Typhoid Fever Effects On Body
Learn how typhoid fever affects the body, its signs, and probable health issues. Know its long-term and fatal effects and how it can be defeated with a holistic approach.
Written by Dr Shreya Sarkar
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Typhoid fever is a critical and potentially life-threatening illness transmitted by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium. It ordinarily spreads through contaminated food or water and causes fever, stomach pain, weakness, etc. When detected in the early stages, it is possible to manage thyroid fever, but if left untreated, it will result in unfavourable impacts on one’s well-being. Therefore, being aware of the symptoms, effects, diagnosis and treatment of this condition arms individuals with ample information that facilitates knowledgeable decision-making and paves the way for leading a healthy life.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
The potential signs of typhoid fever are mainly categorised in two parts. Here are the details –
1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea
- Bloating and distended abdomen
2. Systemic Symptoms
- High fever
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches and muscle aches
- General malaise
- Confusion or delirium in severe cases
- Organ dysfunction in advanced stages
Once the symptoms are clear, it is important to visit a doctor, get a diagnosis and start the treatment to avoid the serious effects of thyroid fever.
Consult Top Doctors For Typhoid Fever
Pathophysiology of Typhoid Fever
Let’s look at how typhoid fever occurs and what role the immune system plays in the development of complications from this condition.
1. Mechanism of Infection
The bacterium is taken in through food and water. It colonises the small intestine and advances into the blood via the lymphatic system. Afterwards, it affects organs like the liver and spleen.
2. Body's Immune Response
The immune system then stimulates the release of macrophages and neutrophils to try to combat the bacteria, which leads to inflammation and fever. Substances like cytokines are released to provoke inflammation.
3. Chronic Carrier State
On the other hand, some people develop carriers in their gallbladder and transmit the bacteria without any symptoms.
4. Complications and Sequelae
If left untreated, other related complications such as intestinal perforation, septicemia, and organ failure may occur from the simple thyroid fever.
Effects on the Circulatory System
Typhoid fever has the potential to cause critical circulatory issues in vessels, causing blood thrombosis and haemorrhage. Below are its key effects on the circulatory system:
- Impact on Blood Vessels: Inflammation of blood vessels often leads to their weakening, which reduces blood flow and causes low blood pressure. Additionally, in severe cases, it can lead to shock.
- Risk of Bleeding: Ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract leads to internal haemorrhage that may be complicated by conditions like perforation.
- Risk of Clots: Typhoid fever can elevate the risk of forming blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) because of the infection’s severity at later stages.
Effects on the Gastrointestinal System
Like most fever-causing bacteria, Salmonella, which causes typhoid fever, can lead to severe gastrointestinal complications such as inflammation of the intestines, liver and spleen. Here's a look at the primary effects:
1. Intestinal Complications
Inflammation of the intestinal lining will lead to abdominal pain, leaning towards diarrhoea or constipation. Additionally, severe conditions may lead to intestinal perforation, causing peritonitis and requiring immediate treatment.
2. Liver and Spleen Enlargement
Since the liver and spleen also try to filter the bacteria, these organs may become enlarged (hepatomegaly and splenomegaly), leading to pain and more problems.
3. Intestinal Ulcers
Inflammation of the intestines causes ulcers that become chronic if not treated early, weakening the digestive system.
Effects on the Nervous System
Severe cases of typhoid fever affect the nervous system. As a result, the patients face neurological complications that often lead to psychological issues. Here are the details:
- Neurological Complications: The neurological impact of this fever is characterised by altered mental states, confusion, and seizures. In serious cases, the infection spreads to the brain’s protective membrane, which proves fatal. Also, patients can experience weakness or tingling in the limbs due to the systemic effects of the bacteria on the nervous system.
- Mental Health Implications: Long-term illness and hospitalisation result in anxiety, depression, and irritability. If the neurological symptoms continue, patients start experiencing difficulty concentrating and memory lapses.
