5 Healthy drinks that can help reduce the symptoms of dengue fever

In this rainy season, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is becoming more prevalent. There is no cure for dengue fever. One thing that can be done is therapy to help reduce symptoms, for example by giving fluids. Here are a number of drinks that can help to relieve the symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Healthy drinks to help overcome dengue fever

Due to the leakage of blood plasma, it is important for DHF patients to continue to have adequate body fluids so as not to fall into a state of hypotension or shock. Please note that water alone is not recommended by WHO.

Water does not contain enough electrolytes to replace the electrolytes that the body loses along with the leakage of plasma. Then what fluids are recommended by WHO?

1. Isotonic fluid

The first drink recommended by WHO for sufferers of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DD) or DHF is isotonic fluids. Isotonic drinks generally contain sodium or sodium of approximately 200 mg / 250 ml of water.

Isotonic fluids are great for people who are dehydrated. However, this isotonic liquid is not good if too much is consumed by people who are not dehydrated because of their high sugar content.

2. ORS

In addition to isotonic fluids, administration of electrolyte fluids in patients with DD or DHF can be given through ORS. There are 2 kinds of ORS with different compositions according to WHO and UNICEF. The old ORS contains a higher osmolarity, namely 331 mmol / L, when compared to the new ORS with an osmolarity of 245 mmol / L.

For the difference in electrolyte content between old and new ORS, the new sodium ORS is lower at 75 mEq / L, compared to the old ORS with 90 mEq / L. The potassium content is still the same between the old and new ORS.

The new ORS arrangement has the effect of reducing nausea and vomiting by up to 30% when compared to the new ORS. So it is more advisable to give new ORS compared to the old ORS.

In addition to ORS, drug stores can also buy other branded electrolyte replacement drinks that can be relied on to help overcome the symptoms of fever with fever. However, before buying it, you can first read what electrolytes are in it.

3. Milk

In addition to electrolyte drinks in general, WHO also states that milk can be drunk to relieve the symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), rather than giving plain water.

Milk contains electrolytes of sodium 42 mg / 100 grams, potassium 156 mg / 100 grams, and also contains other electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc which are also needed to carry out all body functions.

4. Fruit juice

Fruit juice is a good source of electrolytes for the body. Some fruits are high in potassium or potassium; for example bananas, oranges, kiwi, and avocado. Meanwhile, fruits that are high in sodium or sodium are tomatoes. And there are many more fruits that contain lots of electrolytes, which are better to give to DHF sufferers than just plain water.

5. Rice water or barley water

Giving fluids with rice water or barley water to overcome the symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DD or DHF) can be done in the first 3 days of fever. In the critical phase, plasma leakage only lasts for 2-3 days. After this critical phase, the plasma fluid that comes out of the third compartment will return to the blood vessels.

Watch out, don't carelessly give fluids to people with dengue fever

It is necessary to pay attention to the possibility of excess fluid in patients with DHF. This can occur either because of the treatment of excess fluid, or also because of the return of fluids from the third compartment to the blood vessels after the critical phase.

Signs of fluid overload to watch for are swollen eyelids, swollen abdomen, rapid breathing, and / or perhaps difficulty breathing. In this condition, giving fluids needs to be stopped temporarily. Patients need to be closely monitored and treated by medical personnel.