This is the phase when our television screens get flooded with mosquito repellent advertisements. Reason? Monsoon at its peak, showering the most beautiful weather upon us, but what is the connection with mosquitoes? With heavy rain comes unwanted area for water to get accumulated; further giving mosquitoes a place to live and breed in. Mosquito bites should not be considered as normal, for some threaten lives.
We've all heard about a dengue outbreak phase in our country, and we keep hearing incidents of an acquaintance being detected of this disease. Diseases like Dengue and Malaria are spread through mosquito bites. Yes, these mosquitoes prefer breeding in close proximity to people, so that it is easier for them to hunt for blood.
Dengue is a fatal disease and unfortunately a rather common one during the monsoon season. It is an acute illness, caused by a family of infections. It is transmitted by a specific breed of mosquitoes; the Aedes breed. The female Aedes is the one which carries and spread the dengue virus. The mosquito first gets infected after feeding on a person already infected with the dengue virus. Gradually over a few days, the virus spreads in the tiny mosquito's body reaching up to their salivary glands. So, whenever this infected mosquito feeds on a human being, it transmits the virus into his/her blood. Being infected with one of the viruses does not give immunity towards the others, hence a person bit multiple times by the infected mosquito has a greater chance of catching high fever; the first symptom of dengue. Human-to-human transmission of dengue is not possible, though it can be transmitted through infected blood donations or organ donations. Travelling to tropical areas can also expose a person to mosquito bites.
India is one of the badly hit nations when it comes to dengue. The dengue cases across India had doubled up in 2015, rising suspicions for a more severe scenario for 2016. With the heavy monsoon showers, doctors expect almost 25% hike in dengue cases as compared to last year.
The symptoms of dengue vary according to the severity of the dengue fever. In other words, people who are infected multiple times by the infected mosquito have a higher risk of catching the more severe fever as compared to the mild ones. When an infected mosquito bites a human the virus gets infused into the bloodstream of the human, and mixes with the white blood cells. The virus now reproduces in the white blood cells and travel throughout the body. This reproduction of the virus is greater when the person is infected multiple times. The virus travelling throughout the body leads to muscle pains and joint pains. Because of this body ache, dengue is also known as the break bone fever or dandy fever.
Generally, the virus starts affecting the body after 3-15 days of infection. The most important symptom is catching a sudden high fever, along with muscle pains and headaches. Joint pain is also one of the symptoms. At times, the victim also experiences severe eye pain and mild bleeding from nose and gums. The above symptoms tend to occur after 3-4 days of high fever. One should look out for these signs the moment their temperature starts declining.
Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF)is a level higher than the mild fever. Though the symptoms of DHF seem to be that of the mild fever, but if not treated on time, it can be fatal. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever worsens after 2-3 days of fever, followed by leaking of the blood capillaries. This might lead to bleeding from the nose, gums and can also lead to internal bleeding. Internal bleeding signs can be seen through black vomit or stool. People affected by DHF also experience great difficulty while breathing, weak pulse and even blood spots under the skin. Hence, immediate treatment is vital.
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)is the most severe kind of dengue fever, and life threatening. Just like in DHF, the early signs or the basic ones, that is high fever and joint pains. A patient suffering from DSS may experience intense abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, low blood pressure and even bleeding. The reason DSS is the worst kind of dengue fever is that the sufferer might die even before the detection of the extent of fever.
Being a dengue patient myself, I had experienced major body pain and rashes throughout my body once the temperature dropped. Dengue diagnosis can only be done blood tests. So, if you or anybody in your family catches high fever in this season, get the blood test immediately! When someone suffers from dengue, their blood platelets count and white blood cell counts fall greatly, which leads to severe headaches and body aches. Hence, regular blood tests should be done to keep a record of the blood count.
Once my body temperature dropped, body pain and rashes increased tremendously, which is when I was taken to the doctor. One should not delay the doctor's visit if the patient feels worse after the temperature drops. Since there aren't any vaccines or drugs to treat dengue, doctors suggest an intake of fluids as the body gets dehydrated. Drugs like paracetamol help in bringing down the body temperature and reduce the body pain. Doctors avoid prescribing anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen as they might increase the bleeding, which obviously is not a good.
I can only recall sleeping throughout the day and drinking only fluids in between. My mother used to give me barley water, which helps in reducing the weakness. One should only drink fluids like water, juices, glucose etc. during the dengue phase.
We've all heard doctors recommending plenty of water intake on a daily basis, but the importance of water is quite high during dengue. Because of high fever and the virus working in our bodies, the level of dehydration is high due to excessive sweating and exertions caused by the virus. Hence, drinking water helps to control the dehydration levels and also gives relief from the intense body pains. Also, toxins get flushed out from our body, which could have intensified the virus complications.
