Typhoid fever is a serious health threat caused by salmonella typhi bacteria. The infection spreads through contaminated food and water sources. The infection can also spread via a person’s stool as it contains a high concentration of the salmonella virus contaminating groundwater sources from seepages in the drainage system. Most people who have been infected once can become carriers of the virus. Some people also experience mild to moderate symptoms of typhoid indicating they are long term carriers of the virus. Noticeable symptoms of a severe typhoid infection include the following: High fever that can go upwards of 104 Fahrenheit. A poor appetite that deprives the immune system of the essential vitamins and nutrients. Peritonitis leading to the inflammation of peritoneal membranes causing bloating. Intestinal bleeding or perforation of the lining in the advanced stages of the condition. Persistent bouts of diarrhea or constipation. Risk factors associated with typhoid Developing and underdeveloped countries are at high risk of typhoid as the bacteria can easily spread to contaminate various food and water sources. One must be aware of the possible sources of contamination including drinking water wells and plumbing systems. Groundwater contamination due to faulty plumbing and sewage systems automatically increase the risk of infection as major cities and towns rely on a single source of water supply to meet daily requirements.

Acute otitis media or ear infection is often a viral or bacterial infection affecting the middle ear or the air-filled space behind the eardrum containing vibrating bones. An ear infection usually infects children more than adults and can be painful due to the fluid buildup in the middle ear, which causes inflammation. Causes Ear infections caused due to viruses or bacterium in the middle ear might result into another illness in the form of flu, cold, or another allergy. The infection might eventually lead to a swelling of the nasal passage, throat, and eustachian tubes and may also lead to congestion. Factors such as age, group child care, infant feeding, seasonal factors, and poor air quality increase the risk of suffering from an ear infection. The following are some complications that might arise if the ear infection is not given timely treatment. Developmental delays Children and toddlers might experience a delay in speech and social developmental skills due to temporary or permanent hearing issues in infants and toddlers. Impaired hearing Temporary hearing loss is one of the most common symptoms of an ear infection. The hearing ability returns after the condition is treated. The extent of hearing loss depends on the persistent fluid present in the middle ear.

The human body is quite unique and is designed to protect itself from external agents that mean harm. The immune system does a commendable job of protecting the body from bacteria and viruses that wage a constant war with it to gain entry into the body. However, when the bacteria or viruses override the immune system, they can wreak havoc in the body and eventually give rise to infections. Bacterial infections are quite common and can affect anyone irrespective of their age or sex. Bacterial infections are caused by single-celled organisms called bacteria, and there are two types of bacteria that exist, the good ones that are essential for digestion and fermentation, and the bad ones that cause infection. The severity of the bacterial infection depends on the type of bacteria that infiltrated the system, and the treatment options vary according to the type of bacterial infection. Moreover, bacterial infections vary from minor infections like strep throat infection to more lethal ones like meningitis and encephalitis. The most common types of bacterial infections include: Escherichia coli (E.coli) – Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a bacteria that is usually found in the gut and are normally harmless. However, there are certain malignant strains of the bacteria that can upset the stomach and cause severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.

An inherited immunodeficiency, the chronic granulomatous disease is a rare medical condition that affects specific white blood corpuscles. In this condition, the immune system gets affected and does not function properly. This leads to fungal and bacterial infections, which are the result of chronic inflammation. In most of the cases, it is during early childhood or infancy that the features of the condition are developed in the body. The mutations or changes in any of the five genes can cause chronic granulomatous disease. Signs and symptoms People with chronic granulomatous disease may experience some of the medical conditions such as skin infections, pneumonia, lung infections, gastrointestinal inflammation, lymph node infections, and other types of infections. Moreover, some people may experience the development of clusters of white blood cells in granulomas, referred to as infected areas. In some of the cases, the chronic granulomatous disease is diagnosed during the childhood itself, but in other cases, it is only in adulthood that the condition gets diagnosed. Chronic granulomatous disease may affect any tissues or organs in the body, but the parts most infections are found in are: Skin Bones Brain (occasionally) One of the other signs of this condition is that the body has trouble in healing wounds.

