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Malaria

Malaria Treatment

Malaria Treatment In Trivandrum

Malaria is a serious and potentially life‑threatening infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Once inside the body, the parasites travel to the liver and then enter the bloodstream, where they infect and destroy red blood cells.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Malaria?

Malaria symptoms typically appear 7 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, though in some cases, they can appear later. Common signs include:

  • Fever and Chills.
  • Nausea and Vomiting.
  • Muscle and Joint Pain.
  • Rapid Heartbeat or Breathing.
  • Enlarged Spleen or Liver.
  • Fatigue and Weakness.
  • Headache.
  • Sweats.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal pain

What causes Malaria?

main causes of malaria include:

  • Infection by Plasmodium Parasites: Malaria is caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Plasmodium. These parasites invade red blood cells and reproduce inside them, eventually causing symptoms of the disease.
  • Bite from an Infected Mosquito:The most common cause of malaria is the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When this mosquito feeds on human blood, it injects Plasmodium parasites into the bloodstream, starting the infection.
  • Rare Transmission Through Infected Blood: Although uncommon, malaria can sometimes be passed through blood transfusions or shared needles if the donor’s blood contains the parasite.
  • Rare Transmission from Mother to Baby: In rare cases, an infected pregnant woman can pass the malaria parasite to her unborn child before or during childbirth.

Diagnosis of Malaria

Malaria is diagnosed using medical history, symptoms, and blood tests, and early detection is vital for effective treatment.

  • Medical History and Symptom Review: Doctors first ask about recent travel to areas where malaria is common, exposure to mosquitoes, and the presence of symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue.
  • Blood Tests:The main diagnostic tool for malaria, blood tests detect Plasmodium parasites and identify the species. This includes microscopic examination of blood smears and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for quick detection.
  • Additional Tests for Severe Cases: In severe or complicated malaria, doctors may perform additional tests to assess organ function, including kidney and liver tests, and complete blood counts to monitor anemia or other complications.

What are the Malaria risk factors?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites from mosquito bites, with certain factors increasing the risk of infection in endemic areas.

  • Travel to Malaria-Endemic Areas: Visiting regions where malaria is common, particularly tropical and subtropical countries, increases the risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes.
  • Lack of Preventive Measures: Not using mosquito nets, repellents, or preventive antimalarial medications makes it easier for mosquitoes to transmit the parasite.
  • Weak or Compromised Immune System: Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immunity are more vulnerable to severe malaria.
  • Living in High-Risk Areas: Residing in rural or poorly protected areas with high mosquito populations increases the chance of repeated infections.
  • Previous Malaria Infection: While some immunity may develop after repeated infections, partial immunity can fail to prevent future malaria, especially with different parasite species.

What treatment options are available for Malaria?

Malaria is treated with prescription drugs to kill the parasite.common Malaria treatments include:

Antimalarial Drugs: Malaria is treated with specific medications that eliminate the parasite. The most commonly used drugs include chloroquine for sensitive infections and artemisinin‑based combination therapies (ACTs) for chloroquine‑resistant strains. Other options include atovaquone‑proguanil, quinine, and primaquine, depending on the type of malaria and local resistance patterns.

Combination Therapies: ACTs combine two medicines that work in different ways to kill the parasite and reduce the chance of resistance. These combinations are often preferred for Plasmodium falciparum infections, especially in areas where resistance to older drugs is common.

Tailored Treatment Plans: The treatment plan is tailored to individual needs. Doctors consider factors such as the parasite species, the severity of symptoms, the patient’s age, and whether the person is pregnant. Treatment may be adjusted to ensure effectiveness and safety for each patient.