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With the rainy season and changing weather, there is a rapid increase in the cases of dengue fever. This viral infection, which spreads through the bite of Aedes mosquito, rapidly affects the platelets present in the patient’s blood. In dengue, it is often seen that after the fever subsides or from the third-fourth day onwards, the platelet count suddenly starts falling, due to which the patient and the family members get nervous. Medical experts believe that mild or moderate decline in platelets is common, but with proper care and right eating habits at the right time, the body can be saved from a serious condition.
Make hydration the first priority: consume plenty of fluids
The main reasons for falling platelets and thickening of blood during dengue are ‘plasma leakage’ and dehydration. Therefore, it is most important to maintain the balance of water and electrolytes in the body.
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ORS and Coconut Water: Apart from plain water, make the patient consume ORS, coconut water, lemon water and thin buttermilk regularly throughout the day.
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Soup and Lentil Water: Vegetable soup and moong dal water not only provides energy to the body but also keeps the digestive system healthy.
Include nutritious foods that increase platelets
To increase the body’s immunity and activate platelet production, take a diet rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and folate.
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Papaya leaves and Giloy: As per doctor’s advice, fresh juice of papaya leaves or decoction of Giloy can be taken in limited quantity, which helps in boosting immunity.
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Kiwi and Pomegranate: Fresh fruits like kiwi, pomegranate, orange and guava are helpful in keeping the levels of red blood cells and platelets stable.
Avoid wrong selection of painkillers (what not to do)
In dengue, taking any over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller without medical advice can prove fatal.
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Avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen: Never take painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin or diclofenac. These medicines are blood thinners, due to which the risk of internal bleeding inside the body increases manifold.
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Paracetamol only: For high fever or body pain, take only paracetamol in the dose recommended by the doctor.
Complete rest and abstinence from strenuous activities
When platelets decrease, the small blood vessels of the body become weak. In such a situation, do not do any kind of heavy physical labor, gym, running or weight lifting work. Even the slightest cut or scratch can cause excessive bleeding. The patient is advised to take maximum bed rest so that the body’s energy can be used for recovery.
Reach the hospital immediately if there are warning signs.
Platelet transfusion is not required in every situation. Unless the platelet count falls below 10,000 to 20,000 or there is active bleeding, there is no need to panic. However, if the patient shows symptoms like persistent vomiting, severe unbearable pain in the stomach, bleeding gums or nose, black stool or extreme lethargy, then he should be immediately admitted to the nearest hospital without any delay.