Dengue Fever? Do Not Panic! | Home Remedies for Dengue

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease seen in tropical or subtropical areas. It is caused by a virus that belongs to the arbovirus group. Some of the common questions and answers about Dengue Fever are explained here.

The mosquito will get infected by biting a person with a dengue virus. This virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of this infected Aedes mosquito (also called the tiger mosquito) which grows in a freshwater habitat close to human dwellings. So, it is not surprising that 'dengue fear' surpasses all the other panic syndromes. Within a few days, the person starts experiencing severe headaches, backaches, and body aches. There may also be joint pains along with a high-grade fever and a typical rash. Dengue is a dehydrating fever with no known cure yet. Dengue, when it causes severe symptoms, is called dengue hemorrhagic fever.

The signs and symptoms of more severe dengue may involve:

• Fatigue.

• Restlessness.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Persistent vomiting (with blood)

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• Shortness of breath.

• Nose bleeds.

• Bleeding gums.

Is Dengue a Serious Disease?

A vast majority of the public still does not realize the importance of hospitalization during the illness. While dengue by itself is not a dangerous disease, the improper management of the symptoms can be fatal. Supportive medications such as intravenous saline and antipyretics are used along with symptomatic care. Dengue fever may cause severe dehydration, dizziness, giddiness, and even syncopal falls, leading to injuries.

What to Expect in Dengue Fever?

Dengue is a typical biphasic illness with distinct acute and chronic phases. In the acute phase, the fever lasts for a couple of days and subsides. But, the real panic starts after that. The platelet count begins to drop on the fourth day of the illness, with a progressive fall till the seventh day rising again spontaneously after that.

The diagnosis of dengue is again such a situation where patients are in a constant dilemma. Within the first three to four days, the dengue NS1 antigen test results are positive, and the antibodies start developing from the sixth day. This can lead to many patients with symptoms consistent with dengue being labeled falsely as negative. As per my clinical experience, there is no requirement for platelet transfusion in this illness as it causes more harm than good. One may consider a platelet transfusion when the count drops below 20,000/cubic mm along with clinical manifestations such as nasal bleed, blood in stools or urine. 95 % of the patients recover on their own without any additional supplements such as steroids injection given by some physicians.

What Are the Home Remedies for Dengue: Fact or Fad?

Papaya leaves contain a mixture of nutrients and organic compounds. They contain a high level of vitamin C that can stimulate the immune system, and the antioxidants help reduce stress and remove toxins from the body. Many myths are doing the rounds regarding papaya leaf extracts, kiwi fruit, and goat milk for improving the platelet count in dengue fever. Since these have not been medically proven, they are not recommended for treatment. A reduced platelet count may not be the real danger sign in simple dengue fever. We must look for reduced urine production, giddiness, severe headaches, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, breathlessness, and ominous signs.

What Is Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Dengue shock syndrome is characterized by petechiae (tiny spots of blood on the skin) and ecchymosis (large patches of blood under the skin). Unaware of dengue, many people take fever medicines for prolonged periods and land up in a shock-like state, injuring their internal organs, such as kidneys. With proper IV fluid resuscitation, they do show good recovery. This type of shock may cause death within 12 to 24 hours.

Is Hospitalization Necessary for Dengue?

Not every patient needs to be hospitalized after being diagnosed with dengue fever. The mild cases can be effectively managed at home if the patient ensures rehydration with different means - ORS (oral rehydration salts), juice, plenty of water, as well as adequate rest and fever medicines.

But, I must draw your attention to those severe cases which, despite good treatment, show signs of complications and even succumb to their illness due to multiorgan failure even after being treated at the best intensive care setup. One may not identify those unlucky individuals. Hence prevention stands up to be the best protective measure.

Can a Dengue Fever Provide Future Protection From Dengue?

Immunity against dengue is another wonderful phenomenon. Contrary to our belief, a previous episode of dengue will not impart good protective immunity. The second episode of dengue may turn more dangerous due to some immune-complex mechanisms.

So one must understand that dengue still remains a dramatic illness with variable clinical presentations and unexpected results. So, stop panicking and act smartly to avoid untoward consequences.

How to Protect Yourself From Dengue Fever?

Tips to protect yourself from dengue fever include:

• Wear protective clothing (full sleeve dress) to prevent mosquito bites.

• Mosquito repellents can be used to avoid mosquito bites.

• Use a mosquito net.

What Are the Foods to Be Avoided While Having Dengue Fever?

1. Avoid non-vegetarian food.

2. Avoid oily food and a heavy diet.

3. Avoid spicy foods because they can cause acidity in the stomach and lead to ulcers and damage the wall.

4. People with dengue fever should always be hydrated, but caffeinated beverages are not the way to go.

Conclusion:

In developing countries with a tropical climate, the death toll due to seasonal outbreaks of infectious diseases is on the rise. The hospital wards are full of patients diagnosed with various tropical infections, and dengue surpasses them all. Its prevalence is much higher than the data provided by healthcare departments, as many of the cases go unreported due to a lack of public awareness.

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