03 January 2024

Symptoms of Dengue Fever and How to Handle It

Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is easily recognizable by its black and white stripes and prefers to inhabit clean places, such as bathtubs.

The symptoms of dengue fever are generally marked by a high fever reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius. This condition lasts for 2-7 days, after which there is a drastic drop. In addition to high fever, there are several other signs and symptoms of dengue fever:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain behind the eyes, in the bones, and muscles
• Skin rash or red spots on the skin
• Sore throat accompanied by difficulty swallowing and drinking

Following the initial symptoms, dengue fever is usually followed by additional symptoms indicating that the virus has begun to spread throughout the body and cause inflammation, such as:

• Nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Black or dark-colored stools
• Vomiting blood

Although there may be a phase where it seems like recovery within 2-3 days, it actually enters a critical phase that needs to be watched out for, as it can lead to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) which can be very dangerous, even potentially fatal.

Prompt and appropriate treatment is key to managing dengue fever. This is crucial because the complications of dengue fever are very dangerous and can lead to death. Here are the complications of dengue fever that must be watched out for:

• Bleeding: Marked by bleeding gums, nosebleeds, black vomit, subcutaneous bleeding, coughing up blood, and passing black or dark red stools.
• Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): Dengue Shock Syndrome is characterized by dehydration, bradycardia, hypotension, dilated pupils, irregular breathing, pale skin, and cold sweats.
• Acute Kidney Failure: Acute kidney failure usually occurs in the terminal phase as a result of untreated shock. The volume of urination is an important parameter.
• Dengue Encephalopathy: In dengue encephalopathy, the patient's consciousness decreases to apathy or drowsiness.
• Pulmonary Edema: This can occur as a result of excessive fluid administration.

Several measures that can be taken to treat dengue fever include:

• Taking antipyretics to reduce fever.
• Drinking enough water to prevent dehydration.
• Monitoring the frequency of urination and the amount of urine output.
• If the patient is very weak and unable to consume large amounts of water, doctors will usually provide additional fluids through an IV.

Reviewed by : Dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source : Siloam Hospital Health Article 

Photo : freepik.com