DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME - WatsonsHealth

DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME

Overview & Facts

Dengue Shock Syndrome is an acute conditon caused by the dengue virus. This mostly affect children under the age of 10. During this syndrome, the circulatory and other vital body systems of the patient reels in a shock-like state which causes serious symptoms that occur after 2 to 6 days of infection. The symptoms starts with high and continuous fever followed by respiratory and intestional symptoms.

The virus is spread through Mosquito bites and have a high risk of death on children patients especially infants under 1 year old.

Types & Symptoms

The early symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Joint and muscle aches

Signs and symptoms that Dengue shock syndrome starts to manifest include:

  • Restlessness
  • Acute, or sudden fever
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Bleeding or bruising under the skin
  • Cold or clammy skin
  • Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
  • Large decrease in blood pressure (shock) which also result to discoloration of skin
  • Dot-like red spots on the skin
  • Sudden collapse
  • Spitting up blood due to hematemesis condition
  • Blueness around the mouth (circumoral cyanosis)
  • Blood in the Stool (Melena)

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

After diagnosing the presence of the Dengue virus, the doctor will check signs and symptoms that may indicate the syndrome. He or she may perform physical exam through checking the patient’s blood pressure and examining the skin, eyes and glands. Blood tests, Coagulation studies and Chest X-ray will help confirm the diagnosis.

 

TREATMENT

Treatment for dengue shock syndrome aims to control symptoms and prevent the condition to become severe. Emegency treatments are usually used to patients who have severe cases. It may include:

  • Hydration with Intravenous (IV) Fluids
  • Over-the-counter or prescription drugs
  • Electrolyte Therapy
  • Blood Transfusions
  • Careful Monitoring of Blood Pressure
  • Oxygen Therapy

 

PREVENTION

Researchers are working on a vaccine to prevent dengue but the study is not yet finished. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites would be the best way to prevent dengue and eventually dengue shock syndrome. Wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent lotions may help especially when you are travelling to a tropical country.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]