Dengue is generally associated with high fever, low platelet count, and a vengeful mosquito. But a lesser-known troublemaker during dengue is blood pressure fluctuation. It can dip way too low without any substantial warning.
While low BP in dengue is a well-recognised symptom, instability and fluctuations in BP can also be the early markers of dengue infection.
Knowing the relationship between dengue and blood pressure, you can differentiate between a routine fluctuation and a red-alert situation.
Here’s a complete breakdown in simple words, no jargon, no panic, just straightforward awareness.
How Dengue Affects the Circulatory System
Dengue is caused by a virus-carrying mosquito named Aedes. The infection doesn’t just cause fever and body pain. It can also cause strain to blood vessels, substantially reduce platelet counts, and destabilise blood pressure.
Here’s how it works:
- The virus can cause your blood vessels to start leaking fluid.
- This leakage causes the blood volume in your vessels to drop.
- This further causes your blood pressure to take a nosedive.
Low BP during dengue is a common occurrence that can also serve as a warning sign of more severe complications, ranging from Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).
Causes of Blood Pressure Fluctuations in Dengue
Here are the reasons why, during dengue fever, blood pressure starts acting like a yo-yo.
1. Plasma Leakage
The fluid or plasma leakage, as explained earlier, causes your blood volume and subsequently blood pressure to drop.
2. Dehydration
Loss of fluids can result in dehydration. Watch out for symptoms like fever, vomiting, and reduced appetite. Sweating also causes BP to drop. All these symptoms essentially translate into less fluid in your system to pump around. This can further tank your BP.
3. Low Platelets → Internal Bleeding
If platelet count is severely reduced, it can result in internal bleeding. This also reduces the blood volume, causing a sharp fall in BP.
4. Medication Effects → Over-correction
BP in dengue doesn’t just dip, it can shoot up too. In cases where your body overreacts to the medication or if you are on medicines for other conditions, occasional spikes in BP can occur.
Recognising Blood Pressure-Related Warning Signs
Even without the need for a stethoscope, you can keep an eye out to notice that something is off. Here’s a list of warning signs:
- Sudden lightheadedness
- Prolonged dizziness
- Cold, sweaty skin
- Consistently fast heartbeat
- Mental fog
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling of fainting
- Reduced urination
These symptoms simply communicate to you: “Check the BP!”
Managing Blood Pressure During Dengue
Given that the pressure keeps fluctuating during dengue, here’s what you can do.
Hydrate Smartly
Your circulatory system can be thought of as a garden hose. What happens when there’s not enough water? The pressure drops.
However, water in this case means fluids. Oral rehydration salts (ORS), soups & broths, coconut water, juices – are all your friends.
Note: Overdrinking of plain water in severe dengue cases should be avoided as it can result in further loss of salts.
Monitor BP Regularly
In case of persistent weakness, paleness, or confusion, it is a good idea to continuously track your BP. Note both high and low readings consistently to watch out for the trajectory and trends.
Rest Means REST
Physical exhaustion must be avoided. Don’t try to power through your work while suffering from dengue. Any further stress on the already struggling circulatory system can jeopardise your blood pressure.
Nutrition That Supports Recovery
Light but nutrient-rich meals are the best during dengue-related BP fluctuations. Potassium and iron-rich foods, as well as fruits like papaya and bananas, are highly beneficial. The right nutrition will help you maintain healthy blood volume and pressure.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Help
Here’s a quick checklist to determine if you need immediate medical attention:
- BP dropping below 90/60 mmHg, specifically if accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Not urinating often, especially for over 6-8 hours.
- Blood in vomit, stool, gums, or uncontrolled bleeding in any body part.
- Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain.
- Difficulty in breathing.
Do not wait for any of these symptoms to settle or subside. Timely help during dengue complications can be life-saving!
Expert Takeaway
The bottom line is that dengue and BP are closely linked. You don’t need a medical degree to understand when one requires expert medical help.
Here are four simple steps to follow:
- Watch out for early signs
- Stay hydrated with fluid intake
- Rest and track vital signs and BP
- Whenever in doubt, call the doctor
There are cases where even mild dengue of today can turn into a severe low BP condition tomorrow. It’s always a good idea to be a step ahead of the infection rather than playing catch-up in the emergency room.
FAQs
- Why does BP drop suddenly in dengue?
Plasma leakage and dehydration are common symptoms of dengue. This leads to lowered blood volume and subsequently lowered pressure. Sudden BP drop is a major red flag in dengue disease progression. - Can dengue cause high BP, too?
Although rare, dengue can also cause high BP, especially in already hypertensive people or those under medication to manage other diseases. It is imperative to monitor both drops and spikes in BP during dengue. - How often should BP be checked during dengue?
Check at least 3-4 times daily in case you are managing dengue at home. Increase the frequency of these checks if the symptoms worsen or if the person feels uneasy, dizzy, or disoriented. - What can be done at home to manage mild BP fluctuations?
Fluid intake, rehydration, coconut water, juices, and soups are ways to manage mild BP fluctuations. Taking enough rest, light yet nutritious meals, and avoiding sudden movements are also advisable.
Conclusion
Dengue might hit hard. BP fluctuations might be too difficult to manage. However, staying informed, hydrated, calm, and a step ahead of your symptoms is the key. Keep monitoring your BP, and in case of any severe or unusual circumstances, it is always good to call up your doctor. With a working monitor and a little awareness, you’ve got it covered!
Disclaimer
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