DENGUE FEVER – SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, PRECAUTIONS AND TREATMENT

Dengue fever is a mosquito borne viral infection that is more common in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms may range from unnoticeable to dengue hemorrhagic fever.  In many cases symptoms resolve within 1-2 weeks and in some hospitalization may be required. In severe cases dengue can be fatal.

It is caused by dengue virus also known as DENV. Its prevention and control depends upon the vector control. There is no specific treatment for dengue and early detection along with proper medical access decreases the severe dengue’s fatality rate.

 SYMPTOMS

If symptoms are present they usually begin four to ten days after the virus has entered the body and can last for about 2-7 days.
They are:

• High fever(104 F)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, bone and joint pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Rash

People who are infected consecutively with dengue are at greater risk of severe dengue. It often comes after the fever has passed. It happens when your blood vessels are damaged and starts leaking due to platelet drop. Severe dengue’s main symptoms are:

• Severe abdominal cramps
• Persisting vomiting
• Bleeding gums and nose
• Difficult or rapid breathing
• Sometimes blood may appear in stool, urine or vomit
• Fatigue and restlessness
• Bleeding under the skin might cause rash to develop known as petechiae .
• Irritability, restlessness and fatigue
• Weakness

CAUSE OF DENGUE FEVER

It is caused by four types of dengue viruses. There are two types of vectors i.e. mosquitoes that spread dengue viruses. When mosquito bites a person infected with dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito and then when it bites a healthy individual the virus enters that person’s blood stream causing an infection.

But, after you have recovered from dengue fever you have a long term immunity to the type of virus that infected you. But it does not provide immunity for  the other three viruses. You can be affected in future by any of the rest three viruses. Also, your risk of severe dengue fever increases with consecutive viral infections.

PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT DENGUE FEVER

• Proper vaccination is the most effective tool to reduce dengue fever.
• Stay in well screened air conditioned housing
• Wear protective clothing when you go to mosquito infested places like long sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes.
• Use mosquito repellent on your clothing, shoes, camping gear and bed netting. You can also buy clothing made with permethrin already in it. For skin 10% DEET concentration repellent must be used.
• Reduce habitat of mosquitoes by emptying and cleaning containers, animal dishes and flower vases at least once a week. If there are any standing water containers keep them covered always.

HOW AYURVEDA HELPS

Dengue is known as dandaka jwara in Ayurveda which is caused by an imbalance of vata dosha, pitta dosha and kapha doshas.  Aggravated pitta and kapha doshas due to increased activity of body’s defense mechanism, also imbalances vata dosha.

Its treatment is aimed at increasing immunity of individual with ayurvedic herbs like papaya leaf, giloy, mulethi neem etc.

DENGUE FEVER KIT

ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL:

1. Platfer Tablet:

Platfer Tablet Boosts platelet count and reverse the thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) associated with dengue. It decreases the peripheral platelet destruction and strengthens the host immune system. Platfer tablets also helps reduce fever (antipyretic property) and protect the liver (hepatoprotective property). This herbal combination is prepared from herbs like Papaya (Carica papaya) and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) which increases the platelet counts naturally. It provides good and effective results for patients. It increases the physical and mental strength of a person and builds up immunity.

Recommended Dosage : Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

2. Giloy Capsules:

As the name suggested “Giloy” is the main ingredient of this medicine. It is a potent immuno-modulator herb. It is beneficial for improving the immunity and prevents from common infections. These tablets provide palliative treatment in fever. The vati reduces Kapha dosha, pacifies Vata and detoxifies the Pitta dosha. It is beneficial in general weakness, recurrent infections, periodic fever syndrome, etc.

Recommended Dosage : Take 2 capsules twice a day with normal water.

3. Amrit Tulsi Ras:

This herbal preparation is in drops form prepared from five types of Tulsi. Shama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Rama Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum), Kapoor Tulsi (Ocimum canum), Shwet Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum), Nimba Tulsi (Ocimum citriodorum) that provides good result in all allergic reactions.

Recommended Dosage: Take two to three drops twice daily.

4. Liver care Syrup:

Liver Care syrup helps in balancing Pitta dosha. This Syrup enhances regeneration of liver cells, promote functions of liver, and improve blood flow from the liver. It helps in the treatment of fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, Hepatitis, hepatomegaly, and obstructive Jaundice. CAC Liver Care syrup contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi amla( phyllanthus niruri), Giloy(Tinopora Cordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeum vulgare), Imli Kshar( Tamarindus indica), Mukta Shukta pisti etc. These herbs shows Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Hepato-protective, properties. This syrup improves digestion, enhances appetite.

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

5. Trikatu Tablet:

Trikatu Tablet is a hebo-mineral tablet of 650 MG and is purely Ayurvedic formulation. CAC Trikatu Tablet helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps to take out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This tablet is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body. The regular use of this tablet balances the thyroxine hormone and treats hyperthyroidism naturally. It is an Appetizer and it improves digestion, supports normal gastric function, and normal circulation.

Recommended Dosage : Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.