TYPHOID:
Cause : Modern medical science says the presence of the bacillus typhosus in the stomach causes the fever. Ayurveda finds the underlying cause to be an upset of tridosh, the three temperamental factors.
Symptoms: Uneasiness, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, insomnia, chills, etc. in the preliminary stage. This stage usually lasts for 3 weeks but may extend itself to 6. By the end of the first week fever and thirst have become oppressive, there is night delirium, stomach pain (particularly on one side), flatulence, green and yellow vomit (watery), bleeding from nose. By the end of the second week there is weakness, emaciation, scanty urine, diarrhea and constipation, trembling of muscles, dry cough, eruptions on the skin, etc. The third week sees more weakness, emaciation, inability to urinate, loss of pressure in excreting and urinating, deep sleep, hallucination feelings, lung troubles, intestinal hemorrhage, scratching, forgetfulness, non-recognition of known faces, If the fever is of a mild variety, these symptoms decline after the third week, and the patient begins to feel appetite. The tongue clears and strength returns. If the fever is severe, the second and third week symptoms are pronounced and fever comes irregularly. To know if the fever is severe, observe if the following symptoms are present: Pain on the right side of the stomach, sensitiveness all over the body, rose colored eruptions on the body now subsiding and now reappearing, rumbling in the stomach when pressed, and yellow orpiment stools with blood.
Treatment: At the beginning use Sarbajwara Bati, Sadhana Pachan, and 1.875 grains by weight of Makaradhwaja. The first two medicines are anti-pyretic and normalise the temperamental factors. Makaradhawja also performs this last function. That is why these medicines are outstanding. If these medicines fail to cure the fever within a week, use Mahalaksmibilas with betel leaf juice and rocksalt in the mornings of the second week, and Brihat Kasturi Bhairab with ginger extract and rocksalt in the evenings.
Beware of typhoid symptoms; they are dire warnings of possible fatality. Flatulence, inability to urinate, breathing trouble, and hiccough are serious symptoms. Vomiting, thirst, swooning diarrhea, shivering, drowsiness and senselessness are hardly less serious. One bad symptom may bring a train of others. For example, excessive vomiting may bring hiccough, perspiration, low temperature, stomach troubles, and flatulence. Flatulence can bring in its train: breathing troubles, thirst, diarrhea, restlessness, etc. Continuous coughing makes breathing difficult. In all such cases the parent symptom should be attacked first. Chandrakanti Ras with ground cucumber seed-kernel and honey is very good where there is a vehement vomiting tendency with bad diarrhoea, hiccough, etc. When urine is retained and stools form mucus in the intestines, the stomach and rectum become swollen and there is dysentery, constipation, breathing difficulty, and pain on one side of the stomach which gives a rumbling sound. When urination and bowel movements are impeded, give Chaturmukh Ras with honey and the water-wash of sun-dried rice. If there is thirst, flatulence, and restlessness due to diarrhoea, prescribe Brihat Siddha Praneswar, cummin powder, and water to be taken together. If there is bad cough and congestion in the give Kafa lungs, rattling respiration in sleep, etc., Chintamani with powder of long pepper and water. If there is pain all over the body, in the joints and head, give Batgajankus. If there is only body pain, prescribe Mahalakshmibilas.
If pneumonia symptoms appear, give Basantatilak, juice of vaisca leaves, honey, and long pepper powder every four hours. Massage the chest with old ghee, after which give a fomentation of calotropis gigenta and muffle the chest with flannel. Linseed poultice excellent too. When the patient is in a serious condition, with sinking pulse and very low temperature, give 1.875 grains by weight of Makardhwaja and half that quantity of Kasturi with honey and ginger extract twice or thrice daily. As soon as the temperature rises, reduce the doses. Basantatilak works wonderfully in the initial stages. Brihat Kasturi Vairab acts as a nectar; it may always be given in the second week without hesitation. Some patients find that this medicine alone is enough and that all bad symptoms gradually disappear on its use. But this is not the case with all.
When the patient has red eyes and headache, soak a piece of linen in cold, iced, or rose water, and place it on his head for a few hours. The hair on the top of the head may be cut short and the cold linen placed there but, be careful that no other part of the body should come in contact with cold. Massage the chest from time to time with old ghee, and calotropins gigenta or betel leaf fomentation should be applied afterwards. Wrap the chest in flannel and keep the feet warm. The room should be well ventilated. Good nursing is the principal treatment. A bed pan is essential, and a little carbolic solution should be put in it before the patient uses it.
Diet: The patient should drink only boiled water. Only barley water, soda-water, lemonade, etc. should be given in the first period. When the patient has diarrhea, a drink of curd and water (why) is excellent. If the stomach is all right and there is digestive power, you may give the patient sago, barley, and arrowroot. If there is digestive power but great weakness, allow him fresh fish soup (un-spiced) and a little once-boiled milk.
The patient’s clothing must be kept clean. He should not be left alone, nor subjected to big audiences. Silence should be observed. Sunlight should not fall on his eyes. To prevent bed sores put a soft pillow under the thigh. Medicines and food materials should be kept in another room.