Dengue fever is a disease commonly occurring in tropical and subtropical countries but occurs anywhere I the world. It is transmitted to people through the bite of Aedis aegypti and other species of the Aedes genus mosquitoes. Although anyone is at risk for getting this disease, people with compromised immune systems are more at risk. A person who has gotten dengue fever previously may still get the fever again because there are four dengue virus strains. There is an estimated 100 million cases of dengue fever each year. Dengue fever is also called breakbone fever and dandy fever.

Dengue Fever Symptoms

The incubation period of the virus is typically four days and after this period, the person will begin to feel the symptoms of the virus which include:

• Sudden, high-grade fever*
• Widespread skin rash*
• Severe headache*
• Intense muscle and joint pain
• Pain behind the eyes upon movement
• Low backache
• Exhaustion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Minor bleeding in the  gums and nose
• Dengue hemorrhagic fever symptoms:
  • High-grade fever
  • Rashes
  • Headache
  • Bleeding under the skin (which may appear as bruising) (petechiae)
  • Easy bruising
  • Nose and mouth bleeding
  • Black stools

*Composes the dengue triad

Dengue Fever First Aid Management

Because it is a viral disease, there is no antibiotic that can cure this. To treat dengue fever, the symptoms have to be relieved. There are several ways to manage mild cases dengue fever at home. However, for severe dengue cases, one has to be wary for these symptoms as it may lead to shock, and sometimes, death. Immediate medical assistance should be called for. For most people, with apt treatment, symptoms last for a week.

• Take plenty of rests. Do not engage in rigorous activities.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• To relieve of pain and fever, take acetaminophen. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen as it may lead to bleeding complications.

Ways to Prevent Dengue Fever

Although no vaccine has yet been produced to prevent dengue fever, there are several ways to prevent dengue fever. Some of the tips include:

• When going outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, shoes, and other protective clothing.
• Use mosquito repellants.
• Avoid doing activities at dawn, dusk and early evening. Aedis mosquitoes are known to fly at these times of the day, thus avoid doing outdoor activities.
• Stay in a well-screened house.
• Reduce mosquito habitats. Mosquitoes usually lay their eggs in stagnant waters in and around the houses thus removal/ changing of these waters must be done every few days.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to inform readers but
should not be taken for medical advice nor substitute for first aid. Take First Aid Courses, especially if one plans to travel to locations where dengue virus is known, to be aware of symptoms and to learn how to properly victims of this disease and other kinds of diseases.

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Diabetic coma

Diabetic coma or hyperglycemia occurs when there is not enough insulin in the blood due to problems with the pancreas or not taking adequate dosage of insulin. When there is no sufficient amount of insulin, glucose (sugar) is unable to get into the cells as a result the body uses other stored energy, usually stored fats. However, the utilization of fats results in waste products that makes the blood highly acidic (acidosis). If it not treated, acidosis and dehydration due to the high blood glucose level eventually leads to diabetic coma.

Symptoms of diabetic coma develop gradually. The individual may report dryness of mouth and intense thirst, abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, and restlessness. The individual also has weak, rapid pulse; dry, warm skin; breath smells acetone or like nail polish remover; and sunken eyeballs. If left untreated, the condition may progress into a loss of consciousness and coma.

Emergency management involves administering supplemental oxygen and immediate transport to a medical facility. Monitor the breathing of the individual while waiting for emergency assistance.

Insulin shock

Insulin shock or hypoglycemia occurs when there is an excessive amount of insulin in the body. This may be caused by taking too much insulin, overexerting or over-exercising, and a reduction in sugar intake, causing increased free insulin in the blood.

Regardless of the cause, glucose rapidly enters the cells and leaves the blood. This results in insufficient amounts of glucose for the brain, causing unconsciousness. If sugar is not given immediately, the person can suffer permanent brain damage. Compared to diabetic coma, insulin shock can cause greater damage more quickly.

Symptoms of insulin shock develop quickly, over a period of minutes. The individual may report intense hunger; skin is pale, cold and clammy; excessive perspiration; drooling of saliva; headache or dizziness; aggressive or abnormal behavior; fainting, convulsions or even coma; and rapid pulse.

Emergency management involves administering sugar, such as lifesaver, orange juice, honey, for conscious patients. However, for the unconscious patient, put him over his side and do not give anything. Call 911 and continue monitoring the patient while waiting for help to arrive.

Both of these conditions are considered as emergency and require immediate medical attention. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential in providing appropriate emergency care.

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