What is Malaria?
Malaria is an acute, life-threatening febrile illness caused by a parasite (belonging to the Plasmodium family) that is usually transmitted to individuals by a mosquito bite (Female Anopheles Mosquitoes)
How do I know I am suffering from Malaria?
There is a wide range of symptoms which can help diagnosing malaria which is similar to flu and other viral affections. However, diagnosis of malaria is done by doctors with the help of a blood test. Symptoms that might give rise to a suspicion of malaria are:
- Fever with chills: Occurrence of fever is characteristic. It starts with a feeling of coldness, shivering followed by fever and sweating. The cycle of fever may be Tertian (every two days as in P. Vivax and P. Ovale) or Quartan (occurring every three days as in P Falciparum and P Malariae).
- Headache
- Shivering
- Joint and muscle pains
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Enlarged spleen and liver is a sign of malaria
Complications of Malaria
At times, when Malaria progresses further, there are complications that may be faced by the individual. Complications that might occur are:
- Respiratory Distress due to metabolic acidosis, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema or pneumonia.
- Anemia that is hemolytic (breakdown of red blood cells)
- Low blood sugar
- Renal failure (called the black water fever due to the breakdown of red blood cells and excretion of the same in the urine)
- Cerebral malaria involving the brain known as encephalopathy
- Coagulopathy and shock
- In pregnant women, there might be severe complications to the fetus leading to abortion, stillbirths, infant mortality and low birth weight
If there are other accompanying symptoms along with fatigue and loss of appetite it is better to seek medical attention. Also, please note that the above-mentioned diseases can occur in younger individuals too and is not limited to old age.
Preventing Malaria
There are no vaccines available for malaria but prevention is possible by keeping away from the vectors (Female Anopheles Mosquito) transmitting the disease.
- Take adequate measures to keep yourself protected especially if you are in areas where malaria is endemic.
- Covering oneself adequately will reduce mosquito bites.
- Using a mosquito repellent will keep mosquitoes away.
- Using mosquito nets can help too.
- Dispose?of all articles in and around the house wherein there is water logging, such as old tyres and open cans lying outside.
Treating the condition using Homoeopathy
In Homoeopathy, the product Dolosis D68 Malarin is used to control malaria. It helps to relieve symptoms such as chills, heat, malaise, loss of appetite and weakness as presented in malarial states. This product has no side effects and is easy to consume. It can be taken with other medicines, for all age groups.