Typhoid fever
Alternative Names
Enteric feverTreatment
Intravenous fluids and electrolytes may be given. Appropriate antibiotics are given to kill the bacteria. There are increasing rates of antibiotic resistance throughout the world, so the choice of antibiotics should be a careful one.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The illness usually resolves in 2 to 4 weeks with treatment. The outcome is likely to be good with early treatment, but becomes poor if complications develop. Cases in children are milder, and are more debilitating in the elderly.
Relapse may occur if the treatment has not fully eradicated the infection.
Possible Complications
- Intestinal hemorrhage (severe GI bleeding)
- Intestinal perforation
- Kidney failure
- Peritonitis
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have had any known exposure to typhoid fever or if you have been in an endemic area and symptoms of typhoid fever develop. Also call your health care provider if you have had typhoid fever and relapse occurs or if severe abdominal pain, decreased urine output, or other new symptoms develop.
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