MALARIA
The malaria parasite
Malaria is caused by parasites called plasmodium, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. This disease is often spread by mosquitoes during the night when people are sleeping or in the evening when they are still outdoors in areas infested with these insects, such as in bed nets, gardens, or even living rooms.
Statistics show that malaria is a significant problem in regions of Asia, Africa, and South America, accounting for a total of 100 countries, which is approximately 40% of the world's population.
However, the impact of this disease is most severe in Africa, where a large number of deaths occur, especially among pregnant women and young children.
Despite the efforts of various activists in combating malaria, the problem continues to cause numerous fatalities, even though malaria is treatable. Additionally, it is relatively easy to prevent malaria if certain precautions are followed faithfully.
Like other diseases, malaria has its main symptoms. The symptoms include fever, sweating, and joint pain. These signs are divided into three stages, making it sometimes challenging to quickly detect the infection.
The three stages of malaria are known as the cold stage, the hot stage, and the sweating stage. Each stage has its symptoms and consequences for the patient if not treated promptly.
The following are the stages of severe malaria and their symptoms:
Cold stage:
In this stage of severe malaria, the patient may start experiencing headaches, body tremors, and constant chills.
Hot stage:
When the patient reaches this stage, they begin to experience high fever, vomiting, joint pain, profuse sweating, loss of consciousness, nausea, and extreme confusion.
Sweating stage:
During this stage of severe malaria, the patient experiences excessive sweating and an increase in body temperature. Note that in all these stages, the patient consistently suffers from recurring malaria episodes, similar to periodic fevers.
GENERAL SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE MALARIA
i) Swelling of the spleen
ii) Change in skin color
iii) Weakness in the muscles
iv) Feeling unwell
v) Poor digestion and nutrient absorption in the body
vi) Loss of appetite
vii) Nausea
viii) Chills
ix) Fatigue, etc.
All the symptoms listed above are also found in a patient in the early stages of uncomplicated malaria, but they double in intensity when the condition progresses to drug-resistant malaria. It is important to seek medical advice from a doctor after experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in any of the stages listed above in order to protect oneself. It should be noted that this disease can be fatal if any symptoms are ignored.
EFFECTS OF DRUG-RESISTANT MALARIA
As explained above, drug-resistant malaria can cause serious harm to the human body if not dealt with promptly. However, health experts also explain that there are other potential effects that can occur after the Plasmodium parasite dominates the body.
Among these effects are the following:
1. Drug-resistant malaria can cause complications in mental health, such as headaches and psychosis.
2. The ability to work significantly decreases due to weakened muscles.
3. Severe body weakness and significant weight loss due to repeated occurrences of drug-resistant malaria in the human body.
4. Emotional distress that can lead to heart problems.
5. Loss of memory of important events by the brain.
6. Impaired thinking and decision-making abilities, thereby affecting daily activities.
7. Sometimes the eyes change color and become yellow in advanced stages.
These are some of the consequences that a patient with chronic malaria may experience, but there are still other ways to proceed after experiencing symptoms because the likelihood of treatment is high, unlike other serious illnesses such as HIV/AIDS.
A safe place where a good solution can be found is to go to the hospital where accurate tests are available that can detect the amount of bacteria in the body.
The results of the doctor's tests are the right way to determine the type of treatment for the specific patient, so it is important to follow the instructions in order to avoid other consequences such as death.
It is common for people to decide to use traditional remedies, including herbal medicines, before undergoing tests. Sometimes, such treatments can have negative effects if they are not done according to professional guidelines. Remember that the excessive use of these medicines can sometimes cause kidney problems due to the increased toxins in the body.
Generally, prevention is better than treatment due to the high costs involved and the conditions that the patient may have to meet, which can be difficult to follow due to their lifestyle and established customs.
HOW TO AVOID CHRONIC MALARIA
The following are effective methods that can help you avoid being affected by chronic malaria in your life.
1. Reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as they reduce the ability of white blood cells to protect you from diseases.
2. It is recommended to consume white meat such as fish and chicken. Preferably, use lemon juice without adding any sugar.
3. Eliminate all environments that promote mosquito breeding. Use a mosquito net treated with insecticide to protect yourself from mosquito bites during the night.
4. Develop a habit of exercising, such as skipping rope, running, and walking, to improve your health. Engage in manual labor and exert physical strength.
5. Drink plenty of water to enhance the functioning of white blood cells. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
6. Establish a routine of consuming leafy vegetables and fruits to increase the amount of vitamin C in your body.
7. Despite the availability of alternative methods to protect yourself from chronic malaria, it is also important to remember the following:
8. Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. It is advisable to avoid consuming alcohol after starting a dose, whether it is traditional or medical, as it can lead to death or worsening of the condition.
9. It is not advisable to mix hospital medications with traditional remedies obtained locally. Remember that medications increase toxins in the body.
10. It is important to complete the prescribed dose given by the doctor. Drinking plenty of water and having a balanced diet can enhance the body's ability to work effectively with the medication.
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