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Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Home Remedies and Prevention

By on August 11, 2016

What is Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is also called as breakbone fever. It is more common in urban tropical and subtropical areas, such as South and central America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. It results in mild to severe fever and in its severe state, it may cause dengue shock syndrome or dengue hemorrhagic fever. These are the condition where the patient needs to be admitted to the hospital.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever

What is the Cause of Dengue Fever

It is a vector-borne infection that spreads by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and causes flu-like illness. The mosquito that causes dengue to spread on biting the person who has the dengue virus in their blood. This disease does not spread through direct contact.

Cause of Dengue Fever

Cause of Dengue Fever

With the coming of monsoons, the risk of dengue infection increases because this is the ideal time for the breeding of mosquitoes.

What are the Symptom of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a debilitating and painful disease. It is very important to acknowledge the symptoms of this disease so that we can take necessary steps to treat it before it becomes severe.

Its symptoms include sudden or acute, high fever, severe and throbbing headaches, joint pain, pain behind the ears, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, skin rash and mild bleeding. There may be nose bleeds and bleeding of gums. Easy bruising is also a symptom.
The above symptoms, take four to six days to begin after infection is acquired. They may last up to 10 days.

Symptom of Dengue Fever

Symptom of Dengue Fever

When the symptoms are mild they are often mistaken for the symptoms of the viral infections. Usually, symptoms are mild in the case of young children and individuals who have been infected for the first time. In adults and children who gets an infection for the second time or have a weak immune system, the problem can be serious.

They may suffer from complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is characterized by high fever, blood vessel damage and lymph damage. There may be bleeding from the gums and nose along with circulatory system failure and liver enlargement. The disease may progress and cause massive bleeding and shock. This condition may prove to be fatal and is known as dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

How to Diagnose Dengue Fever

The blood test is done to check the antibodies and virus into it. A drop in the count of platelets is an important symptom of this disease. Tell your doctor if you have a fever after coming from tropical areas.

Diagnose Dengue Fever

Diagnose Dengue Fever

What is the Treatment of Dengue Fever

There is no specific treatment for it. But it is very important to treat it before it develops into dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Symptomatic relief is given through pain killers and antipyretic medicines.

Take rest, drink lots of fluids, avoid solid foods till the fever subsides and consult a doctor. If you feel worse within first 24 hours after your fever decreases, it is an emergency situation needed immediate attention and you may be needed to be hospitalized.

What are the Home Remedies for Dengue Fever

You may try some home remedies to ease your symptoms and hasten the recovery.

1.Giloy- Giloy helps to maintain the rate of metabolism and strengthens the immunity. Also, it is anti-inflammatory. Boil its stems. Strain and drink it.

Giloy

Giloy

2. Aloe Vera- It increases the count of platelets. Consume its juice regularly.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

3. Papaya Leaves- It increases the count of the platelets. Also, it eases the symptoms like body pain, fever, chills, weakness and nausea. It also acts for detoxification. Crush the leaves make its juice and drink it.

 

Papaya Leaves

Papaya Leaves

 

4. Fenugreek Leaves- They reduce fever and eases pain. Mix a tablespoon powder of its seeds in half glass water and drink it. You may also drink the juice of its leaves.

Fenugreek Leaves

Fenugreek Leaves

5. Pomegranates- They are known for treatment of anemia and improves the count of platelets.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates

6. Golden seal- The dried roots of goldenseal not only eases the symptoms of dengue fever, but also eliminates the virus from our body. You chew it or drink its juice.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal

7. Turmeric- It boosts metabolism and hastens the recovery. Consume it along with milk daily.

Turmeric Remedy

Turmeric Remedy

8. Margosa leaves or oil- They act as a purifying agent. Steep its leaves in a cup of boiling water and drink it.

Margosa leaves or oil

Margosa leaves or oil

Best home treatment is 50 ml mixed juice of aloe Vera, Giloy, pomegranates and papaya leaves daily. This not only will hasten the recovery, but also acts as a preventive solution. It is believed that drinking water after boiling holy basil leaves in it also prevents dengue fever.

However, do not just depend on the home remedies and do consult a doctor. Home remedies can hasten the recovery, but in serious cases you may need medical emergency.

What are the Preventive Measures for Dengue Fever

No vaccines are available for this disease. The only way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites. Use mosquito nets, mosquito repellants. Do not let water get stagnant in your surroundings. Keep your surroundings clean, Regularly change the water in water coolers and flower pots. Do not throw tyers, coconut shells and empty utensils that may hold water.

Preventive Measures for Dengue Fever

Preventive Measures for Dengue Fever

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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