7 Complications of Dengue
Dengue is a viral disease that is transmitted complications of dengue fever through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The mosquito transmits one of the four dengue viruses to the patient.
It is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 400 million cases occur every year.
India reported more than 68000 cases in 2019 which resulted in 40 deaths. The government of India has been working on raising dengue awareness so that the spread of the disease can be prevented.
Here are 7 complications of dengue fever:
Depression
Dengue can result in depression, Credits: Freepik
A study called anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Patients with Dengue Fever and Their Correlation with Symptom Severity shows that dengue fever has been linked with depression. Many individuals who suffer from dengue have shown symptoms of the onset of depression.
In some cases, anxiety has also been observed. The exact cause of this is not known. Experts suggest that patients should be warned about possible depression and given treatment if necessary complications of dengue fever. The severity of the illness depends directly on the depression level.
The problem only manifests for a short period after the disease and subsides on its own.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Dengue mosquito image, Credits: Flickr
It is a rare syndrome that can occur when a person is suffering from dengue fever. This syndrome can cause circulatory collapse and lead to hemorrhage.
This type of dengue fever is very dangerous with mortality rates rising to 30%. Children and infants are at high risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever symptoms include bleeding of many forms such as nose, abdominal, and gum bleeding.
Hepatic Dysfunction
Hepatic dysfunction or liver failure can occur due to dengue. Dengue fever has a variety of possible in the liver amongst individuals. In some cases, it remains largely unaffected while in others there is a possibility of liver failure. The condition is rare but it is believed to be a recognized cause.
Dengue Encephalitis
It is a condition in which the dengue virus starts affecting neurons in the brain. It is preceded in most cases by shock. The common symptoms include reduced consciousness, seizures, and disorientation. This condition can be fatal.
Heart Damage
The dengue virus can hurt the heart. If it affects the heart then it damages it both structurally and functionally. The dengue virus has been linked with various cardiac illnesses including pulmonary edema and shock. A study titled Complete Heart Block in Association with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever talks about the heart damage to a patient suffering from dengue.
Febrile Convulsions
Febrile convulsions are seizures or fits which occur due to the presence of an infection in the body. They are characterized by a rise in body temperature. Dengue fever can cause febrile convulsions in children during a particular part of the cycle of the virus.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: it is a condition that reduces blood clotting capacity. This allows the formation of thick clots In the blood which in turn leaves other body parts to excessively bleed. This condition is very rare but it usually occurs with dengue hemorrhagic fever.
What are the Symptoms of Dengue?
Fatigue and tiredness are common signs of dengue in adults, Credits: Flickr
The symptoms in children and adults differ. All the symptoms need not be visible in every individual.
Symptoms in Children and Adults
High fever
Fatigue
Skin Rash
Bleeding in Gums
Nausea
Vomiting
Symptoms In Children Below 1 Year Age (Infants)
Excessive crying and irritability can be due to dengue, Credits: Pixabay
Shivering
Refusal to accept oral fluids
Increased irritability
Excessive crying
Reduced urine output
Which Diagnostic Test for Dengue is Used?
The two following dengue tests are used to confirm the presence of dengue virus after observing clinical symptoms:
NS1 Antigen test: This test is performed to confirm the presence of antibodies produced due to exposure to the dengue virus.
Dengue Platelet Count: The blood platelet number decreases in dengue fever. This test is used to detect the presence of dengue as an identifying mechanism. It is corroborated against clinical symptoms and the location of the patient. The platelet count reduces massively in dengue.
Takeaway
Dengue is a serious medical condition that can have life-threatening consequences. If you are in a dengue prone area and you notice such symptoms then see a doctor. Infants and children are more at risk than adults.
The prevention of dengue can be done by preventing mosquito bites.