For the first few years, your baby’s immune system is still in the process of development. This makes your little one more susceptible to viral and bacterial infection. It is imperative to decrease your child’s exposure to disease-causing microorganisms in this period. Maintaining proper sanitary and hygiene conditions protects your baby from infections.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection which can be life-threatening for babies. Read on to find out more about typhoid in babies, its symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention.
Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) is a type of bacteria from the family Salmonella (causes food poisoning), which causes typhoid fever. The bacteria lives in humans and is shed through a person’s urine or faeces. When the bacteria enters the body, it multiplies quickly and spreads into the body’s bloodstream. Typhoid fever in children can be caused due to negligent care and exposure to infected water and food. The symptoms seen are mild to severe and can disappear within 5 days after the treatment has begun. After recovery, your child could become a carrier of the bacteria, which means he can pass the disease to other people.
The Salmonella Typhi bacteria attacks the central circulatory system and starts to multiply. Typhoid is an extremely infectious disease, which spreads fast and can be caused by these major reasons:
While typhoid is common in children between the ages of two and five, toddlers and babies can also easily contract it. The symptoms seen in toddlers and babies can easily be confused with other illnesses. It is uncommon for solely breastfed babies to get infected as they gain immunity through their mother’s milk and are protected against contaminated food as they don’t consume it.
The symptoms of typhoid in babies develop within a week or two after your baby comes into contact with the contaminated drink or food. These symptoms can last for up to 4 weeks or longer. Typhoid signs in children or babies include:
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, on the basis of factors that include health, age and vaccination history.
Typhoid can be quite difficult to diagnose. The paediatrician will check for a slow heartbeat and a swollen spleen and liver is he/she suspects typhoid. It is likely that your baby’s blood will be tested and a stool sample will be sent to the lab. On arrival of these results, the doctor can confirm if your little one has typhoid.
Although there is a test called the Typhi-dot test, it isn’t used commonly. Instead, blood culture is used to diagnose the ailment. The results will take a while to arrive, which is why the paediatrician will also check the physical signs to rule out other infections such as dysentery, malaria or pneumonia.
While the blood and stool test results are awaited, it is likely that the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for your baby. Delaying medication or treatment strategies will increase the risk of developing complications.
If your baby is showing signs of high fever, uneasiness, persistent vomiting and diarrhoea, you must take her/him to the doctor. Even if the symptoms are mild, it is advisable see a doctor to nip any infection in the bud.
If typhoid fever isn’t treated immediately, it can lead to several complications, especially if your child has been ill for over two weeks. When neglected for this long, the illness can also be fatal. Complications of typhoid in infants include:
Once the doctor has confirmed the infection of the Salmonella Typhi bacteria in your baby, a list of antibiotics will be prescribed to kill thisbacteria. Treatment of typhoid fever in children will include administering these medicines for up to two weeks, or the duration it is prescribed for. It is advisable to not buy these antibiotics over the counter and self-medicate. The doctor’s prescription will ensure that your baby or toddler gets the right type of medication and the correct dosage based on the age and weight.
If your little one is severely ill and cannot eat or drink, the doctor will get him/her admitted in the hospital. Fluids, antibiotics, and nutrients will be given to your baby through a drip in the arm. However, most of the babies and toddlers can be taken care of at home during their recovery phase. It is essential to ensure that your little one is given the full course of antibiotics. While at home, your baby can recover faster if you follow these tips:
The Government of Indian along with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics has recommended a vaccine for the prevention of typhoid. It is administered to your baby between the ages of 9-12 months. Two booster injections are given in a span of two years, between 4 and 6 years. Although the vaccine is an important preventive measure, there are few other steps that help as well.
Typhoid is quite a common illness in India, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea. If you are traveling to these countries or live in them, your baby could be at a greater risk of contracting this disease. The right type of vaccination will protect your baby from being infected with the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Two types of typhoid vaccine for children are available:
The vaccines offer protection to the child for up to three years. Ensure that your child is vaccinated during the initial years of development to avoid an infection.
Conclusion:
If typhoid is diagnosed at the right time, your baby has a greater chance of recovery. When delayed, typhoid can lead to fatality. Ensure preventive measures are taken to keep the disease at bay so your little one can have a healthy childhood.