How is Typhoid Detected?

Posted on: May 8, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How is Typhoid Detected?

Typhoid is caused by infections from the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. When people, especially kids, are exposed to food and water containing these bacteria, they are more likely to be diagnosed with typhoid.

Usually, typhoid symptoms go away when they are diagnosed and treated in the early stages. As the stages advance, the symptoms can become life-threatening. Today, vaccines are available to prevent typhoid in kids. Check your child’s immunisation schedule to know when you should get this vaccine administered.

How is typhoid detected, and what warning signs should you watch out for? Read further to learn more.

How is Typhoid Detected

Typhoid symptoms, especially in the early stages, include flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, body pain, fatigue, headache, stomach pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, rashes, etc. As the infection spreads, you will experience acute pain and an increase in abdominal swelling. In severe typhoid cases, patients lose their ability to think and react logically.

Hence, it is advised to watch out for these symptoms and seek medical help on time. Doctors use the following methods to detect typhoid:

• Ask questions to know the source of infection

The doctor asks questions about your travel history to determine whether you recently travelled to any place infested with Salmonella bacterial infections. Your existing medical history is analysed to determine your pre-existing ailments and the strength of your immune system.

• Body fluid or culture tests

This test checks your body fluid or tissues to check for signs of Salmonella bacterial infection. Samples of your blood, urine, bone marrow, or stools are drawn.

• Other diagnostic tests

While the body fluid and culture tests may confirm the presence or absence of Salmonella bacteria in your blood, doctors may still ask you to undergo further tests. These include checking for antibodies to the typhoid bacteria or for typhoid DNA factors in your blood.

• X-rays

In rare cases, doctors may examine X-ray images of the lungs to detect the extent of bacterial infections inside the body.

Conclusion

The early stages of typhoid may be cured with adequate rest, adequate hydration, and antibiotics. However, the infection can lead to severe complications if not diagnosed and treated on time. Health risks include internal bleeding, brain inflammation, intestinal damage, etc. Hence, watch out for the symptoms, catch them early, and get them diagnosed and treated on time to avoid these complications.

If you have a mediclaim policy, you don’t have to worry about diagnostic procedures and treatment costs since the policy will ensure financial support during medical emergencies.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

5 Essential Tips to Protect Yourself from water borne diseases This Monsoon

Explore HDFC ERGO’s Critical Illness Plans: Silver, Gold, Platinum

List of Critical Illnesses Covered in Health Insurance

Common Monsoon Diseases In India With Prevention Tips

6 Monsoon Fevers that Need Your Attention