• Published on: Oct 22, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Of Dengue Fever?

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What are the Symptoms, causes & treatment of Dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that's becoming more common in many parts of the world.

A severe flu-like illness with muscle and joint pain, rash, headaches, nausea, and vomiting can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms which include inflammation of the eye or gums causing pus build-up or tooth loss. Visiting a doctor is advisable if the headache lasts for more than 3 days; there are sudden meteors in vision;

The virus lives inside mosquitoes and is transmitted to humans through their saliva when they take a blood meal from an infected person. Vivax mosquitos tend to bite both day time and night time, while Aegypti mosquito prefers only night time

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is spread to people through mosquito bites.

The four types of dengue virus cause similar illnesses however the risk for severe disease and death increases with successive infections due to how it affects your body's immune system. The most common symptoms include high fever, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting (only in some cases), fatigue or lack of strength (maybe unrelated), pain behind the eyes (called "photophobia"), and rashes on arms, legs buttocks.

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Rash on the wrists, arms, legs & trunk of the body.
  • Joint pain or muscle pain
  • Nausea

Treatment: Pain medications and fluids to maintain adequate hydration. Low platelet count requires blood transfusion for carriers of thalassemia. Low platelet count is treated with plasma exchange therapy or immune globulin infusions. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is also treatable but the outcomes are bad if not caught early on. Death rate increases with the severity of dengue infection (DHF). DHF patients need IV fluids, clean water preparation techniques, antibiotics, antiemetics, and antipyretics; ideally in a hospital setting.

Dengue Fever is a viral infection transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The virus infects the human ribonucleic acid (RNA) and affects platelets which become unstable and may lead to internal bleeding.

Symptoms of dengue fever include the following: high fevers which can reach up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pains, skin rash that looks like measles, or prickly heat. In some cases, it may be necessary for patients who experience unusual bleeding or persistent vomiting to get fluids intravenously (IV). For severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary with supportive measures such as maintaining fluid levels with IV fluids and careful monitoring of blood pressure.

Very feverish and break out in a rash. Treatment for Dengue Fever is rest, fluids, and aspirin or paracetamol to relieve pain. If someone has a loss of appetite or is unable to keep down fluids, seek medical help right away. Otherwise drink plenty of fluid such as water, cordial lime drinks such as Fanta. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because there can be low blood pressure associated with this illness which will cause more dehydration while worsening the symptoms. Symptoms usually start between 4-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito but may start anytime from 14-22 days following a bite from an infected mosquito depending on what type of virus was transmitted that infection period depends on your immune system.

Dengue fever is an infection of the human body by one of four closely related dengue viruses. It's typically carried by mosquitoes, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. The symptoms which are experienced are fevers, joint pains, severe headache, nausea, at times secondary bacterial infections that can be fatal to sufferers with other pre-existing health conditions. Diagnosis is through blood tests following possible exposure. Prevention involves mosquito control measures such as mosquito repellents and the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds. There is no universally accepted treatment for this particular illness yet though there have been trials done on animals so there might be after all good news for us down the road.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease. Signs and symptoms may include mild fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pains, nausea, or vomiting. The key to treatment is prevention against mosquitoes through avoidance of mosquito bites and use of insect repellents.

Mild cases usually get better without any specific treatment by 6 to 10 days. Use painkillers for the headache, drink plenty of fluids for persistent vomiting or nausea or other signs that develop after ten days or more that are not improving gradually on their own. Seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty breathing(especially when accompanied by a cough), your skin is clammy with generalized discomfort("body aches"), unusual bleeding.

There are many symptoms of dengue fever, including headaches, nausea, and vomiting, pain behind the eyes both at rest and with movement. Joint pains are common too. There is no specific way to prevent dengue but prevention can be attempted through controlling mosquito populations in urban areas. There's no specific treatment available for this disease, though once it begins to recede patients can use acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The fever is as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit and causes debilitation, dehydration, abdominal pain and headache. The Dengue virus causes the flu-like illness Dengue Fever. Symptoms include a sudden high fever accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, and extreme tiredness. It might seem like a minor cold but it can be potentially fatal and needs to be treated as an emergency if not diagnosed correctly in time.

This mosquito-borne disease also has far more serious consequences including internal bleeding called dengue hemorrhagic fever that can lead to death from shock or multiple organ failure after subsequent infection with other bacteria or parasites from contaminated surfaces such as water droplets on door handles of public buildings.

