The Dengue is a disease caused by DEN virus (serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4), commonly transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The condition can be dangerous in hemorrhagic conditions, but when there is an adequate treatment it usually does not cause complications.
After invading the body’s cells through the mosquito bite, the dengue virus uses them to reproduce, but the immune system faces the infection and eliminates the virus within a few days.
During this time, the patient may experience fevers, nausea, headaches and joint pain, and it is possible that red spots may appear on the skin.
In the most severe cases, the disease can cause the number of blood platelets in the body to be reduced, which in turn can decrease the blood’s ability to clot, facilitating bleeding and making it more difficult to stop it.
As there is no antiviral for the dengue virus, treatment consists of hydration and symptom control . The patient must rest, drink plenty of water and, if medically indicated, use medications for fever and pain caused by the disease.
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Medicines: what remedies to treat dengue?
Drug treatment of dengue is aimed at relieving symptoms. The milder cases do not need medication and only hydration and rest are usually indicated. But when necessary, the main remedies used to treat dengue are aimed at reducing fever and pain.
Several drugs can be effective in the treatment of dengue, but many have effects that can harm the body if the disease is present. Therefore, the medications used are those that do not present the greatest risk to the patient. Are they:
- Paracetamol (Tylenol);
- Dipyrone ( Novalgine ).
It is important to note that the Ministry of Health recommends that the maximum dose of paracetamol should be 3g per day .
Remedies not indicated in case of suspected dengue
One of the rare complications of dengue fever – which is more common when the patient is infected more than once – is viral hemorrhagic fever, also called hemorrhagic dengue. It can cause blood clotting problems, leading to reduced blood pressure and bleeding.
Therefore, certain drugs are not indicated in case of suspected dengue because they facilitate bleeding and blood problems caused by the virus. That list especially includes salicylic acid and non-histamine anti-inflammatory drugs.
Salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin , has an anticoagulant effect, that is, it reduces blood clotting factors, which can make bleeding easier and hinder the healing process.
Always consult your doctor and pharmacist before using any medication. Don’t forget to read the leaflet!
How to relieve the itching caused by dengue?
The treatment of dengue is done through the control of symptoms. Therefore, no medication or product should be used without medical advice. The itching, often severe, caused by dengue can be relieved by wearing light clothing, moisturizing the skin and reducing contact with allergenic substances, which can aggravate the itching.
Cold water or cold compresses can be good options to reduce discomfort. However, if it is very intense, medical advice should always be sought so that, if necessary, some medication is prescribed.
Is there a remedy to cure dengue symptoms?
No. The treatment of dengue depends on the symptoms and the intensity of them. The use of any medication should be prescribed by professionals, always after medical evaluation. But there is no remedy for dengue, and in mild or moderate cases, in general, rest is enough to conduct the treatment.
Home treatment
Your own body will usually treat you for a dengue infection, but you can help with certain steps you can take at home. It is especially important to avoid dehydration. Check out some tips:
Hydrate
The loss of water caused by fever and sweat can make it harder for your immune system to fight the virus. For this reason, homemade serum serves to hydrate your body, not only with water, but with the electrolytes (minerals) that it needs.
To make the serum, you need:
- 1 liter of water (filtered or boiled);
- 1 coffee spoon of salt;
- 1 tablespoon well filled with sugar.
Just mix the ingredients and drink during the day. During the first day of symptoms, try to drink 3 to 5 liters of fluids, of which ⅓ must be serum.
It is also recommended to drink coconut water, which has great potential for hydrating the body. Avoid sodas and diuretics, as they can dehydrate even more.
Read more: Homemade serum: what it is for, measures and how to do it
Wear sunglasses
Even at home, the dengue patient may experience burning and sensitivity in the eyes. Wearing sunglasses can relieve this symptom while the disease is active. Seeking to keep rooms dark can also help.
Cold water bath
A cold water bath can relieve the itchiness that dengue can cause on the skin. In the same way, fever can also be reduced through this practice.
Treatment of hemorrhagic dengue
In the case of bleeding, the disease may have progressed to hemorrhagic dengue, which is more dangerous. It is important to take the patient to the hospital immediately for emergency treatment, which may include platelet transfusion and the use of electrolyte serum. Understand:
Platelet transfusion
Platelets have the function of creating clots and preventing bleeding in the body. When the patient has hemorrhagic dengue, the amount of blood platelets is reduced. To improve this situation, there is a platelet transfusion.
They are taken from blood donations and must be kept in an adequate number so that the bleeds are controlled until the body produces them again in a healthy way.
Electrolytic serum
Electrolytic serum can also be used in these cases. The application of this serum can be performed intravenously. In it, water and mineral salts are injected into the patient’s veins to ensure that there is enough hydration in the body, since bleeding can further promote dehydration.
How long does dengue treatment last?
In classic dengue, symptoms and treatment usually last around 7 days. However, healthy adults can get rid of the disease in less time, between 2 to 3 days. When dengue reaches the hemorrhagic type, treatment can last up to 10 days.
There is no specific treatment for dengue. Usually the patient recovers alone and in a few days. But there are some measures that serve to control your symptoms and ensure that your immune system will be able to beat the disease.
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