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According to Dr. Broj Chawla, consulting diabetologist, the real danger in these diseases is not the fever itself, but the loss of water and essential salts of the body.
Dr. Chawla advises that patient care should prioritize complete recovery instead of simply reducing fever.
Every year, after the monsoon, hospitals and clinics throughout the country witness an increase in patients who have high fever, fatigue and weakness. Most of these cases are attributed to diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as dengue, malaria and occasionally Chikungunya. While the common approach of patients and families remains to control fever, medical experts warn that the visible symptom masks a much more insidious threat: dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
According to Dr. Broj Chawla, a consulting diabetologist, the real danger in these diseases is not the fever itself, but the loss of water and essential salts of the body: sodium, potassium and chloride, often unnoticed until it leads to complications. “Many patients may not experience vomiting or diarrhea, however, their bodies suffer from a significant deficiency of liquid and salt,” said Dr. Chawla, added: “Family members tend to concentrate only in reducing fever, while the patient's internal imbalance worsens silently, and sometimes results in hospitalization.”
Why dehydration occurs
Dr. Chawla explained that the mechanism differs slightly between these diseases. In dengue, fever and fatigue make the fluids seecate from the bloodstream, leaving the body vulnerable. Patients often seem to improve once fever decreases, but the risk of low blood pressure and shock increases during this critical phase. In malaria, repeated cycles of fever, sweating and triumph exhaust water and salts. Chikungunya, on the other hand, can cause prolonged weakness and a bad appetite, further aggravating dehydration.
Recognizing warning signals
Fatigue after siaada, dizziness and blood pressure are often discarded as normal subsequent effects of the infection. Experts warn that in children and the elderly, these symptoms can point out severe dehydration and require immediate intervention.
Why the water is not enough
While fluid intake is crucial, running water cannot restore salts and energy lost during fever. Simple remedies such as lemon water or homemade glucose drinks can offer a limited benefit, but they often cannot provide correct electrolyte composition. “The key is to replace the body in a scientifically balanced way with water, electrolytes and energy,” said Dr. Chawla.
Recovery Council
Dr. Chawla advises that patient care should prioritize complete recovery instead of simply reducing fever. Recommend fluids rich in electrolytes such as coconut water, milk serum, lemon water and fresh fruit juices such as grenade and watermelon. “Like Who-Ors, it is standard for diarrheal diseases, scientifically prepared electrolyte solutions should become a standard practice for fevers caused by dengue, malaria and chikungunya,” he said.
He stressed that while fever is an obvious symptom, dehydration is hidden danger. Addressing it effectively, he said, can reduce complications, prevent hospitalization and accelerate recovery. “Fatigue and weakness are not just the consequences of fever, they reflect the loss of the essential nutrient body and fluids,” added Dr. Chawla.
September 10, 2025, 16:56 IST
