Monsoon is a much-awaited season for many, but it brings various health problems. One of the most severe illnesses that is common during this season is Typhoid Fever. This infection is caused by consuming contaminated food and water that may be infected with salmonella typhi bacteria. 

Typhoid Fever can be intense and affects the digestive system, leading to symptoms like high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, headache, and loss of appetite. Since the bacteria soon enters the bloodstream, it can quickly drain a patient’s body, leading to weakness and fatigue.

For more information on treating and preventing typhoid fever, you can take the help of medical experts at Bansal Hospital Bhopal. Continue reading to know more about diet for typhoid fever.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Typhoid Fever?
2. What Are Typhoid Fever Symptoms?
3. What Are Typhoid Fever Treatment Options?
4. Dietary Management For Typhoid Fever
5. Foods To Eat And Foods To Avoid During Typhoid Fever
6. Diet For Typhoid Fever
7. When To See A Doctor?
8. The Final Say
9. FAQs
10.  References

What Is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid, or enteric fever, is a severe bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, which is characterised by high fever. It is a contagious illness that can easily spread through contaminated food and water. 

The infection spreads when an average person consumes water and food contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. People with weak immunity, especially children, are more vulnerable to the disease. 

The common symptoms include intestinal ulcers, diarrhoea or constipation, severe stomach pain, and bleeding. 

What Are Typhoid Fever Symptoms?

The significant signs of typhoid fever include the following:

• Headache
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• “Rose spots” rash, or faint pink spots, usually on your chest or stomach
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting
• Loose motions or constipation

What Are Typhoid Fever Treatment Options?

Some treatment options for typhoid fever include: 

1. By Using Antibiotics

Typhoid fever is primarily treated with antibiotics. Some commonly prescribed antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone.

3. Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement

Typhoid fever can lead to dehydration due to fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Patients are given oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or intravenous fluids to maintain electrolyte balance and hydration.

4. Nutritional Support

A balanced diet is essential during recovery to help the body regain strength. 

5. Fever Management

Fever management is another treatment option for typhoid fever. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol) can reduce fever and relieve discomfort.

6. Proper Rest Is Necessary

Adequate rest is essential for the body to recover from typhoid fever. Physical activity should be limited until the patient is fully recovered.

8. Taking Vaccination On Time

Individuals at risk of bacterial exposure should consider vaccinating with the typhoid vaccine to prevent infection.

9. Maintain Hygiene and Sanitation

Practising good hygiene, such as handwashing with soap and clean water and consuming safe, clean food and water sources, can help prevent typhoid infection.

Dietary Management For Typhoid Fever

Some points that you need to focus on while choosing a diet for typhoid fever are:

1. High-Calorie Diet 

A high-calorie diet is suggested for typhoid fever to give the patients the required energy and forestall weight loss due to poor appetite and fever. Some food sources abundant in calories include bread, rice, cereals, boiled potatoes, starchy vegetables and bananas. 

2. Food Rich In Carbohydrates 

It is vital to have high-carbohydrate foods that are light and easy to digest for patients with typhoid fever. To boost your strength, include cereal porridge, boiled rice, boiled eggs, and steamed foods like idli, idiyappam, and apple sauces. 

3. Protein-Rich Foods 

Dairy products like skim milk, curd, and yoghurt help meet protein demands, speed recovery, and support the immune system. Skim milk products and eggs are a preferred source of protein than red meat. Vegetarians can include boiled legumes and paneer, which are good protein sources. 

4. Hydration 

Typhoid fever may result in diarrhoea that disturbs the body’s fluid balance. Therefore it is necessary to maintain your hydration levels. You can drink fresh fruit juices, buttermilk, and coconut water to compensate for this.

Foods To Eat And Foods To Avoid During Typhoid Fever

There are some foods you should eat and some that you should avoid if you suffer from typhoid fever.

1. Foods To Eat

Some foods that you should include in your diet for typhoid fever are:

2. Foods To Avoid

Along with knowing about the proper diet for typhoid fever, you should also know the food to avoid while suffering from typhoid. They include