Dengue Diet: What to Eat to Increase Platelets

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can provoke a variety of symptoms: high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and characteristic skin rash. In some cases, it has even caused dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be fatal. Though medical care is essential, the incorporation of a healthy diet may significantly speed up the recovery process.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a disease that is transmitted via the infectious bite of an Aedes mosquito. The virus that causes dengue fever replicates once it’s in the body and causes the symptoms previously mentioned. In severe instances, the virus may cause damage to blood vessels leading to bleeding and a reduced platelet count.

Platelets contribute significantly to the clotting of blood and the prevention of exorbitant bleeding. Dengue fever can lead to a drop in platelet counts, characterised by the medical term thrombocytopenia. This low platelet count could potentially heighten the risks of haemorrhage and bleeding for dengue patients.

Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

A combination of factors is often used to diagnose dengue fever:

• Clinical Symptoms: The doctor evaluates symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and rash.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are useful to confirm the diagnosis by identifying dengue virus antibodies or in monitoring platelet count.

Treatment of Dengue Fever

Although there is no specific medication for dengue fever, the goal is to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment mainly consists of the following:

• Rest: Adequate rest allows the body to regain energy levels.
• Hydration: The patient must consume plenty of fluids like water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and clear broth in order to not be dehydrated. This is the cornerstone of treatment for Dengue fever.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol can help reduce the patient’s fever and allow them to experience relief from headache and muscle pain. The patient should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Medical Supervision: Hospitalization may be required for the patient if their condition is severe. This could be to monitor their vital signs, give the patient intravenous fluids.

What to Eat in Dengue to Increase Platelets

A well-balanced diet plays an important role in managing dengue fever. Proper nutrition supports the body's immune system, aids in tissue repair.. By consuming nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, individuals can enhance their body's ability to fight the virus and recover well.

Staying hydrated should also be a top priority to avoid dehydration, one of the common complications of dengue fever. A patient who follows a doctor-recommended diet and remains hydrated can significantly improve their health and well-being while recovering.

To be able to elevate platelet count during dengue infection, these nutrient-dense foods should be added to the patient’s diet:

• Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Vitamin C, found abundantly in citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers, strengthens the immune system and aids in platelet production.
• Protein-Rich Foods: Protein plays a vital role in tissue repair and immune function. Incorporating lean meats, fish, eggs, lentils, and tofu into the diet can significantly support the body's recovery process.

Foods to Avoid

A healthy diet is important, but it is also important to avoid certain foods that can delay the patient’s recovery:

• Spicy Foods: It might cause irritation in the digestive system and worsen symptoms.
• Oily Foods: Oily foods are hard to digest and can cause discomfort.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can dehydrate the body and interfere with the body's ability to recover.
• Caffeine: Too much caffeine consumption leads to dehydration and disrupts sleep.

Telemedicine for Dengue Diet Consultation

Telemedicine can be regarded as an easy and convenient method of consulting healthcare professionals when one has dengue fever. A patient can connect with doctors remotely with video conferencing technology and get personalized dietary advice.

A telemedicine consultation for dengue diet can provide the following benefits:

• Convenient Access: Consult with a healthcare professional from the comfort of your home.
• Personalized Advice: Get dietary recommendations tailor-made for your needs and symptoms.
• Regular Monitoring: Stay in touch with your doctor to regularly review and update your diet chart.
• Prompt Response: Get timely advice and address any concerns you may have.

By combining medical treatment with a nutritious diet and seeking timely medical advice through telemedicine, individuals can effectively manage dengue fever and promote a speedy recovery.

DocGenie is here to help. Through telemedicine consultations, you can connect with experienced doctors who can provide personalized dietary recommendations to boost your platelet count and aid in your recovery. By consulting with a doctor on DocGenie, you can ensure you're following the right dietary guidelines, addressing any concerns, and monitoring your progress remotely. Book an appointment here.

Conclusion

Dengue fever, the viral infection that mosquitoes transmit, can have serious health consequences. While medical treatment is much needed, a well-nourished diet can be essential in helping you regain your health faster. Hydrate yourself, avoid heavy and spicy foods, and get tailored dietary advice from a healthcare professional. By taking these steps, you can effectively combat dengue fever and emerge stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dengue Diet

• What is dengue?
  Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus illness that is most common in tropical and subtropical climates.
• What mosquito causes dengue?
  The Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes spread dengue fever to humans through their bites
• What are the symptoms of dengue?
  Symptoms of dengue include a high fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rashes, nausea, vomiting, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a medical professional.
• What is the diet for a dengue fever patient?
  It is recommended to have a diet consisting of liquids to ensure hydration, including water, coconut water, broth, and ORS. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins support the immune system and aid in tissue repair. It's important to avoid heavy, greasy, and spicy foods, as well as excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can worsen symptoms.