Top pulmonologist raises concerns regarding dengue
In a departure from his usual topics, top pulmonologist Dr. Bryan Cepedoza talked about dengue fever.
Cepedoza explained that the virus which causes dengue is carried by a mosquito called aedes aegypti which usually appears in the afternoon. Thus, eliminating breeding places of mosquitoes may lead to lower risks of dengue fever as the mosquito carrying the virus may not be able to spread the disease.
He added that the virus affects the platelets of a person. The virus is capable not only of lowering the patient’s platelet count but also of impairing the function of such platelets.
Thus, the virus affects the quality and quantity of platelets which may lead to severe conditions and even premature death if medical intervention is not applied early on the patient.
He added that a person infected with dengue may bleed internally due to lack and poor quality of platelets.
The dengue virus can also impact the immune system of the patient and can use the patient’s immunity to destroy the platelets and affect the blood vessels to ultimately cause damage on the person involved.
Another thing that we should be worried about dengue infection, according to Cepedoza, is dehydration as the virus can cause a leak in the blood vessels of the patient that will lead to a loss of water resulting in dehydration.
The doctor also needs to determine how much water a patient has to take as overhydration is also dangerous, Cepedoza said.
Cepedoza added that the reason behind the high fever experienced by a dengue patient is due to the body’s defense mechanism. He added that dengue patients may suffer from stomach aches as a result of the infection.
Cepedoza concluded the interview by saying that if there are no breeding places for mosquitoes in one’s area, a person is assured that the risk of getting dengue in the first place is lower.