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Dengue fever is still endemic in Indonesia. Moreover, entering the rainy season, mosquitoes Aedes aegypti can reproduce and spread the virus more vigorously. If you are infected with the virus, the most appropriate treatment is to increase fluid intake. Why do dengue patients need a lot of fluids and how much is recommended? Come on, find out the answer below.
The importance of fluids for dengue fever patients
The fever phase in a child infected with the dengue virus is often accompanied by dehydration. Increased body temperature coupled with symptoms of continued vomiting and a lack of desire to drink causes the water level in the body to continue to decrease. If the patient does not drink a lot of water, dehydration can occur.
In addition, in the critical phase, dengue fever patients usually experience leakage of blood plasma. Well, this condition causes blood plasma which contains 91% water and other nutrients to exit the blood vessels. As a result, the blood becomes concentrated and the flow slows down. All cells in the body will certainly find it difficult to receive oxygen, blood, and nutrients. If not treated immediately, the patient could lose his life.
Fortunately, not all patients experience plasma leakage during the critical phase. This really depends on the immune response and the condition of each patient's body.
Well, reduced fluid in the body due to fever and plasma leakage can actually be prevented by drinking lots of water and other fluids. Dr. dr. Leonard Nainggolan, Sp.PD-KPTI also agreed with this when met by the Hello Sehat Team at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Senen, Central Jakarta on Thursday (29/11).
"They lack water and the medicine is of course water and other fluids. For example, electrolytes, milk, sugar water, fruit juice, or starch water. Not just plain water, "explained Dr. dr. Leonard Nainggolan, Sp.PD-KPTI, a specialist in internal medicine from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Central Jakarta.
How many dengue patients need fluid intake?
Treatment of dengue fever patients is tailored to the condition of each patient. If the patient does not experience plasma leakage, dehydration, or other worrisome symptoms, he may seek outpatient care. Meanwhile, if the patient's condition is critical or at risk of experiencing a dangerous condition, hospitalization is recommended.
Well, meeting the fluid needs of outpatients can be adjusted by the patient himself. For example, when to drink water and what fluids to drink, the patient can adjust himself under the supervision of a doctor. While in the hospital, fluids will be added by infusion.
However, you must still be confused about how much liquid to drink, right? Dr. dr. Leonard Nainggolan, Sp.PD-KPTI answered, "How much? Yes, the best the patient can. More is better because the risk of fluid overload is quite low. "
For healthy people, the minimum intake of fluids in a day is eight glasses. So, in DHF patients, of course, it needs much more. Especially if you experience bleeding or vomiting. Instead of bothering to calculate how much water, you should focus on drinking regularly, don't wait for thirst. Every few minutes, make sure the patient is getting fluids.
So, so that patients don't get tired of drinking the same fluids, you need to outsmart them. Do not give the same fruit juice over and over again, replace it with another fruit. Serve with a drink, be it milk, tea, or fruit juice at a slightly cool temperature so that the drink tastes fresher and encourages the patient to drink more.