I remember drinking this one bitter juice during my dengue phase. But as they say, "the bitter the better". Yes, papaya leaves extract are a god saver for those suffering from the mild fever, as it is not very effective for those suffering from DHF and DSS. The logic behind papaya leaves is that it contains two enzymes, which help a great deal in getting back the platelet count. The papaya leaf juice boosts the regeneration of healthy cells, leading to a rise in the platelet and white blood cell count. That green paste will look bitter, but trust me, it is the best and the easiest way to get those blood cells back. Recently, a pill has been made with papaya extracts to help cure dengue.
Yes, another bitter batter! Neem leaves are one of the most used leaves for treating ailments, and dengue also exists in that list. Just like papaya leaves, neem leaves help in the creation of white blood cells and the platelets as well. Not only does the blood count improve, the immune system of the patient also gets better. Neem Juice helps in faster recovery.
You can find basil aka tulsi leaves in your home, as almost every household has this plant in their homes. Drink it as a tea or chew, it's your call; but having this leaf is quite essential. This is because tulsi leaves help the body perspire, which reduces the chances of being bitten by a mosquito. Moreover, it helps in boosting up the patient's immunity and the blood circulation. Doctors also recommend adding some black pepper in the basil tea. Tulsi Ras can be beneficial in dengue.
Coriander aka dhania is abundantly used for while cooking food and for food decoration. These leaves are also good for treating the dengue virus. It helps in bringing down the temperature, and also in improving the immune system. So, intake of coriander leaves will improve the health of the patient. Include it in your regular diet, or churn the leaves in water and drink it is a tonic; totally your call.
As a child, I recall my mother constantly forcing me to eat pomegranate and apple, as it will help increasing the amount of blood in my body. Yes, part of it is true, For those who do not like the bitter taste of papaya leaves, can opt for pomegranate juice. It helps in increasing the platelet count in the bloodstream, and hence helps in recovery. You can also try out black grape juice as it contains similar properties like that of pomegranate juice.
One of the most citrus fruits, orange juice not only provide abundant Vitamin C, it also helps in the creation of antibodies that help in frequent urination to flush out the toxins from the body.
A very important ayurvedic herb, Giloy is considered to be very helpful in treating dengue. Boling stems of Giloy along with tulsi leaves, helps in improving the immune system. Drink Giloy Juice for better recovery.
Barley grass helps in increasing the platelet count, as it enhances the production of blood cells. Drinking it in the form of tea or chewing the barley grass, will surely relieve the patient.
Fenugreek leaves aka methi, is another easily available herb that helps in curing dengue. Drinking methi tea helps in reducing the body temperature, and also cleanses the entire body system.
Do not try out these remedies without consulting a doctor, as some of the above remedies can be harmful to pregnant women, diabetic patients and those who have allergies. It is very important to consult a doctor first about the health history of the patient before trying out these remedies.
Dengue can be fatal, and India being one of the badly hit nations, it is our responsibility to take preventive measures so that the virus is not spread. Read on for some easy tips that you should follow to avoid dengue virus spreads.
If all of us pledge to use these preventive measures, the extent of dengue outbreaks shall reduce tremendously. So this year, let's make sure we avoid letting mosquitoes breed around us, and also inform people who are not aware of these measures.
During the dengue outbreak, most of us catch high fever and some of us also suffer from immense body pains. Just like the above mentioned precautions, our in-house homeopathy doctor, Dr. Mohit, suggests a very effective preventive measure.
A combination of three medicines; Tinospora Cordifolia (Q), Carica Papaya (Q), Azadirochta Indica (Q); contains extracts of Giloy, papaya and neem respectively, turns out to be a very effective way to prevent dengue and other kinds of fever. Dr. Mohit prescribes mixing 15 drops of each medicine in a little bit of water, to be taken once a day.
Coming to the curative measure, all the medicines mentioned below, are available on our website! Our doctor recommends intake of the medicine Aconite during the primary stages of cold and mild fever. Administration during the first 24 hours is crucial, as this medicine helps in preventing temperature rise. Eupatorium Perf. works best for patients suffering from body pains along with fever. It also relieves the post-fever body aches.
The preventive combination of medicines namely, Tinospora Cordifolia (Q), Carica Papaya (Q), Azadirochta Indica (Q); can also be used for improving the platelet counts. Mix 15 drops of each with a little bit of water, to be taken every 3 hours. This combination will not only help in bringing down the temperature but will also increase the platelet count in the bloodstream.
Phosphorus (30/200); this medicine works like a miracle for preventing the internal haemorrhage caused during dengue, moreover, reducing chances of catching the Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). According to Dr. Mohit, Phosphorus is useful in maintaining the blood level in the body during dengue.
Hi, I'm Sakhi, and I love to meet new people and learn new things from them. I strongly feel that make-up can make you look pretty on the outside, but eating healthy keeps you pretty on the inside!
