What are the 7 warning signs of dengue fever?

A mosquito-borne disease that is common in tropical and subtropical areas is dengue fever. While most cases are mild, the flu-like symptoms resolve within a week or two, some can develop into severe dengue, a potentially life-threatening complication. Early recognition of warning signs of dengue is important for seeking timely medical attention and preventing severe outcomes. 

How does dengue fever progress?

Four to six days after the infection, dengue symptoms usually appear. It also has a maximum duration of ten days. 

These signs and symptoms of dengue fever are often not too bad. It can also be mistaken for flu-like symptoms or possibly another viral infection. Those who have not contracted the infection usually have relatively mild cases, but major complications can still arise. Among these are liver enlargement, circulatory system failure, and dengue hemorrhagic fever, an uncommon complication marked by a high fever and bleeding from the gums and nose. 

What are the 7 common warning signs of dengue fever?

Abdominal pain and tenderness:

Sudden and severe abdominal pain is a significant warning sign of severe dengue. This pain can be constant or come in waves and is often accompanied by tenderness when pressing on the abdomen. The pain may be caused by internal bleeding or fluid accumulation in the abdomen, both common signs of dengue at a severe stage. 

Persistent dengue:

Although nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of dengue in general, persistent vomiting, especially three or more times in 24 hours, becomes a red flag. This persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and worsen your condition. 

Development of bleeding:

Dengue fever can affect your blood clotting mechanism, leading to bleeding from various sites. Here are a few particular indicators to be aware of:

Mucosal bleeds:

Look for bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or bloodshot eyes. 

Vomiting blood:

This can appear as bright red blood or coffee-ground like vomit.

Blood in stool:

This can make the stool appear black or tarry. 

Any form of unexplained bleeding during dengue requires immediate medical attention. 

Accumulation of fluid:

Severe dengue can lead to a condition called plasma leakage, where fluid leaks out of blood vessels and builds up in body cavities. This can develop as:

Swelling: 

This can occur in the abdomen, legs, or hands.

Sudden weight gain:

A sudden increase in weight within a short period can be a sign of fluid accumulation.

Difficulty in breathing:

Fluid accumulation in the lungs can make breathing labored and uncomfortable.

These symptoms indicate a worsening condition and require urgent medical evaluation at a dengue fever hospital in Coimbatore.

Restlessness:

Dengue fever can cause both lethargy (extreme tiredness) and restlessness (inability to relax). Patients might feel too weak to get out of bed or experience agitation and anxiety. These changes in alertness can be signs of dengue that has worsened.

Enlargement of liver:

The liver plays a vital role in regulating blood clotting and processing toxins. In severe dengue, the liver can become enlarged, further compromising these functions. While liver enlargement might not cause immediate signs of dengue, it’s a crucial indicator for healthcare professionals to monitor.

Rapid decrease in platelet count:

Platelets are blood cells responsible for clotting. Dengue fever can cause a rapid drop in platelet count, increasing the risk of bleeding. While a complete blood count is needed to confirm this, being aware of this potential complication is important.

Apart from these, one of the most common signs of dengue is fever as the temperatures can rise up to 104 degrees. 

What are the tips to prevent dengue fever?

There’s no specific treatment for dengue fever itself. The goal is to avoid dehydration and manage signs of dengue. Here are some ways to prevent mosquito bites and reduce your risk of contracting dengue:

• Use a mosquito repellent
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants
• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds
• Use mosquito nets

When should you seek medical help?

If you experience any of the warning signs of dengue mentioned above, along with a fever or flu-like symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the dengue recovery time and reduce the risk of complications.

Important Takeaway:

Millions of people worldwide are killed by dengue fever, one of the deadliest illnesses. It is typically brought on by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito and is identified by signs of dengue such as headaches, rashes, muscle soreness, and nose bleeding. Therefore, if you experience any of these signs of dengue, get a blood sample tested at the best diagnostic facility recommended by the doctors in Coimbatore in your area as it may reveal dengue fever.