If you’ve ever had a fever and felt tired with no appetite. You might have wondered whether it’s jaundice or typhoid fever. These two health conditions often confuse people because they share some similar symptoms.
Jaundice is most commonly found in newborns, but typhoid fever affects people of all ages, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Knowing the difference helps you get the right treatment at the right time.
In this blog, we will look at the difference between jaundice and typhoid fever, their symptoms, causes, myths, and most importantly, how to tell them apart.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin becomes yellow, especially the sclera (white part of the eyes). It is not a disease but a condition that is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, your liver processes bilirubin and removes it from your body. When your liver cannot process bilirubin properly, or when too much bilirubin is being produced, it builds up in your blood and tissues, causing the characteristic yellow discoloration.
Jaundice can affect both adults and newborns, though it is common in newborn babies. In adults, jaundice usually indicates liver problems, bile duct obstruction, or certain blood disorders.
What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that attacks the digestive system. It causes severe inflammation and high fever. It’s caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi.
Unlike jaundice, which is a symptom or condition, typhoid is an infectious disease that can spread from person to person. Mostly found in areas where clean water and sanitation are poor.
Difference between Jaundice and Typhoid Fever
Now that we’ve covered both conditions in detail, let’s clearly compare them side by side to help you understand the key differences:
| Aspect | Jaundice | Typhoid Fever |
| What is it? | A symptom or condition caused by high bilirubin levels | An infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria |
| Nature | Not a disease | A specific bacterial infection |
| Causation | Liver problems, bile duct obstruction, blood disorders, or an immature liver in newborns | Contaminated food or water containing typhoid bacteria |
| Initial Symptoms | Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes | High, sustained fever (103-104°F) |
| Fever | May or may not be present; if present, usually not very high | Always present; high and sustained fever is the hallmark symptom |
| Recovery time | days to weeks, depending on the underlying cause | 3-4 weeks if untreated; 1-2 weeks with proper antibiotic treatment |
| Diagnosis | Bilirubin blood test, liver function tests | Blood culture, Widal test, stool culture |
| Treatment | Treat the underlying cause (liver disease, obstruction, etc.); phototherapy for newborns | Antibiotics and supportive care |
| Complications | Liver failure, brain damage | Intestinal perforation, bleeding, organ failure |
Symptoms of Jaundice and Typhoid Fever
In the early stage, the symptoms seem similar, but as both conditions progress, the differences become clear.
Jaundice Symptoms
The symptoms of jaundice can vary depending on whether it affects adults or newborns and the cause.
Jaundice Symptoms in Adults:
The most obvious sign of jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Also, jaundice comes with several other symptoms:
- Unnoticed weight loss
- Mild to moderate fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Itching on the skin
- Dark yellow urine
- Skin becomes yellow
- The sclera of the eyes becomes yellow
You should connect with a general physician if your fever stays high.
Jaundice Symptoms in Newborns:
Newborn jaundice typically appears differently and has its own set of warning signs:
- Starting from the face and moving down to the chest, abdomen, and legs
- The sclera (white part) appears yellow
- The baby shows less interest in feeding or has difficulty feeding
- Baby appears unusually sleepy or difficult to wake
The yellowing in newborns usually appears between the second and fourth day after birth and typically resolves within two weeks.
Consult with the best pediatrician if you are noticing any symptoms of jaundice in your newborn
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid symptoms typically develop 6-30 days after exposure to the bacteria. If not treated, symptoms get worse over the next few weeks.
Stage 1:
During the first week, symptoms begin gradually and may include:
- Mild to high fever every day, commonly 103 – 104 F
- Continue headache
- Extreme weakness
- Body pains
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Stage 2:
If left untreated, the symptoms worsen during the second week.:
- Continuous high fever at 103-104°F, which becomes constant
- Extreme fatigue is making it difficult to get out of bed
- Severe stomach pain
- Small, rose-colored spots may appear on the chest and abdomen
- Greenish diarrhea
Stage 3:
Without treatment, serious complications can occur, such as:
- Intestinal bleeding, such as blood in stool
- Holesare are developing in the intestinal wall
- Severe dehydration
Let’s look at what causes jaundice and typhoid
Jaundice and typhoid fever both have different causes. Jaundice is caused by excessive bilirubin, and typhoid fever is caused by bacterial infections. Causes of jaundice:
Jaundice Causes
Knowing the cause helps prevent and treat it.
Causes of Jaundice in Adults:
- Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver.
- Obstruction of the bile duct
- Blood Disorders
- After effects and wrong medications
- High levels of toxins
- Genetic conditions
Causes in Newborns:
- An immature liver that cannot process bilirubin efficiently
- Blood type incompatibility
- Infection during pregnancy
- Prematurity
- Breastfeeding difficulties leading to dehydration
- Genetic enzyme deficiencies
Typhoid Causes
Typhoid fever is caused solely by the bacterium Salmonella typhi.
- Contaminated Water
- Contaminated Food
- Spread by someone carrying the bacteria
Can Jaundice and Typhoid Occur Together?
Yes, it is possible to have both jaundice and typhoid simultaneously. This can happen in two conditions.
1. Typhoid Causing Liver Complications:
In severe cases, typhoid bacteria affect the liver cells and cause jaundice. This condition is called typhoid hepatitis.
2. Concurrent Infections:
In the second condition, pre-existing liver disease, jaundice, and then affects the intestines and causes typhoid. Viral hepatitis causes jaundice and typhoid.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Myths and misconceptions often confuse people:
Myth 1: “Jaundice and typhoid are the same thing”
Fact: They are completely different conditions. Jaundice is a symptom indicating high bilirubin levels, and typhoid is a bacterial infection of the digestive system. They have different causes, treatments, and outcomes.
Myth 2: “Jaundice is always contagious”
Fact: Jaundice itself is NOT contagious. But if it is caused by viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, or C), then the underlying hepatitis infection can be contagious, not the jaundice symptom itself.
Myth 3: “Typhoid can be cured at home without antibiotics”
Fact: Typhoid would not go away with home remedies; it needs antibiotics. It can lead to life-threatening complications, including intestinal perforation, severe bleeding, and death.
Bottom Line
The difference between jaundice and typhoid is necessary for getting the right treatment at the right time. Both conditions can make you feel unwell. Jaundice is a symptom indicating increased bilirubin levels often related to liver or bile duct problems, while typhoid is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the digestive system and requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
If you’re experiencing yellow skin, persistent fever, or any concerning symptoms, don’t delay seeking professional help. Marham is a medical health platform that provides you with the best doctors for awareness and treatment. A hepatologist helps you to prevent and treat the symptoms of jaundice and typhoid fever.
