How to Increase Platelets in Dengue?

Introduction

Platelets aid in the healing of wounds and prevention of blood loss via coagulation (forming of blood clots). The platelet count is the number of platelets in the blood. A normal platelet count is between 150,000 and 200,000. However, during dengue, the number of platelets rapidly decreases. Let's learn more about dengue platelet count in patients recovering from dengue.

What are Platelets?

Platelets are thrombocytes and are a blood component. Their primary role is to aid in the prevention of bleeding by creating blood clots. Platelets help during blood coagulation, hemostasis, the growth of blood vessel cells, inflammatory conditions, and so on. But most importantly, it helps activate a response from the immune system in the case of dengue.

The Importance of Normal Platelet Count Dengue

A dengue patient can fall into the following four groups based on the number of platelets they have and the related risk level:

*Per microliter of blood

When a person has dengue, the infection enters the blood circulation and attaches to the individual's platelets, which multiply and infects additional platelets. During the medical procedure for recovery, the antibiotics attack the infected platelets, thus destroying the healthy platelets in the process. This is the primary cause of low platelet counts in dengue.

Another reason for a low platelet count is the body's response toward external elements, killing healthy platelets as though they were foreign bodies. A platelet transfusion may be required if you are at high risk and have severe dengue symptoms.

Symptoms of Low Platelet Count in Dengue

If a person's platelet count is only slightly lower than average, the symptoms of dengue may not be apparent. However, if this level continues to fall, the person may notice minor bleeding on the body. These hemorrhages might appear as tiny, circular, dark-red patches(petechiae) on the skin. If a person's platelet count falls below 20,000, they may experience bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or blood in the stool and urine.

How to Increase Platelets in Dengue

It is critical to note that dengue is a viral infection that cures independently without needing drugs or therapy. Patients can suffer from extremely high fevers, dehydration, and low platelet counts depending on the severity of the dengue. Patients with a low platelet count need to know how to increase platelets in dengue. Dengue-affected patients are at an elevated risk of blood loss and may require platelet transfusion. While platelet count is not the only sign of severe dengue, knowing how to maintain the dengue platelet count is beneficial. Some methods for increasing the platelets and function are as follows:

1. Hydration: Along with platelet-rich food, it is always encouraged to increase the water intake to keep the body well-hydrated, regulate electrolytes, and clear out as many toxic substances as possible. The fluids listed below assist in hydrating the body, adjusting electrolytes, and increasing platelet count.

• Coconut Water
• Lemon Water
• Electrolyte solutions
• Buttermilk
• Fresh and organic Soups
• Herbal Teas

2. Fruits: It is essential to consume whole fruits along with their peels. Seasonal fruits provide additional advantages. To increase platelets, you should consume fruits high in minerals, vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber. The following fruits help in maintaining intestinal health while also increasing immunity:

• Plum
• Cherries
• Papaya
• Apples
• Oranges or nectarines
• Pomegranates
• Kiwi

3. Healthy Diet: Consuming meals high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-12, vitamin C, folic acid, and iron, that help develop and sustain platelets in your blood. Seasonal vegetables are preferred. Following are some platelet rich foods that are good at maintaining and increasing platelets.

• Eggs
• Lentils
• Red meat
• Spinach
• Beetroot
• Vegetables like tomatoes, green leafy and cabbage family
• Peanuts

It's also vital to avoid items that lower the platelet count. Some examples are alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, caffeinated drinks, and tonic-based beverages.

List of Foods to Increase Platelet Count

Following is a list of foods to increase Platelet Count in Dengue patients.

• Papaya Leaves
• Cranberry Juice
• Pomegranate
• Coconut water
• Giloy leaf extract
• Fenugreek Seed water
• Basil
• Coriander
• Garlic
• Spinach
• Beetroot
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Wheat Grass
• Raisins
• Vitamin C rich Foods (Bell Peppers, amla, orange)
• Kiwi
• Pineapples
• Sweet Potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Eggs
• Fish
• Milk and dairy products
• Kidney beans
• Pumpkin seeds
• Cod liver oil
• Mushrooms
• Green leafy vegetables
• Berries like strawberry, blueberry
• Chicken soup

4. Spices and Herbs: Easily available in Indian households, spices and herbs help increase immunity and platelet count. They have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial characteristics—the following herbs and spices aid in managing immune cells to combat dengue viruses.

• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Fresh ground pepper
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Wheat Grass (fresh or also available in juice form)
• Aloe Juice

5. Probiotics: Probiotics assist in strengthening immunity, aiding digestion, and improving blood count. Probiotics found in curd, soybean, and buttermilk are essentially platelet rich food.

6. Medicinal Supplements: Certain supplements like chlorophyll, melatonin and papaya leaf extract boost the platelet count. However, clinical studies do not back these claims entirely. Please consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement since they might raise the risk of bleeding and interfere with other recommended drugs.

While dengue is a self-limiting condition, some patients are worried about low platelet levels and how to increase platelets in dengue. While not all dengue patients will have low platelet counts, severe or high-risk instances may necessitate transfusions to achieve normal platelet counts. Regardless of a person's dengue categorization, eating a nutritious diet, getting lots of rest, and being hydrated are all essential. These easy steps and knowing what to eat in dengue to increase platelets will stimulate the platelet count and keep the body nourished.

Conclusion

To raise a low platelet count, adhere to medical instructions and incorporate some lifestyle changes. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, and consuming seasonal and healthy foods can increase the platelets in a dengue patient. To assess platelet count progress and guarantee proper care, regular checks and monitoring by healthcare specialists are required.