What are the recommended home treatment options for dengue fever?

Home Treatment Options for Dengue Fever

The most effective home treatment for dengue fever includes adequate oral hydration, acetaminophen/paracetamol for fever and pain management, rest, and daily monitoring for warning signs of severe dengue. 1

Core Home Management Strategies

Hydration

• Maintain adequate oral fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• Consume oral rehydration solutions, water, fruit juices, and other fluids
• Goal: Achieve normal urine output (light yellow color)
• Monitor for signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness)

Fever and Pain Management

• Use acetaminophen/paracetamol for fever and pain relief at recommended doses
• AVOID aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs as they can increase bleeding risk 1, 2, 3
• Apply lukewarm sponging to help reduce fever

Rest and Recovery

• Get plenty of bed rest to support recovery
• Limit physical activities during the acute phase
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature

Monitoring for Warning Signs

Daily monitoring for warning signs is crucial. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these develop:

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Persistent vomiting (3 or more episodes in 24 hours)
• Clinical fluid accumulation (ascites, pleural effusion)
• Mucosal bleeding (gums, nose, etc.)
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Liver enlargement
• Rapid decrease in platelet count with increasing hematocrit 1

Nutrition

• Consume easily digestible, nutritious foods
• Small, frequent meals may be better tolerated
• Ensure adequate protein and calorie intake to support recovery

Prevention of Transmission

While recovering at home, take measures to prevent transmission:

• Use mosquito repellents
• Wear long-sleeved clothing
• Use mosquito nets, especially during daytime (Aedes mosquitoes bite during day)
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around the home (standing water in containers) 1

When to Seek Medical Care

Home treatment is appropriate only for uncomplicated dengue without warning signs. Hospitalization is required for:

• Patients with warning signs
• High-risk individuals (pregnant women, elderly, children, those with comorbidities)
• Inability to maintain oral hydration
• Decreased urine output
• Any bleeding manifestations
• Altered mental status 1

Special Considerations

Children

• More susceptible to dehydration and fluid overload
• Require closer monitoring of fluid intake and output
• May need more frequent small amounts of fluids 1

Elderly and Those with Comorbidities

• Higher risk of developing severe dengue
• May require earlier medical intervention
• Should monitor blood pressure and other vital signs more frequently 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Using NSAIDs for pain relief - can increase bleeding risk
2. Inadequate fluid intake - dehydration can worsen symptoms and outcomes
3. Delaying medical care when warning signs appear - early intervention for severe dengue saves lives
4. Self-medication with antibiotics - ineffective against viral infections
5. Ignoring mosquito control measures - can lead to transmission to others

Home management of dengue is appropriate for uncomplicated cases, but vigilant monitoring and readiness to seek medical care when warning signs develop are essential to prevent progression to severe disease and reduce mortality 1, 4.