Typhoid is bacterial infection due to Salmonella typhi and is highly contagious. An infected person can pass the bacteria in their stools or, less commonly, in their urine. Symptoms include high grade fever, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea.
Medications:
- Tab. Azimax 500 (Azithromycin 500 mg) 2 tablets on first day followed by one tablet a day for another 7 days. If there is no improvement in 3 days change to –
- Tab. Zifi CV 200 (Cefixime 200 mg, Clavulanic acid 125 mg) – one tablet twice a day for 5 days.
Supportive treatments:
- Tab. Cyclopam (Paracetamol 500 mg, Dicyclomine 20 mg) 1 tablet 3 – 4 times a day for 3 days.
- Cap. Rinifol (Folic acid, Pyridoxine, Lactobacillus, Niacinamide) one capsule at night.
General advice:
- Plenty of fluids and bland diet
- Ensure good hand hygiene
- Advice general cleanliness in the household
- Avoid food cooked in unhygienic areas such as street foods
Investigations:
- Complete blood count – to rule out leucopenia.
- Widal titre – Antigen titre of more than 1:160 is suggestive of active Salmonella infection
- Liver function test – to rule out evidence of hepatitis
Referral:
Consider further referral to gastroenterologist if patient fails to respond to treatment or presents with additional complications.