An acute infectious disease caused by a bacillus (Salmonella typhi)
and acquired by ingesting food or water contaminated by excreta. May
also be transmitted by an asymptomatic carrier.
Approximately 500 cases of Typhoid are reported every year, most
are overseas travelers, of which a small percentage become asymptomatic
carriers. Food poisoning is often caused by Salmonella contamination
of food, not to be confused with S. typhi.
Gradual onset of fever, going higher to
103 degrees to 105 degrees. Fatigue, loss
of appetite, chills, headache, muscle
pain, and tenderness in the abdomen. After about a week, severe diarrhea
starts, which may be bloody. Red spots form on the skin over the chest
and abdomen, and the spleen may become enlarged. Symptoms become worse
for 3-4 weeks and then recovery begins. If no treatment
is given, the patient may continue to grow weaker, with severe loss
of fluid, an enlarging abdomen, and a rapid pulse. Some 10% to 15%
of untreated patients die. The usual cause of death is severe intestinal
hemorrhage or perforation. Treatment by a medical doctor is essential.
Pure air and good ventilation is essential. The high fever should
be lowered. A sponge bath at room temperature, with fever reducing
herbs will help. Never give aspirin to children with a fever. Give
a high herb enema every day, using white oak bark, red raspberry leaves,
or wild alum root. After the enema, inject 2 oz. of the
enema tea into the rectum with a small syringe and retain. This helps
heal the ulcers in the rectum. Cold cloths placed over the right groin
will often stop intestinal bleeding. Injections of witch hazel tea
are will also help. Steep a heaping tsp. of golden seal and one tsp.
of wild alum in a pint of boiling water and take a swallow every hour
to relieve and heal ulceration in stomach. The patient should drink
great quantities of water. Orange juice and oatmeal water taken at
separate intervals taken for nourishment. A vegetable broth made from
several vegetables, such as carrot, celery, onion, spinach, etc.,
is also nourishing; strain it and give as a broth. Antibiotics are
used successfully in typhoid.
- Balsam fir
- Cinchona bark
- Coral root
- Fever weed
- Golden seal
- Indigo, wild
- Jack in the pulpit
- Sage, red
- Wafer ash
It is important for those traveling in areas of the world where typhoid
fever is common to avoid drinking unboiled water or eating raw vegetables
or unpeeled fruit.