Platelets are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood that play a vital role in stopping bleeding and healing wounds.
During dengue fever it is important to seek medical consultation for any concerns on platelet count. As early diagnosis and treatment will make up for speed recovery preventing severe complications
During dengue fever it is important to seek medical consultation for any concerns on platelet count. As early diagnosis and treatment will make up for speed recovery preventing severe complications.
Nose bleeding, gum bleeding, presence of blood in urine or stool are some symptoms of low platelet count.
When a blood vessel breaks or a wound occurs, platelets quickly gather at the site and stick together to stop the bleeding. Stopping bleeding through the process of hemostasis is the main function of platelets. The proper number and function of platelets are essential for health, as malfunctioning in their function can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to recognize the importance of platelets and take care of them.
Platelets are an important component of the blood.The number of platelets in the blood is lower than normal is called thrombocytopenia. Platelets play an important role in clotting blood and are needed to heal wounds and stop bleeding. An autoimmune illness characterized by a shortage of platelets in the body is termed Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).
A virus called dengue is spread by hematophagous mosquitoes. The main mosquito species responsible for spreading dengue is the Aedes aegypti.
The Swahili phrase ‘Ka-dinga pepo’ is where the term dengue or dengue fever comes from.. It means cramp-like seizure.
Dengue is also called Bonebreak Fever.Some people get severe muscle and bone pain from high fever. Three blood tests are used to diagnose dengue: NS1, IgM, and IgG.
There are two types of dengue fever – Dengue Fever DF and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever DHF.
In the first stage, the patient suddenly develops chills and fever. Apart from this, symptoms such as headache, body aches, pain in bones and joints, nausea, swelling and scarring on the body may appear.
The World Health Organization states that symptoms start to show up 4–10 days after a mosquito bite and continue for 2–7 days.
Another type of fever, DHF, can be life-threatening due to bleeding along with fever. In addition to fever and body aches, symptoms such as a rash on the body, bleeding from the nose or gums, nausea, vomiting and blood in the urine, constant thirst and weakness may also appear.
In such a serious condition, the patient’s brain, lungs, or kidneys may also be affected, requiring immediate treatment.
Keeping track of platelet count on a regular basis is required in Dengue. For faster recovery it is important to manage dengue fever and platelet count.
If platelet count falls below 100000 that is called thrombocytopenia and is a common complication of dengue fever.. Dengue fever is causing the platelet count to go below 100,000.
Dengue has the ability to drastically reduce platelet counts, which might result in thrombocytopenia.The virus not only destroys platelets but also hinders the body’s production of new platelets.
Platelets often start to decrease rapidly during dengue fever. According to doctors, the number of platelets in our body should be around 1.5 to 4.5 lakh. Through a blood test, we can easily check blood cells. These substances are essential for platelets. If someone is facing problems with fatigue and weakness then probably those are initial symptoms of lower platelet count in the body. Don’t panic even if your platelet count drops. We can easily increase it by including some nutritious things in the diet. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are very important for increasing the number of platelets in the blood.
Platelets often start to decrease rapidly during dengue fever. According to doctors, the number of platelets in our body should be around 1.5 to 4.5 lakh. Through a blood test, we can easily check blood cells. These substances are essential for platelets. If someone is facing problems with fatigue and weakness then probably those are initial symptoms of lower platelet count in the body. Don’t panic even if your platelet count drops. We can easily increase it by including some nutritious things in the diet. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are very important for increasing the number of platelets in the blood.
Platelet count range | Risk level |
150,000 – 450,000 | Normal |
50,000 – 150,000 | Monitor closely |
Below 50,000 | Immediate medical attention |
Normally, there should be 1.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh platelets in one cubic milliliter of blood. When a person has dengue fever, their platelet count drops in the body. But in dengue, this amount needs to be constantly monitored. The patient has to be given platelets externally if the platelet count drops below 10,000
Experts estimate that a normal person has between 150,000 and 250,000 platelets per microliter of blood.However, the platelet counts of 80 to 90 percent of dengue patients are less than 100,000.However, 10–20% of the very sick individuals may have platelet counts of 20,000 or less.
Viral attack on bone marrow
Bone marrow is a special type of soft, fluid-like substance found inside human bones, also known as marrow.The primary role of bone marrow in the body is to create blood cells. It produces the body’s blood-forming cells.
Dietary Strategies to Support Platelet Recovery
Diet and Lifestyle- A balanced diet and regular lifestyle are important for platelet health.Iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 should all be included in the diet because they are necessary for platelet production.
Papaya leaf extract
Papaya leaf juice is also very effective against dengue virus. If there is a dengue patient in your house, then make papaya leaf juice and drink it. The benefits will be seen immediately.
Iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils, pumpkin)
Those suffering from dengue malaria should consume easily digestible vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, spinach in their diet. They raise the platelet count because they are high in iron and fiber.
Vitamin C-rich fruits (amla, orange, kiwi)
Eat foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits, bell peppers, lemons, and oranges. Their consumption helps in boosting immunity.
Patients suffering from dengue or malaria can eat soft fruits like bananas, papaya, watermelon, melon. They are easy to digest and the natural sugars they contain provide energy to the body.
Medical Approaches
Dengue does not currently have a specific medication or treatment. But if diagnosed early and treated on time, it can be controlled. The patient is given medicines based on their symptoms, such as fever or body aches.They might have to be admitted to the hospital if the illness is serious.
Fluid replacement
It is very important to keep yourself hydrated in a fever situation. Because sweating can lead to dehydration. In such a situation, you should consume plenty of fluids, as well as drinks containing electrolytes. Apart from water, you can also consume coconut water, soups, and fresh juices.
If the platelet count drops below twenty thousand, a transfusion is required from a blood bank. If the platelet count is high but there are signs of bleeding, the doctor may decide to perform a platelet transfusion. Transfusing platelets is a temporary measure to prevent the risk of bleeding.
Danger signs that require emergency care
Even if you test positive for dengue and you only have fever and body aches, your doctor may advise you to rest at home with medication. If you are suffering from dengue but your immune power is strong and platelet count is increasing then don’t worry.Because admission is not necessary for every dengue patient.Patients who can drink adequate fluids (pure water, clear fruit juices, etc.) without vomiting and who are urinating adequately every four to five hours do not need to be admitted. However, in such cases, it is essential to rest at home and see your doctor for follow-up on the prescribed day.
Between 150,000 to 250,000 platelets per microliter of blood are normal for a healthy individual.. In the situation of dengue the platelet counts can fall below 100000.
During dengue fever, certain blood tests such as Complete Blood Count (CBC), Dengue NS1 Antigen Test, Dengue IgM Antibody Test, Dengue IgG Antibody Test can be advised.
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