Does Typhoid affect liver health?

Typhoid

A common bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. The colloquial term we use is "food poisoning" as it spreads through contaminated food & water. A week's course of antibiotics is the ultimate cure. But, when left untreated, identifiers may land in complications when the bacteria enters the bloodstream and affects organ functionality.

The bacteria's first target of action is our small intestine or the gut. It incubates in our gut and is widespread throughout our body making it fatal.

This blog answers the most common question asked, Does Typhoid affect the liver?

The straightforward answer is "Yes".

Typhoid is considered serious when organ impairment is observed, especially in the liver. Hepatic involvement directly means a high relapse rate. Thus recovery of a patient may take longer days when the bacteria spread to the liver.

Impact of typhoid on liver

Salamonela hepatitis which is very different from viral hepatitis, but mimics to be the same, affecting the liver with different symptoms. The impact of typhoid on the liver causes liver inflammation. As a result of the bacteria's invasion of the liver cells, several enzymes and other chemicals that signify liver damage are released. Thus the liver's capacity to carry out essential functions may be compromised.

Symptoms that sound like liver infection due to typhoid:

• Skin and eye yellowing due to elevated bilirubin levels.
• Upper right abdominal quadrant discomfort or soreness
• Vomiting and nausea
• Dark urine
• Stools that are pale or clay-colored
• Weakness and exhaustion

Ways typhoid affects the liver when left untreated:

Hepatitis:

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can be brought on by typhoid fever. When the Salmonella Typhi bacteria infect liver cells, the immune system reacts and several enzymes and chemicals are released, which are signs of liver damage. Liver function may be hampered by this inflammation.

Hepatomegaly:

Typhoid fever can cause the liver to expand as a result of cellular infiltration and inflammation. Hepatomegaly, often known as this enlargement, can be found during a physical examination by a medical practitioner.

Liver impairment:

The generation of necessary proteins, metabolism, and detoxification are all greatly influenced by the liver. The liver's capacity to carry out these tasks may be impaired in typhoid fever.

Jaundice:

Typhoid fever can involve the liver, which can cause jaundice. Bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the oxidation of red blood cells, builds up due to compromised liver function. The skin and eyes get yellow as a result of this.

A patient is critical when the severity of typhoid on the liver is high & causes liver abscesses:

Pus-filled pockets grow inside the liver, and cholecystitis is an infection of the gallbladder. Rarely, ongoing liver deterioration can lead to hepatic failure, a potentially fatal condition that may call for a liver transplant.

Treatment involved:

The main goal of treatment for liver involvement in typhoid fever is to control the underlying infection brought on by Salmonella Typhi. The primary methods of treatment for typhoid with liver infection are as follows:

1.Antibiotics:

The cornerstone of treatment for typhoid fever and liver damage is antibiotic use. The selection of antibiotics may be influenced by regional variations of antibiotic resistance. Fluoroquinolones (like ciprofloxacin), cephalosporins (like ceftriaxone), and azithromycin are among the most often given antibiotics. These drugs work well to eliminate Salmonella germs and lessen liver inflammation.

2.Supportive care:

• Rest: The body needs enough sleep to fight the infection and encourage healing.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, can help you stay hydrated and replenish fluids lost due to gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, and perspiration.
• Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet with an emphasis on foods that are simple to digest can help the body repair by supplying it with vital nutrients.
• Temperature control: Acetaminophen (paracetamol), an over-the-counter drug, can be taken, in accordance with a doctor's advice, to lower a temperature and relieve any discomfort it may cause.

3.Hospitalisation:

Hospitalisation may be required in severe liver-involved typhoid fever cases. Close monitoring of vital signs, the administration of drugs and fluids intravenously, and more intense supportive care are all possible with hospital-based care.

Even if your symptoms start to get better, it's crucial to finish the entire course of antibiotics that your doctor ordered. This lessens the possibility of return and ensures the total eradication of the bacteria. In addition to receiving treatment, it's critical to take precautions to stop infection transmission and future consequences.

If you resonate with any of the above said symptoms, reach out to lcubelife.com

Unaltered typhoid symptoms for weeks mean liver damage. If so, contact Lcube- Best liver specialists in Chennai which treats liver diseases with best hepatologists.