Complications of dengue fever - Are you aware of these?

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is a serious condition with no cure available for the disease. Therefore it is important that patients receive timely treatment in order to get relief from the symptoms, else it can result in the following complications - dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome - that can damage the lungs, liver or heart.

Dengue haemorrhagic fever

If severe, dengue can lead to a potentially life threatening condition known as dengue haemorrhagic fever. This can cause an enlarged liver, and in severe cases, can lead to shock (a sudden drop in blood pressure), which is called dengue shock syndrome.

Symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever are similar to those of dengue, but patients may also develop the following signs -

• Severe abdominal pain
• Bleeding from your nose, mouth, gums or skin bruising
• Frequent vomiting with or without blood
• Sweatiness
• Black stools
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle aches

Dengue shock syndrome

This is a complication of dengue haemorrhagic fever and is characterised by is characterized by bleeding that may appear as tiny spots of blood on the skin and larger patches of blood under the skin. Patients can develop the following symptoms of shock, along with the symptoms above-

• A sudden drop in blood pressure
• A weak but rapid pulse
• Breathing difficulties
• Dilated pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness

Shock may cause death within 12 to 24 hours. However, a prompt and appropriate medical treatment can help patients recover. If you have any symptoms of dengue or severe dengue, seek immediate medical help to lessen the risks of complications associated with the disease.