On observing symptoms such as fever, body rash or muscle/joint pain, you should already be confirming an appointment with the pediatrician. Once dengue is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe paracetamol to take care of the fever. However with babies, be extra cautious – no overdose – no missed doses. If you find that the symptoms are not subsiding, then take your child to the pediatrician.
Since there is no set of medicine specifically designed to counter dengue, managing the symptoms along with following measures serve as the ideal treatment:
Prevention is better than cure! The above prevention tips do not apply just to keep mosquitoes away but are essential for optimum health of each family member. During monsoon, it’s water that has to be prevented from lodging at places and becoming potential harboring ground for mosquitoes. Also it is essential to watch for any symptoms, if dengue goes undetected, it may develop into serious complications.
**These remedies are NOT an alternative to medical treatments, hence always seek the advice of a doctor.**
Since there is no set of medicine specifically designed to counter dengue, managing the symptoms along with following measures serve as the ideal treatment:
- Consume barley grass: Barley grass can be either made in a tea or one can consume it as it is. It helps in stimulating production of new blood cells and thus increases the platelet count.
- Neem leaves: The highly medicinal properties of neem leaves come to use even in dengue. You can brew the leaves and make your child drink the neem water. Neem helps in increasing the white blood cell count and the platelet count.
- Papaya leaves: The juice of crushed papaya leaves can also help in treating dengue, though it is not clearly established. The juice from papaya leaves helps in eliminating the toxins from the body, and boosts the immune system. Papaya juice helps in platelet deficiency, hence its consumption is also said to have positive effects during dengue.
- Orange juice: The vitamin c in orange juice strengthens the immune system and frequent urination causes the toxis to go out of the body. It also helps in repairing the body and eases the symptoms of dengue. Other fruits rich in vitamin C, like amla, can be given to the kids. Juices of pomegranate and black grapes also help in increasing the blood count.
- Fenugreek leaves: Dengue causes a lot of exhaustion and pains, and fenugreek leaves can help ease the pain and allow the patient to have a good sleep by acting as a sedative. Fenugreek can be taken as a beverage as it reduces fever.
- Basil (Tulsi) leaves: Chewing basil leaves has been in practice since ages and is an effective Ayurvedic remedy to treat dengue fever. The natural insecticidal properties of basil leaves will also make you less attractive for mosquitoes. Boiled Tulsi leaves (Holy Basil)can be consumed like a warm beverage.
- Refrain from pain relieving medications:Do not administer pain-relieving medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Place wet cloth on the forehead to naturally bring down the temperature.
- Ample rest: Allow your child to take ample of rest – the body feels drained during dengue. Provide warm and nutritious food, must be light i.e. easily digestible
- Prevent dehydration: For younger kids, you can give ORS to prevent dehydration. Make sure your child drinks a lot of water which will help in hydrating the body and ease headaches and muscle cramps. Water will also help flush out toxins from the body. Provide your child with plenty of fluids – be it in the form of coconut water, fruit juices or soups.
- Coriander leaves: Coriander leaves can also help bring down the fever
Prevention is better than cure! The above prevention tips do not apply just to keep mosquitoes away but are essential for optimum health of each family member. During monsoon, it’s water that has to be prevented from lodging at places and becoming potential harboring ground for mosquitoes. Also it is essential to watch for any symptoms, if dengue goes undetected, it may develop into serious complications.
**These remedies are NOT an alternative to medical treatments, hence always seek the advice of a doctor.**