The Mayo Clinic says that typhoid fever is a condition that results from infection with the Salmonella typhi bacteria. Symptoms of typhoid fever include a fever, headache, a sore throat, fatigue and weakness. Typhoid fever can also lead to stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and a rash. Left untreated, typhoid fever complications can result.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
The Mayo Clinic says that one of the most serious complications of typhoid fever include gastrointestinal bleeding. In fact, this affects 5 percent of people suffering from typhoid fever.
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) says that signs of gastrointestinalbleeding include black or tarry stools, vomiting bright red blood blood and having stool mixed with either dark or bright red blood. Other signs of this condition include dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, crampy stomach pain and shortness of breath. Gastrointestinal bleeding can also lead to paleness.
A doctor can insert a device (endoscope) to stop any bleeding in the esophagus region. In fact, injecting certain medications into the bleeding site can help control the bleeding. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to manage gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gastrointestinal Perforation
Gastrointestinal perforation is another serious complication of typhoid fever. MedlinePlus says this condition refers to a hole that actually forms in the gallbladder, large intestine, stomach or small intestine. Symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation include severe stomach pain, vomiting, chills, nausea and a fever.
This is a medical emergency, and surgery is necessary to repair the hole within the digestive organ. Sometimes, a portion of the small intestine is removed. In other cases, antibiotic medications may be given when the perforation has closed on its own.
Myocarditis
Typhoid fever can affect the heart and lead to myocarditis. The Mayo Clinic says that myocarditis refers to an inflammation of the heart's middle layer (myocardium). Symptoms of myocarditis include chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness, joint pain and a sore throat. Myocarditis also causes body aches, a viral infection, diarrhea and a headache. In children, myocarditis can lead to trouble breathing, a loss of appetite, a fever and blue or grey skin.
Typically, myocarditis can resolve on its own. Sometimes, antibiotics may be prescribed to help destroy any bacteria that leads to myocarditis. Medications such as lisinopril, metoprolol, furosemide or digoxin may be needed to manage myocarditis. Other treatments involve receiving intravenous (through the vein) medications and having a pump placed in the heart's large blood vessels (intra-aortic balloon pump). Sometimes, a heart transplant may be necessary.
