Dengue Fever Treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical and subtropical regions. While most cases are mild, severe dengue can be life-threatening. At Emirates Hospitals, we have a team of best internal medicine doctors and infectious disease specialists dedicated to provide comprehensive care for dengue fever patients. Our state-of-the-art facilities include advanced diagnostic laboratories, intensive care units, and specialized treatment plans, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care. With our expertise in managing infectious diseases and our commitment to patient well-being, we are well-equipped to handle even the most severe cases of dengue fever.
- Experienced team of Internal Medicine Doctors & Infectious Disease Specialist
- Advanced Diagnostic Lab
- Intensive Care Units
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The virus has five serotypes, and prior infection with one serotype can increase the risk of severe dengue if infected with another. Symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after the bite and often resemble the flu.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications, which can involve hospitalization for severe cases. Early recognition and intervention are crucial for a successful recovery.
Symptoms Requiring Hospitalization
Dengue fever can progress to severe dengue, characterized by plasma leakage, bleeding, and organ impairment. If you experience any of the following warning signs, seek immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency department:
- Severe abdominal pain: This can indicate internal bleeding.
- Persistent vomiting: Vomiting blood or excessive, uncontrollable vomiting are signs of a serious complication.
- Bleeding gums or nosebleeds: These can be symptoms of a decrease in platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.
- Black stools (blood in stool): This is a sign of internal bleeding.
- Lethargy, restlessness, or irritability: These can indicate a rapid decline in health and require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis of Dengue Fever
Diagnosing dengue fever often involves a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory tests. Your doctor will consider your medical history, travel information, and current symptoms.
- Blood tests: These are the primary method for diagnosing dengue fever. Blood tests can detect the presence of the virus or antibodies produced by your body in response to the infection. Additionally, blood tests can assess your platelet count and hematocrit (red blood cell level) to identify potential complications.
Recovery Process and Protocols
There is no specific medication to cure dengue fever. Recovery focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. If hospitalized, you can expect the following protocols:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids: This is essential to maintain hydration and prevent complications arising from plasma leakage.
- Electrolyte replacement: Dengue fever can cause electrolyte imbalances, so intravenous fluids may contain electrolytes to restore balance.
- Pain management: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is typically used to manage fever and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen are avoided as they can increase bleeding risk.
- Blood pressure monitoring: Your blood pressure will be closely monitored as severe dengue can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Blood transfusions: In severe cases with significant bleeding, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
Length of hospitalization usually depends on the severity of your condition. For mild cases, hospitalization may be for a few days, while severe dengue may require a longer stay.
Recovery at Home
Once discharged from the hospital, you will continue to recover at home. Here’s what to expect:
- Plenty of rest: Your body needs time to heal.
- Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Pain management: Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort.
- Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are crucial to monitor your recovery.
Preventing Dengue Fever
There is a dengue vaccine available in some regions; however, it doesn’t provide complete protection against all serotypes of the virus. The most effective way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites:
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide).
- Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home by removing stagnant water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the dengue virus. The virus then spreads to other people through the bite of the infected mosquito. Dengue fever is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Early signs and symptoms of dengue fever typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Severe muscle and joint pain (often referred to as “breakbone fever”)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Skin rash, which may appear 2-5 days after the fever starts
Dengue fever is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. During the clinical evaluation, a healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history, particularly recent travel to areas where dengue is common. Laboratory tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for low platelet count and leukopenia.
- Serology Tests: To detect dengue-specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): To detect dengue virus RNA in the blood, especially useful during the early stages of infection.
- NS1 Antigen Test: To detect dengue virus proteins in the blood during the early phase of infection.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. The primary focus is on relieving symptoms and managing complications. Treatment typically includes:
- Hydration therapy to prevent dehydration, either orally or intravenously.
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) to reduce fever and alleviate pain. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided.
- Continuous monitoring of vital signs and blood counts, especially in severe cases.
- Hospitalization for severe cases, particularly those with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which require intensive care.
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