Abstract
Dengue Fever - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Published on May 29, 2014 and last reviewed on Sep 07, 2018 - 2 min read
Abstract
Dengue Fever - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by dengue virus and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms appear in 4-12 days of infective mosquito bite. It can sometimes have lethal complications like hemorrhagic fever. It is more common in tropical areas like Asia.
Causes:
It is caused by Aedes mosquito bite.
Symptoms:
Dengue has the classical triad of symptoms of fever, rash and headache.
Other symptoms include:
Joint pain.
Lymphadenopathy.
Bleeding gums.
Painful eyes.
Gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea).
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a complication of dengue fever which has fatal symptoms like:
Abdominal pain.
Bleeding (hemorrhage).
Shock.
Respiratory symptoms.
Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
Pneumonia.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment is symptomatic and more concentration must be on hydration by oral rehydration therapy or intravenous fluids (IV fluids). Aspirin and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) are usually contraindicated as they can lead to hemorrhage. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) can be given in case of severe joint and muscle pain.
Prevention of Dengue:
The best way to prevent dengue is to stop the transmission of virus to mosquitoes. Proper hygiene must be maintained as these mosquitoes usually grow in places like old water containers, jars, etc. One should take proper precaution and use mosquito repellant sprays, coils etc. Limiting exposure to mosquitoes is the only way to prevent dengue.
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The warning signs of dengue are:
- Abdominal pain.
- Lethargy.
- Continuous vomiting.
- Liver enlargement that is more than two centimeters.
- Mucosal bleeding.
- Accumulation of fluid.
- Restlessness.
- A rapid decrease in platelet count.
Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by the mosquito. The virus causing dengue is known as the dengue virus. It is a serious condition that requires severe medical attention. Self-medication should be avoided for dengue. You can get help from icliniq.com.
The first sign of dengue involves fever, rashes, pain in the eyes, joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, internal bleeding will be seen.
The fruits that are suitable for dengue are kiwi, lemon, tangerines, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, all other citrus fruits.
The foods that are good for dengue fever are:
- Pomegranate.
- Broccoli.
- Fenugreek.
- Coconut Water.
- Turmeric.
- Spinach.
- Orange.
- Papaya Leaf.
The time taken for the symptoms to show up is known as the incubation period. The incubation period might vary according to the virulence of the infection. The symptoms start expressing in the patient after four to ten days of infection. The symptoms of dengue might last up to one week.
Rashes in dengue can be in the form of macules or papules. Macules are flat lesions that can be seen along with discoloration. A papule is a lesion that has a severe change in color and texture. These rashes occur in the face, thorax, and hands.
Changing the diet pattern can help in faster recovery of the patient. The foods that aid in faster recovery are:
- Papaya leaf juice. It is the best remedy for papaya leaf juice.
- Vegetable juices.
- Coconut water. This will prevent dehydration.
- Herbal tea.
- Neem leaves.
No, dengue cannot provide symptoms like flu. The flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, and fever are not noticed in dengue. Hives might also start developing within five days.
If the child is having dengue fever, sufficient rest should be given. In order to overcome the dehydration, excessive intake of water is advised. You can cool the skin of the child using a cool water massage with a sponge. If the child is suffering from severe symptoms, immediate hospitalization might be required.
The three stages of dengue fever are:
- Stage 1: Dengue fever.
- Stage 2: Dengue hemorrhagic fever.
- Stage 3: Dengue shock syndrome.
It is not advisable to give antibiotics for dengue fever. Dengue is a viral fever. Antibiotics cannot be helpful for this viral infection. Analgesics are prescribed for dengue patients.
Paracetamol is given for dengue patients at an interval of six hours. This is helpful in reducing the symptoms of high fever. You can also get recommendations from your doctor.
The following should be avoided for dengue fever.
- Fried foods.
- Spicy foods.
- Caffeine.
- Carbonated drinks.
The vaccine is not available for dengue in all countries. Some countries hold the license for dengue vaccines, and it can be given at age nine. The World Health Organization suggests that the dengue vaccine can be given only to patients who already had a viral infection with dengue.
People who are below 15 years of age have a high susceptibility to getting dengue fever. People who travel a lot also have an increased level of risk for dengue.
Yes, dengue fever can be cured. It might usually take two to seven days for dengue fever to cure completely. You should consult your doctor to get appropriate treatment options.
The treatment for dengue fever requires proper rest. Acetaminophen should be given to control the elevated level of fever. It is advised to take large quantities of fluid so that the patient will stay hydrated.
Last reviewed at:
07 Sep 2018 - 2 min read
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