After-effects of dengue troubling people

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 18

People who have recovered from dengue are in double whammy as they are now suffering from post dengue problems.

A large number of patients who have recovered from the disease are complaining of persistent joint and muscular pains.

Dr NK Aggarwal, chief consultant, Joint and Spine Centre, said an unprecedented number of dengue patients in the city have reported emergence of viral polyarthralgia (pain in several joints) and myalgia (muscle pain), a condition that persists for days after recovery. Associated vitamin and mineral deficiency has made the pain worse and debilitating in many cases.

“Dengue has pathological effects on tendons, muscles, joints and bones. Increased risk of myalgia and polyarthralgia are seen in dengue patients with associated co-morbid conditions, patients with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, those who are elderly and children who are malnourished,” Dr Aggarwal said.

“Exercise and additional dose of vitamins help in recovering from joint pains. Vitamins D and E boost recovery. Therefore, maintaining good health and levels of nutrition will help fight the disease better. Those deficient in micronutrients like Vitamin D, B12 and E are often seen complaining of persisting muscle and joint pains when compared with those who have sufficient amounts of the vital nutrients,” he added.

Two types of pain are associated with dengue i.e. acute reactive arthritis during dengue fever and chronic joint pain after dengue. They are treated with paracetamol and simple exercises apart from supplements to correct vitamin deficiencies. Joint pains are intense and serious in those with vitamin deficiencies.

“In the acute stage of viral fever, joint pains are usually symmetric, involving large and small joints of the upper and lower limbs. Joint pains occur commonly in wrists, elbows, fingers, knees and ankles. Nevertheless, the knee is the most commonly involved joint and proximal joints, hips and shoulders are less affected,” Dr Aggarwal said.

Another city-based orthopaedician Dr Kultar Singh said daily one or two patients suffering from joint pains post dengue were visiting him.

“Several patients complained of muscle and joint pains for as long as two to three weeks after the disease has subsided. This is especially seen in the elderly,” he said.

“Timely control of the musculoskeletal complications of the disease helps in pain free recovery. A comprehensive approach with inputs from health professionals of various medical branches and orthopaedics can help one to be cured early and prevent crippling musculoskeletal complications, said another city-based orthopaedician Dr Neeraj Sharma.