The treatment for dengue fever primarily involves supportive care, as there are currently no specific antiviral medications available. The core of treatment focuses on maintaining fluid balance, alleviating fever and joint pain, and closely monitoring for bleeding risks and organ function.
The treatment goals include: 1. Preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance 2. Controlling high fever and pain 3. Immediate response to bleeding tendencies and shock. Healthcare professionals should adjust treatment strategies based on the severity of the condition.
The main treatment categories are: 1. Fluid replacement therapy: restoring fluids via oral or intravenous infusion 2. Symptomatic relief medications: such as antipyretics and analgesics 3. Monitoring and supportive therapy: continuous tracking of platelet counts and organ function.
The mechanism of intravenous fluid therapy involves directly replenishing blood volume to alleviate dehydration-induced hypotension. Physicians will adjust infusion rates based on urine output and blood pressure to avoid overload and pulmonary edema.
Applicable to laboratory-confirmed dengue patients, especially in cases of: 1. Dehydration symptoms due to insufficient oral rehydration 2. Fever exceeding 39°C affecting daily activities 3. Signs of rapid platelet decline indicating severe illness.
Contraindications include: 1. Allergies to treatment components 2. Patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction requiring dose adjustments 3. Pregnant women should use NSAIDs with caution.
Oral rehydration solutions are recommended at 250-500cc per hour. Severe dehydration requires intravenous infusion of Ringer's lactate solution. Antipyretics like paracetamol should not exceed a total daily dose of 4g.
Use of aspirin or ibuprofen, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is strictly prohibited to prevent increased bleeding risk. Infusion rates should be calculated based on body weight, typically maintaining 60-100 drops per minute in adults.
This therapy can significantly improve overall survival rates, especially in severe dengue types III and IV, where timely fluid replacement can reduce mortality from 20% to below 5%.
Possible complications include: 1. Rapid intravenous infusion leading to pulmonary edema 2. Deep vein thrombosis from prolonged bed rest 3. Liver damage caused by excessive use of antipyretics.
Severe Side Effect Warning: If patients experience difficulty breathing, altered consciousness, or skin petechiae, immediate medical attention should be sought.
During treatment, daily monitoring of blood counts and liver and kidney function is necessary. Platelet counts below 20,000/μL are considered an emergency indicator.
Adjust dosages when combined with anticoagulants, as dengue may interfere with platelet function. When using antibiotics for secondary infections, attention should be paid to drug metabolism pathways.
When used with other antipyretics, the total dose of acetaminophen should not exceed 4g per day to prevent hepatotoxicity.
According to WHO guidelines 2022, standardized fluid therapy can reduce hospital stay by 30%. Large clinical trials show that timely rehydration decreases shock risk by 65%.
Supportive therapy has an efficacy rate of up to 98% in pediatric patients, especially after electrolyte replenishment, with an average reduction of 4 hours in blood pressure stabilization time.
Experimental treatments include monoclonal antibody drug TAK-003, currently in phase III clinical trials. Interferon alpha-2b is used in some countries to inhibit viral replication but is not widely recommended by WHO.
Laboratory studies suggest that interleukin inhibitors may modulate excessive immune responses, but there is not enough clinical evidence to support routine use.
Patients should focus on light, easily digestible foods such as rice porridge and steamed vegetables, avoiding spicy or hard-to-digest foods. Adequate hydration is essential, and oral electrolyte solutions can be used to prevent dehydration, but caffeinated or high-sugar drinks should be avoided. If diarrhea or nausea occurs, eat small amounts frequently and consult a doctor for dietary adjustments.
Can I take antipyretics on my own during fever?During the initial fever stage of dengue, it is not recommended to use NSAIDs like ibuprofen due to increased bleeding risk. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is preferred to control temperature, but doses should follow medical advice. If high fever persists or other severe symptoms appear, seek medical evaluation immediately.
How long after treatment can I resume normal activities?Rest for at least 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Once platelet counts return to normal and bleeding tendencies subside, gradually resume light activities. Strenuous exercise or heavy labor should be delayed until full recovery, typically 4 weeks, to prevent complications. During recovery, avoid excessive sun exposure and temperature fluctuations to prevent fatigue.
How can I prevent bleeding complications after treatment?Avoid vigorous brushing, heavy lifting, or coughing to prevent mucosal bleeding. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes and mouthwash instead of floss. If gum bleeding, subcutaneous bruising, or hematuria occurs, seek immediate medical attention to check platelet counts and follow medical advice for care adjustments.
What is the overall success rate and risk of dengue treatment?Supportive care allows most patients to recover within 1 to 2 weeks, though severe cases may require hospitalization for monitoring. The success rate exceeds 95%, with early diagnosis and close observation of bleeding or shock signs being critical. The risk of death mainly occurs in untreated severe cases, so strict adherence to medical instructions and regular follow-up are essential.