Effects on the Respiratory System
Typhoid fever affects the respiratory tract, increasing the chances of further complications. Some of the effects are:
- Respiratory Symptoms: Patients experience cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. They most often emanate from systemic secondary bacterial infection.
- Risk of Pneumonia: In serious cases of thyroid fever, patients are at risk of suffering from pneumonia. This is mostly observed in patients with a struggling respiratory system and weakened immunity.
Effects on the Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system is also affected by typhoid fever, which can cause discomfort and later lead to other complications. They are:
- Muscle Pain and Weakness: The individuals suffer from muscle aches (myalgia) and weakness due to fever, prolonged bed rest, or the response to infections.
- Joint Complications: Patients experience a large joint arthralgia that presents pain and inflammation. In some serious cases, the patient becomes affected by reactive arthritis, in turn having chronic arthropathy.
- Fatigue and Reduced Mobility: Most patients suffering from fever lose muscular strength, which results in weakness. As a result, their mobility is restricted during the recovery process.
- Risk of Osteomyelitis: During this fever, patients rarely get osteomyelitis, a bone infection that furthers their discomfort.
Diagnostic Approach to Typhoid Fever
Accurate diagnosis of typhoid fever is crucial for timely treatment and management. The following diagnostic methods are commonly used to confirm the infection:
- Laboratory Tests: Blood cultures are the best way to diagnose this disease because, in typhoid fever, Salmonella Typhi is found circulating in the bloodstream. Apart from this, Widal test and stool and urine cultures are also used to determine thyroid fever.
- Imaging Techniques: Imaging techniques are not routine in the diagnosis of thyroid fever, but they are used to get confirmation in serious cases. The methods used here are CT and MRI scans and abdominal ultrasound.
Management and Treatment
Effective management and treatment play a vital role in controlling the manifestations and complications of typhoid fever. The following approaches are key for recovery:
- Antibiotic Therapy: Oral rehydration therapy, along with antibiotics including ceftriaxone, azithromycin, or fluoroquinolone drugs are the first line of treatment for typhoid fever. However, there has been a growing trend of antibiotic resistance in human beings. In those cases, regular blood tests are important to understand the current state of the disease and tweak the medication accordingly.
- Supportive Care: Besides the medication, supportive care is essential to manage symptoms and maintain the patient’s overall health during recovery. This includes ensuring proper hydration and nutrition and managing symptoms.
However, once the individual recovers from this fever, he/she needs to undergo regular check-ups to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to monitor for potential relapse.
Prevention Strategies
Typhoid fever can be prevented through a combination of vaccination, hygiene, and public health measures.
Vaccination: Typhoid fever can be prevented using vaccines (oral and injectable). They have proved to be useful in regions of high risk.
- Hygiene and Sanitation: The spread of infection can be reduced by washing hands, the availability of clean water for drinking, and the use of proper sanitation measures.
- Safe Food Practices: Consuming well-cooked foods and avoiding eating at places with inadequate hygiene would greatly reduce the risk of contamination.
- Public Health Awareness: The general public needs to be knowledgeable about personal cleanliness, correct food preparation, and vaccinations to prevent this illness.
Conclusion
Typhoid fever is a severe illness that impacts multiple systems of the body, with effects ranging from gastrointestinal disturbances to complications involving the nervous and respiratory systems. Hence, timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure patient recovery and prevent complications. At the same time, focusing on preventive measures through vaccination and improving personal hygiene and overall cleanliness are also equally important. Combining clinical treatment, public awareness, and supportive care will ultimately help humanity defeat the evils of thyroid fever.
Consult Top General Physician
Consult Top Doctors For Typhoid Fever
Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
General Practitioner
15 Years • MBBS
Angamaly
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly
(425+ Patients)
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr D M Karthik
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mohammed Huzef Ul Arifeen
General Practitioner
3 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Dr Divya Lekha Gunta
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Consult Top General Physician
Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
General Practitioner
15 Years • MBBS
Angamaly
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly
(425+ Patients)
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr D M Karthik
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mohammed Huzef Ul Arifeen
General Practitioner
3 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Dr Divya Lekha Gunta
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
