Dengue fever is a term that strikes fear into the hearts of many, especially those living in tropical and subtropical regions. The Aedes mosquito is the vector responsible for transmitting this debilitating disease thrives in these areas. Dengue fever is not just any ordinary illness; it’s a significant public health concern with potentially fatal consequences if not managed promptly and effectively.
Understanding Dengue Fever:
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family. There are four distinct serotypes of the virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4), each capable of causing the disease. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Upon infection, the virus incubates in the body for about 4-10 days before manifesting symptoms. Dengue fever typically presents with:
- Sudden onset high fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and
- Rash
- In severe cases, it can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which are characterized by bleeding, organ impairment, and potentially fatal shock.
The Battle Within:
When the dengue virus enters the body through a mosquito bite, it targets immune cells and begins to replicate. This triggers a cascade of immune responses aimed at combating the virus. However, in some cases, this response can become dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and vascular leakage, which are hallmarks of severe dengue.
The Homeopathic Approach:
Here are some important medicines for dengue from Hompath Zomeo
Some Important Rubrics from Hompath Zomeo:
- [Complete ] [Eyes]PAIN:Fever:During: (55)
- [Boenning ] [Heat and Fever In General]CONCOMITANTS:Eyes:Pain in: (35)
- [Fever ] [Fever Chill]SYMPTOMS DURING:Nausea: (33)
- [Boenning ] [Heat and Fever In General]CONCOMITANTS:Nausea and vomiting:Qualmishness in general: (47)
- [Complete ] [Stomach]NAUSEA:Fever:During: (111)
- [Fever ] [Fever Gastric]SKIN:Petechiae: (10)
- [Complete ] [Generalities]PAIN:Joints, articulations:Fever, during: (24)
- [Complete ] [Extremities]PAIN:Joints:Fever, during: (18)
- [Fever ] [Fever Apyrexia]JOINTS:Pain in: (16)
- [Gentry ] [Chill and Fever]JOINTS:During apyrexia pain in joints: (15)
- [Lippe ] [Fever]APYREXIA AILMENTS DURING THE:Pain:Joints in: (15)
Homeopathic remedies for Dengue:
Belladonna:
- High-grade fever accompanied by hot, red skin, flushed face, throbbing carotids, and restless sleep.
- Dryness of mouth and throat with an aversion to water is also common.
- Throbbing headache, relieved by hard pressure or tight bandage, is a notable symptom.
- Anxiety or fear may accompany the fever, and perspiration is typically only on the head, with no thirst.
Bryonia Alba:
- Fever with body aches, aching of every muscle, stitching and tearing pains worsened by motion and relieved by rest.
- Dryness of mucous membranes is prominent, and the patient tends to be irritable during fever.
- Vertigo may occur with raised headache, excessive thirst with dry lips and mouth.
- Bitter taste in the mouth, along with joint pains, a full, hard, tense, and quick pulse, and a dry cough with stitching chest pain.
- Easy and profuse perspiration may accompany the fever.
Eupatorium perf:
- Severe bone pain during fever, aching pain in the bones, particularly in the back and extremities, with soreness of flesh.
- Throbbing headache with pain in the eyeballs, and perspiration relieves all symptoms except headache.
- Chilliness between 7 and 9 am is typical, accompanied by thirst and great soreness.
- Nausea and vomiting of bile may occur at the close of the chill or hot stage, and swelling of the left great toe is observed.
Ferrum phos:
- Indicated in the first stage of febrile conditions, particularly in inflammatory fever and catarrhal conditions before exudation sets in.
- Anemia with false plethora and violent local congestions.
- Marked prostration during fever is a key symptom, along with a soft and flowing pulse.
- Throbbing headache with vertigo, relieved by cold applications, may be present.
Gelsemium:
- Fever with profound general weakness.
- The patient is too weak to move more than a few steps, experiencing dizziness, drowsiness, dullness, and trembling during fever.
- The pulse is slow and soft, with low blood pressure and tiredness.
- Lack of muscular coordination and chilliness up and down the back are common, with long and exhausting stages of heat and sweat.
- Violent headache and a lack of thirst during fever are also characteristic.
Rhus tox:
- Indicated for fever with physical restlessness, moving frequently and feeling better with a change of position.
- Rheumatic pains affect joints, tendons, sheaths, and aponeurosis, causing tearing pains and stiffness.
- Dry, red, cracked, and coated tongue with a red triangular tip, along with intermittent chill, dry cough, and restlessness, are typical symptoms.
- Chilly sensations followed by heat and a desire to stretch the limbs may also occur.
Remedies for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Arsenic album:
- Indicated for high fever with unquenchable thirst, marked exhaustion, and irritability.
- Burning pains are relieved by external heat, and symptoms worsen after midnight.
- Bloody saliva, bleeding gums, ulceration of the mouth, and a bitter taste are common.
- Vomiting of blood, bile, or mucus may occur, along with anxiety in the pit of the stomach and burning during urination.
Carica papaya:
- Fever with Constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Known for its immunomodulatory properties.
Phosphorus:
- Indicated for fever with chilliness in the evening, a small, quick pulse, and profuse perspiration.
- Hemorrhages from the nose and cough with bloody expectoration are common.
Vanadium:
- This remedy increases hemoglobin, oxygen carrier, and catalyzer.
- Indicated for long and continued fever, gastrointestinal irritation symptoms, and bloody cough.
Crotalus horridus:
- Useful for general blood disorganization leading to dark hemorrhages from various orifices.
- Vomiting, bloody urine, dark stool, and bloody sweat may occur.
Ipecacuanha:
- Indicated for fever with slight chill, persistent nausea, vomiting, and breathlessness, often relapsing after improper diet.
Lastly, in Dengue Shock Syndrome, the following remedies may be considered:
Arsenic album:
Indicated for intermittent fever with marked exhaustion, delirium, fear of death, and cold body relieved by heat. Vomiting of blood, bloody stools, and prostration may occur.
Carbo veg:
Indicated for collapse with extreme coldness, blueness, and weakness. Fainting, feeble pulse, vomiting, purging, and hemorrhages from mucous surfaces may occur.
Crotalus horridus:
Useful for general blood disorganization leading to dark hemorrhages from various orifices, including bloody urine, stool, and sweat.
Veratrum album:
Indicated for collapse with extreme coldness, rapid, feeble pulse, vomiting, purging, and violent retching.