Typhoid Treatment with Homeopathic Medicine
Typhoid or Enteric fever is a serious and common infection (in many countries) caused by the gram-negative bacilli Salmonella typhi. It is characterized by sustained fever, abdominal pain, and a rash.
This bacterial infection primarily affects the intestinal tract and can lead to a range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Enteric fever is a significant public health concern, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Causes
Contamination of food products and water supplies with infected faecal matter causes widespread infections. Flies can spread the infection directly from stool to food. Typhoid is a water and food-borne disease. Poor as well as developing countries such as Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Shri Lanka, Bangladesh), African countries have Enteric fever as a major health menace.
The primary causative agent of enteric fever is Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, although another strain, Paratyphi, can also cause a similar illness known as paratyphoid fever. These bacteria are highly adapted to the human host and are typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to the spread of the disease, making it more prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
Incubation Period:
The incubation period for enteric fever is typically 6 to 30 days, depending on the dose of ingested bacteria and other factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of typhoid fever start 7-14 days after consuming food or drinks contaminated with the Salmonella typhi bacteria. Untreated typhoid runs a course having four classical stages each lasting for about a week.
- Fever with headache, malaise, relatively slow heartbeats and cough.
- There may be abdominal pain and episodes of bleeding from the nose.
Into the second week of untreated infection, symptoms seen are:
- Fever hovers around 40°C (104°F) with a relatively low pulse rate.
- The abdomen seems bloated, distended and painful in the right lower quadrant. The bowel sounds are loud and audible.
- Minute 'rose-coloured' skin rash over the lower chest and upper abdomen occurs in nearly 50% of cases and lasts 3 to 5 days.
- The person may appear to be in a delirious state, constantly muttering to himself or picking at the bed sheets.
- Diarrhoea may occur in this stage. Around 5 to 8 diarrheal stools, greenish, and looking like pea-soup are seen. However, constipation is more commonly seen.
- Joint pains may be present.
- The liver and spleen may seem enlarged.
The 3rd week of untreated typhoid can present with life-threatening emergencies:
- Intestinal perforation ' perforation of the walls of the small intestine can be life-threatening.
- Bleeding into the intestines
- Spread of the infection to the brain via the blood causing inflammation of the brain.
- Inflammation of the gallbladder, and heart muscles; infections in the bones, and formation of abscesses within other important internal organs.
Diagnosis
Important changes seen in laboratory investigations are:
- Complete Blood Count:
In the first week of infection, the blood counts will show
- Reduction in the total number of white blood cells (leucopenia) and eosinophils
- Increased number of lymphocytes.
- Blood Cultures: cultures come positive in the 1st and 2nd weeks of infection.
- Widal Test: This test is negative in the 1st week and strongly positive in the 2nd week of infection.
- Liver Function Tests: from the second week onwards, the liver transaminases appear to be elevated.
Treatment
Typhoid, timely treated, is rarely fatal. Vaccinations to prevent its occurrences and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (chloramphenicol, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin) have decreased the suffering in typhoid fever.
Early and appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential to reduce the duration of illness and prevent complications.
Complications: Without prompt and effective treatment, complications can arise, including intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other serious conditions.
Prevention:
Preventive measures include practising good hygiene, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water, and promoting proper sanitation. Vaccination is also an important strategy for preventing typhoid fever, especially in high-risk populations or individuals planning to travel to endemic areas.
Enteric fever poses a significant global health challenge, and efforts to improve sanitation, access to clean water, and vaccination coverage are crucial in reducing the burden of this disease. Public health interventions play a key role in controlling outbreaks and preventing the spread of enteric fever in affected communities.
For persons who develop complications like perforation in the intestinal walls, surgical repair is indicated.
Homeopathy in enteric fevers
Homeopathy works for Enteric fever. We have documented several cases of successful cure of Enteric fever. However, the treatment is slower than the conventional antibiotics. We, at Life Force, do not recommend homeopathy for acute cases of Enteric fever.
Homeopathy for Typhoid fever might be considered by practitioners. It's important to note that while some individuals may choose homeopathic treatments, conventional medical interventions, such as antibiotics, are the primary and most widely accepted method of treating enteric fevers. Antibiotics are crucial in eliminating the bacteria responsible for the infection and preventing potential complications.
However, some homeopathic remedies that may be considered for managing symptoms associated with enteric fevers include:
Arsenicum album: This remedy may be recommended for individuals experiencing anxiety, restlessness, and weakness, along with symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
Baptisia: Used when there is a sense of dullness, confusion, and prostration, often associated with a typhoid-like state.
Rhus Toxicodendron: This remedy may be considered for patients experiencing restlessness, aching muscles, and aggravated symptoms from lying still for too long.
Bryonia alba: Recommended for cases where there is a desire for absolute stillness, aggravation from motion, and dryness of mucous membranes.
It's crucial to emphasize that homeopathic treatment for enteric fevers should only be considered complementary to conventional medical care. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial infections like typhoid fever, and delaying or avoiding conventional medical treatment can lead to serious complications. If someone suspects they have an enteric fever, they should seek prompt medical attention and follow the prescribed treatment plan from a qualified healthcare professional.
As with any medical condition, individuals interested in homeopathic treatments should consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner who can provide personalized advice based on the individual's specific symptoms and overall health. It's also essential to communicate openly with conventional healthcare providers to ensure coordinated and safe care.