What are the signs of typhoid (typhoid fever)?

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Last updated: April 11, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Typhoid fever is characterized by a gradual onset of fever, headache, malaise, anorexia, relative bradycardia, constipation or diarrhea, and nonproductive cough, as described in the study by 1. The signs and symptoms of typhoid fever can be non-specific and may include fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. According to the study by 1, typhoid fever is often characterized by fever that may be associated with headache, lethargy, malaise, and abdominal pain, followed by hepatosplenomegaly and stupor. Some key points to consider when diagnosing typhoid fever include:

  • The disease often presents with a gradual onset of fever, which can rise progressively over several days, as noted in the study by 1.
  • Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, particularly in the right lower quadrant, and constipation in early stages, followed by diarrhea later, as described in the study by 1.
  • A characteristic rash called "rose spots" may appear on the chest and abdomen, although these may be difficult to see on darker skin, as mentioned in the study by 1.
  • Relative bradycardia, or a slow pulse despite high fever, is a common finding, as reported in the study by 1.
  • The disease can progress to serious complications, including intestinal perforation and hemorrhage, if left untreated, as highlighted in the study by 1. It is essential to recognize these signs and symptoms early to provide prompt treatment and prevent serious complications.

From the Research

Signs of Typhoid

The provided studies do not directly address the signs of typhoid. However, they discuss the treatment and management of typhoid fever, which can be related to its symptoms.

  • The studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 focus on the comparison of different antibiotics for the treatment of uncomplicated typhoid fever, including azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and others.
  • While the signs of typhoid are not explicitly mentioned, the studies imply that fever is a common symptom, as they often report on fever clearance times and defervescence.
  • Other symptoms of typhoid, such as abdominal pain, headache, and rash, are not directly discussed in the provided studies.

Treatment Outcomes

The studies report on the outcomes of different treatment regimens for typhoid fever, including:

  • Clinical failure and microbiological failure 6
  • Relapse rates 4, 5, 6
  • Time to defervescence 3, 4, 6
  • Duration of hospital stay 6
  • Adverse effects 5, 6

Antibiotic Comparisons

The studies compare the effectiveness of different antibiotics for the treatment of typhoid fever, including:

  • Azithromycin vs. ciprofloxacin 2, 3, 5
  • Azithromycin vs. ceftriaxone 4, 5, 6
  • Ceftriaxone vs. fluoroquinolones 6
  • Cefixime vs. fluoroquinolones 6

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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