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (B.burgdorferi), which is a bacteria transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected black-legged or deer tick. Its symptoms can appear anywhere in between three to thirty days after the bite. The chances of developing the Lyme disease from a tick bite depends on the kind of tick. Several disease experts suggest black-legged ticks should be attached for 36 to 48 hours to transmit the disease. A recent study revealed that the ticks have expanded their range from southern parts of the country to the Northern region, increasing their population by almost 80 percent. The symptoms of Lyme disease depend on the following 3 stages: Stage 1: Early localized disease The symptoms start within two weeks after the tick bite. A “bulls-eye” rash is one of the earliest signs of Lyme disease, indicating that the bacteria have multiplied and entered the bloodstream. The rash occurs at the site of the tick bite and can be warm to touch but it is not painful and does not itch. It usually disappears after a couple of weeks. Stage 2: Early disseminated Lyme disease The early disseminated Lyme disease occurs several weeks after the tick bite as the bacteria starts spreading in the bloodstream.

Fever is also medically known as pyrexia, which is characterized by higher-than-normal body temperature. Fever can have an independent occurrence or can also be a symptom of several kinds of illnesses. It can occur in anyone at any age be it a child or a grown-up adult. While most people believe fever is an illness, it is important to understand that fever is a defense mechanism of the body’s immune system. When a virus or an infection enters the body, the immune system of the body sends white blood cells to fight it. This causes heat in the body leading to increased body temperature. Measuring body temperature Fever can be gauged by feeling the warmth on the forehead using the back of the hand. A thermometer can be used to confirm the fever and get an accurate reading of the temperature. There are different ways in which a thermometer is used by people to check the body temperature. Oral – Used by placing the thermometer under the tongue for 3-4 minutes. A digital oral thermometer will beep when it has measured the temperature. Rectal – This is used with lubrication to avoid pain during insertion. If it’s a digital thermometer, it will beep on its own, otherwise, a manual thermometer can be pulled out after 3-4 minutes.

Flu, also commonly known as influenza is a respiratory infection. During the flu season, the virus affects men, women, and children with the chances of infection high in people who are suffering from chronic illnesses. The infection is commonly caused due to airborne and waterborne viruses entering the body through the nose or mouth. It is difficult to identify the symptoms of flu as the common cold also exhibits similar visible indicators of respiratory infections. However, the severity of the symptoms will be more if a person is suffering from the influenza virus. One will experience body or muscle aches, chills, cough, fever, headaches, and sore throat in the early stages of the infection with varying levels of severity. Note that there are four different types of flu viruses that cause the infection, each exhibiting similar symptoms more or less. Influenza A and B are the most common viruses and cause seasonal infections. Influenza C is rare and can cause mild respiratory illness while Influenza D only affects cattle. The diagnosis and treatment for different types of viruses will vary accordingly. However, there are ways in which one can make the necessary lifestyle changes to ensure the prevention of influenza.

Oral thrush is caused by the unrestricted growth of a fungus known as C.albicans. A healthy and balanced immune system keeps the growth of this fungus under control. If the balance is disturbed, the immune system becomes weak and the fungus starts to multiply, leading to infection. Taking certain medications causes the immune system to become weak. These medications affect the growth of good microorganisms that are responsible for preventing infections. Cancer treatments and diseases such as HIV and leukemia also make the body susceptible to thrush. Another cause of oral thrush is diabetes. In the case of uncontrolled diabetes, the saliva will have a high level of sugar. The excess sugar gives impetus to the growth of C.albicans, leading to thrush. In some cases, newborn infants get oral thrush from their mothers, who may have vaginal yeast infections. This happens because oral thrush and vaginal yeast infection are caused by the same fungus. Here are a few common symptoms of oral thrush and ways to treat them. Common symptoms The early signs and symptoms of oral thrush are barely noticeable. Usually, one may observe creamy white lesions on the inner cheeks, tonsils, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth.