Ayurvedic Name: Jwara
Description:
Typhoid is seen as a result of Pitta and Vata imbalances, with Pitta causing high fever, inflammation, and digestive disturbances, while Vata’s erratic movement contributes to gas, bloating, and weakness. The infection is considered to be caused by Ama (toxins) resulting from improper digestion and low immunity. Ayurveda focuses on restoring digestive fire (Agni), removing Ama, and balancing the doshas with herbal remedies such as Kutaj, Chirata, Triphala, and Amla. These herbs help reduce fever, soothe the digestive system, and enhance immunity to combat the infection. Additionally, Panchakarma treatments like Virechana and Basti may be recommended to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins.
Signs & Symptoms:
Shwasa (Breathlessness): Difficulty breathing may arise if the fever leads to dehydration or secondary respiratory infections.
Dourbalya (Weakness): General weakness and fatigue result from prolonged fever and the body’s attempt to fight off the infection.
Rukshata (Dryness): Dryness in the mouth and skin due to fever, dehydration, and poor fluid intake.
Anidra (Insomnia): Difficulty sleeping due to the discomfort caused by high fever and body aches.
Jwara (High Fever): A continuous high fever that gradually increases over several days is a primary symptom.
Abdominal Pain: Abdominal discomfort and cramping, often in the lower abdomen, is common in typhoid.
Constipation or Diarrhea: Typhoid often causes either constipation or diarrhea, along with a bloated feeling.
Pallor: Paleness due to anemia and prolonged fever.
Diagnosis:
Clinical exam with persistent fever, abdominal pain, and positive blood cultures for Salmonella typhi.
Risk Factors:
1. Dietary Factors
Poor sanitation: Consuming contaminated food or water due to poor sanitation practices increases the risk of contracting typhoid.
Lack of hygiene: Not practicing proper hygiene, especially with food handling, can lead to the spread of the Salmonella bacteria that causes typhoid.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Living in endemic areas: Living in regions where typhoid is common increases the likelihood of contracting the disease.
Close contact with infected individuals: Being in close contact with someone who has typhoid or is a carrier of the bacteria increases the risk.
3. Medical Conditions
Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems (due to conditions like HIV or cancer) are at higher risk of contracting typhoid.
Poor digestion: Conditions like chronic digestive issues or malnutrition can increase the risk of contracting typhoid by affecting the body’s ability to fight infections.
Complications:
Intestinal Perforation (Antra Vikruti) – In severe cases, untreated typhoid fever can lead to intestinal perforation, causing peritonitis, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Sepsis (Rakta Daurbalya) – Typhoid can lead to sepsis, where the bacterial infection spreads throughout the body, causing systemic inflammation, organ failure, and shock.
Chronic Fatigue (Dourbalya) – Long-term effects of typhoid fever can lead to fatigue and weakness, as the body’s energy reserves are depleted during the infection.
Kidney Damage (Mutra Vikruti) – The infection can cause kidney complications, leading to reduced kidney function or renal failure in severe cases.
Liver Complications (Kosha Vikruti) – Typhoid fever can cause liver damage, manifesting as jaundice, liver enlargement, and hepatitis.
Epidemeology:
Affects approximately 12-17 million people annually, with the highest rates found in South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
More common in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Children under the age of five and people living in overcrowded conditions are particularly at risk.
Typhoid outbreaks are linked to foodborne transmission, particularly in areas with contaminated water or food handling practices.