Beware, Dengue Fever Can Cause Sufferers To Experience Impaired Consciousness

JAKARTA - The impact of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) turns out to be able to cause sufferers to experience impaired consciousness due to comorbid factors such as shock, severe liver disorders, electrolyte disturbances or bleeding due to too low platelets.

"DHF disease caused by the dengue mosquito virus can be treated in general by medical services, but if it has reached a disturbance of consciousness, special recovery must be carried out," said Dr. Laras Budiyani, SpPD quoted from ANTARA, Tuesday, June 28.

The Internal Medicine Specialist at Sari Asih Ciputat Hospital, South Tangerang City, said that dengue is currently still a tropical disease that can be fatal if it is not treated too late. Because the fever caused is not as usual and can disappear on its own when the fever goes down.

In general, people with dengue fever have fever that goes up and down. When the fever goes down it can signal a critical phase, especially if there is a significant decrease in platelets.

Patients with DHF who have decreased fever can still experience a decrease in platelets and plasma leakage as indicated by an increase in hematocrit to a decrease in blood pressure.

“Besides the immunity factor, the cause of the patient experiencing a severe phase is due to the accompanying comorbidities. For example, if you are elderly or have a heart problem, it will make your condition worse," she said.

In general, according to Dr. Laras Budiyani, SpPD, DHF sufferers experience several phases starting with fever until they enter the seventh day. Then it subsides and goes into the recovery phase. Recovery can be done with medical therapy according to the condition experienced by the patient.

"In the recovery phase, it is recommended to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. You can get fruit juices, ORS solution, and get enough rest before doing your usual activities by consuming nutritious food," she said.