What is malaria disease ? Symptoms, causes, and treatment

 What is a malaria disease ?

Malaria is a communicable disease it is a protozoal infection caused by plasmodium parasites and transmitted by the bite of infected female anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites a malaria infected person, this parasite enters his body. it mainly infects &  destroys liver cells (hepatocytes) and RBCs causing fever, anemia, jaundice etc. This is more prevalent in the rainy season.

 

Types of malaria parasites ?

There are 4 parasites in malaria .

• Plasmodium falciparum
• Plasmodium vivax
• Plasmodium malariae
• Plasmodium ovale

1. Plasmodium falciparum

It is considered the most dangerous parasite that spreads malaria. the serious condition produced by the human body. These consume the RBCs of the human body's blood and can even be fatal. 

Symptoms

• Headache
• Body pain
• Sweating
• Enlargement of the spleen
• High fever occurs
• Vomiting
• Decreased urination
• Rapid heart rate

there are two productions: primary and secondary.

What is the primary host? 

The host in which the parasite performs sexual reproduction. whose name is female anopheles.

What is the secondary host? 

The host in which the parasite performs asexual reproduction. And it does for a short time.

2. Plasmodium vivax

This parasite is found most in India, the country in the world. . This is not that dangerous but it can be fatal if not treated properly.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Body pain
• Sweating
• Enlargement of the spleen
• It causes fever again and again

3. Plasmodium malariae

Normally this could be more dangerous than falciparum but it is not. These are not dangerous but they cause serious conditions. These parasites live in the human body for a long time.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Body pain
• Sweating
• It causes fever again and again
• Fever definitely occurs within 72 hours.
• There is definitely a feeling of cold before the fever starts.
• Excessive sweating occurs.
• stomach pain
• There may also be kidney problems.

4. Plasmodium ovale

They are usually found in some countries around the world, mainly in Africa, and also in Asia.

Symptoms

• High fever before infection
• Feeling cold
• Excessive sweating
• Feeling tired and weak
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Body pain

What are the symptoms of  malaria disease?

All the symptoms of malaria disease are written below.

1. Feeling increasingly cold
2. Sudden onset of high fever
3. Headache
4. Severe body and muscle pain
5. Feeling weak
6. feeling tired
7. Loss of appetite
8. Fainting and dizziness
9. Anemia
10. Difficulties in breathing
11. Vomiting
12. Excessive sweating

If all these symptoms appear then one should immediately seek medical help and get treatment by consulting a doctor otherwise this disease can also be fatal.

There are some diagnosis to know malaria test?

There are many blood tests to check for malaria. And this is written below.

1. CBC (Complete cell count)

• Decreased platelet count in the blood indicates the first sign of malaria.
• Decreased blood in the body
• Symptoms of anemia raise more suspicion of malaria.
• Decrease in white blood cells (wbc)  in the blood.

RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test )

• This is a card test.
• Which is called test for MP-ICT. (Malarial Parasite Immunochromatography Technique.)
• The report is available in 20-25 minutes.
• Malaria parasite can be identified in this.
• Where there is no lab, this test can be done easily.

Treatment for malaria disease?

Although, some medicine has not been found yet for treatment. But by giving some antibiotics and some injections at the right time, the patient can have a child. If you experience even a few of the symptoms listed above, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment as advised.

Some home remedies :-

If there is a delay in going to the medical, then follow this suggestion.

• Lemon water should be given during fever because it can cause dehydration.
• Drink as much water as possible and take rest.
• Drink basil leaf juice mixed with a little honey, this reduces fever.
• Drink decoction tea so that the body gets relief.

How to prevent of malaria?

Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent malaria ,but we should  stay away from mosquitoes.

How can we avoid malaria, its solutions is written below :

• Keep the surroundings of the house clean.
• We will not allow water to accumulate anywhere.
• Mosquito net should be installed at bedtime.
• Wear full clothes on the body.
• Spray clothes with permethrin based products.
• Be sure to apply mosquito oil before sleeping.
• Keep window shut in the evenings.
• Apply insect repellent to skin

Can malaria be fatal?

Yes, malaria can be fetal, but not in every case. First, we need to determine the parasite that's attacking the patient and how long the treatment will last. If delayed treatment can be fatal. Some organs can be damaged, such as the kidneys, liver, and spleen, which are vital organs in the body. If these are damaged, malaria can be fatal.

Is malaria the same as dengue?

Malaria and dengue are not the same disease, they are different diseases, the only difference is that both are spread by mosquitoes.