Dengue fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever and quickly becomes life-threatening, resulting in an extremely high mortality rate. Symptoms include high fever, skin rash (large red patches), joint pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle and bone aches. Treatment includes keeping fluids up by taking electrolyte drinks such as Pedialyte or Gatorade which supplies the water and sodium your body needs to function properly. Avoid sugar drinks because they can make you sicker if you're not getting enough sugar. Get plenty of rest and lots of hydration for the best results!

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World Heart Day

World Heart Day: Top 10 Heart-Healthy Foods to Include in Your Daily Diet

As we celebrate World Heart Day, it’s essential to reflect on the health of our most vital organ—our heart. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of death worldwide, and while genetics do play a role, our diet has an enormous influence on heart health. Fortunately, small changes in what we eat can have a big impact on reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall wellness. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 heart-healthy foods to include in your daily diet. These foods not only contribute to maintaining a healthy heart but also help in preventing heart disease and managing cholesterol levels.

1. Why Your Diet Matters for Heart Health

Our food choices directly affect our hearts. A poor diet can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even diabetes—key risk factors for heart disease. Adopting a diet rich in heart-healthy foods can make a substantial difference in heart disease prevention.

In fact, the World Heart Federation emphasizes diet as a critical factor in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease. But what foods should we focus on? Here’s a list of foods known for promoting heart health.

2. Top 10 Heart-Healthy Foods to Include in Your Daily Diet

1. Oats

A daily bowl of oatmeal is one of the simplest steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease. Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Studies show that consuming oats regularly can have a significant effect on cholesterol reduction within just a few weeks.

2. Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel)

Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides. Including fish in your diet at least twice a week is one of the most recommended strategies for improving heart health. Omega-3s help maintain a steady heartbeat and keep your arteries free from blockages.

3. Almonds

Almonds are packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and plant sterols that help manage cholesterol levels. A handful of almonds a day can reduce LDL cholesterol and protect your arteries from inflammation. They also contain magnesium, which helps prevent the development of high blood pressure.

4. Avocados

Rich in monounsaturated fats, avocados are known to improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels while boosting good cholesterol (HDL). This fruit is also high in potassium, an essential mineral for controlling blood pressure.

5. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale)

Leafy greens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The nitrates found in greens like spinach and kale help reduce arterial stiffness and improve blood flow, which in turn lowers blood pressure and promotes better heart health.

6. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries)

Berries, particularly blueberries and strawberries, are loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Several studies have linked berry consumption to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.

7. Olive Oil

A staple in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. Replacing butter or margarine with olive oil can help reduce your risk of heart disease significantly.

8. Legumes (Beans, Lentils)

Beans and lentils are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and various minerals that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Studies show that consuming legumes at least four times a week can lower the risk of heart disease.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Lycopene helps prevent LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized, a process that contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries.

10. Dark Chocolate (70%+ Cocoa)

Surprise! Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, is beneficial for heart health. It contains flavanols, which help improve blood vessel function, lower blood pressure, and increase circulation. Just make sure it’s at least 70% cocoa to maximize the heart benefits.

3. Benefits of Including These Foods in Your Diet

Each of the above foods contributes to heart health in different ways. Whether it’s lowering cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, or improving overall cardiovascular function, incorporating these foods into your daily routine can make a significant difference.

For example:

  • Oats and almonds help lower bad cholesterol.

  • Fatty fish and olive oil reduce inflammation.

  • Leafy greens and berries boost antioxidant levels.

4. How to Easily Incorporate These Heart-Healthy Foods into Your Diet

Wondering how to get started? Here are a few simple ideas:

  • Breakfast: Swap sugary cereals for a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh berries.

  • Lunch: Add avocado slices to your salad or sandwich, and drizzle with olive oil.

  • Snacks: Reach for a handful of almonds instead of chips or processed snacks.

  • Dinner: Grill some salmon or mackerel, and serve it alongside a fresh spinach salad.

  • Dessert: Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate (just a square or two!) after dinner.

5. The Link Between Diet and Heart Disease Prevention

A healthy diet is essential for heart disease prevention. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases significantly. Moreover, reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats can prevent plaque buildup in arteries, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

6. Final Thoughts on Eating for a Healthy Heart

Eating for your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small by incorporating one or two of these heart-healthy foods into your diet each week. Over time, these small changes will add up to major improvements in your cardiovascular health. On World Heart Day, take the pledge to care for your heart through mindful food choices.

Remember, what you eat today impacts your heart tomorrow. So, make it a point to prioritize foods good for heart health and build a strong foundation for a healthier future.

Check your cholesterol level with second medic lab test. Book Now!  



 

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