typhus or typhoid fever is a disease caused by a bacterial infection Salmonella typhi. This disease can occur in adults who live in dirty environments, where water quality and sanitation facilities are poor. So, what are the symptoms of typhus in adults?

When do typhus symptoms appear in adults?

Bacteria Salmonella typhi easily spreads from dirty food or drinking water that you consume. However, typhus symptoms generally will not appear immediately after you eat or drink something that has been contaminated with bacteria Salmonella typhi.

Typhoid symptoms in adults will only appear after the bacterial incubation period is over. The incubation period is the time from the time bacteria enter the body (through food or drink) until the first symptoms appear.

Usually symptoms start to appear within 7-14 days of exposure to the bacteria. At the latest, the symptoms will not be felt within 30 days. However, if your immune system is weak, symptoms can appear as early as 3 days.

What are the symptoms of typhus in adults?

Typhoid symptoms in adults can last three to four weeks, or maybe longer.

The intensity of symptoms can also vary. There are many who feel mild symptoms, there are also those who only feel a little but feel heavy.

On the other hand, about 1 in 300 people who are infected with the bacteria that causes typhus do not experience any symptoms but can still pass it on to other people.

1. Fever

The most common symptom of typhus in adults is fever.

Fever is actually an inflammatory response that occurs when the immune system is fighting an infection. This resistance process causes the immune system to produce white blood cells, antibodies, and other good substances that are carried by the bloodstream to the hypothalamus to raise body temperature.

Usually, your body temperature rises slowly in the first week you develop typhoid symptoms. However, a fever that is a symptom of typhus often feels worse at night. When you have a fever you may also continue to sweat profusely.

In adults, the symptoms of fever due to typhus are sometimes accompanied by headaches. Just like fever, headaches are a manifestation of the inflammatory process triggered by the work of the immune system.

2. Stomach pain

When bacteria enter and infect the intestine, the symptom you can feel is an upset stomach.

Stomach pain occurs when cells in the protective lining of the intestine become infected with salmonella bacteria. As a result, the intestines will produce an inflammatory response and trigger pain.

Symptoms of typhus can be accompanied by a cramping sensation which indicates symptoms of constipation.

3. Constipation

Symptoms of constipation in adults with typhus are caused by slowed bowel movements due to a bacterial infection Salmonella.

However, constipation, which is a symptom of typhus, is also associated with fever. People who have typhus are prone to dehydration. In fact, the intestine needs enough water to be able to soften the stool so that it can be excreted through the anus.

A body that lacks fluids will not work optimally to digest food and process it as feces. So, you will be more prone to experiencing constipation when you have typhus.

4. Decreased appetite

Decreased appetite is also a manifestation of an inflammatory response in the body. The immune system will stimulate the brain to release a chemical called leptin which works to reduce appetite.

On the other hand, this decreased appetite also acts to prevent more bacteria from entering through food. When you eat less, it means you are giving less food to the bacteria in your body. In the end, the starving bacteria will die faster.

Symptoms of decreased appetite generally appear to indicate the body is recovering from typhus, and usually occur only briefly in adults.

Even so, you still have to eat even if you don't have an appetite. The reason is, the body still needs energy to fight the bacteria that cause typhus. So, you are advised to keep eating healthy and balanced meals, but may be in smaller portions and often.

5. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of typhus in adults as a form of inflammation in the digestive system.

When the bacteria that causes typhus infect the walls of the stomach and intestines, the immune system will respond to the attack by sending signals to the brain to cause nausea. The brain will then trigger the digestive organs to produce more fluid which makes the stomach feel uncomfortable. As a result, you feel nauseous and can vomit.

In other words, nausea and vomiting are the body's natural reactions to flushing out toxins and bacteria from the digestive system.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor immediately if:

• Experiencing 1 to 4 of the above symptoms, especially fever that has not subsided for more than 3 days
• You have just traveled to an area prone to typhus
• You just recovered from typhus not long ago
• You have been experiencing the above symptoms for more than 3 days

Immediately see a doctor if you experience the signs above. Typhus is prone to causing dehydration which can be fatal to your body.

How do doctors diagnose typhus?

Doctors generally will diagnose symptoms of typhus in adults by doing a basic physical examination and tracing medical history so far.

Initially, you may be asked what symptoms you have and whether you have recently traveled to a sensitive area Salmonella typhi.

To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor will then perform the following tests:

• Blood test, usually with the Tubex test
• Stool sample test
• Urine test

These samples from your body will then be examined under a microscope to look for the presence of typhus-causing bacteria.

However, usually typhus bacteria cannot always be detected immediately with just one type of test. time. So you may need to complete the entire set of tests above so that your doctor can provide a more accurate diagnosis.

If you test positive for typhus, your doctor may also advise other family members to do a similar test to stop the spread of infection. Then the doctor can determine the right treatment and treatment plan for your condition. This includes considering whether you need to be hospitalized or can be treated at home.