Let’s talk Malaria
symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People who have malaria usually feel very sick with a high fever and shaking chills.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- General feeling of discomfort
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Cough
Malaria symptoms usually appear a few weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some malaria parasites, however, can remain dormant in your body for up to a year.
Causes
When a mosquito bites a patient, the mosquito becomes infected. When that mosquito bites someone else, it introduces a parasite into their bloodstream. The parasites multiply there. Humans can be infected by five different types of malaria parasites.
Diagnosing Malaria
It is important to let a laboratory scientist will take a blood sample and send it to a lab to determine if you have malaria parasites. The blood test will tell your doctor whether you have and which parasite is causing your symptoms. This information will be used by your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
Malaria Treatment
It is critical to begin treating as soon as possible. Your doctor will prescribe medications to kill the parasite. Malaria drugs are not effective against some parasites.
Some medications are administered in conjunction with others. The type of parasite determines the type of medication and the duration of treatment.
Side effects of medication
Antimalarial medications can have negative side effects. Tell your provider about any other medications you’re taking, as antimalarial can interfere with them. The following side effects may occur depending on the medication:
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