Know about complications of malaria

Malaria is an endemic disease occurring in the tropical climate all over the world. It is well known to be transmitted by bite of the female anopheles mosquito. In Rwanda, remarkable achievement has been made regarding reduction in the morbidity and mortality due to malaria. This has been possible due to the combined efforts of the ministry of health in collaboration with other aid agencies, N.G.Os, and stake holders. In spite of this, few stray cases do occur. Moreover, people who travel to other countries where malaria is endemic get exposed to it and come back home sick. Most of the people know about malaria. But people also have to know that there are complications due to malaria and at times a person may present directly with one or more complications of malaria. Malaria may not necessarily manifest as bouts of fever with chills. The red blood cells infested by the malaria parasite can block the small blood vessels of the brain causing reduced blood flow to the brain. This results in damage to the affected part of the brain, which can lead to severe headache, loss of consciousness, convulsions, e.t.c. Untreated this condition can be fatal. Sugar levels present in the blood can also go down severely due to malaria infection, a condition called hypoglycemia. This can also result in coma and convulsions. Malaria also causes severe anemia due to break down of red blood cells in the body. This can happen acutely along with fever. Anemia can also occur in people who are chronically exposed to malaria and have low infection which does not cause acute symptoms. In severe malaria one can develop fluid in the lungs causing difficulty in breathing. At times there may be severe diarrhea and vomiting associated with fever which may be mistaken for acute gastro enteritis. If not managed immediately the person may develop severe dehydration and can die due to shock. Extensive break down of the red blood cells in the body can cause jaundice, i.e., yellow discoloration of the eyes. Acute failure of the liver and kidney can occur due to malaria, which can again be fatal. Severe malaria is also known to cause unexplained severe bleeding from any site in the body because of derangement of the clotting system of the body (disseminated intravascular coagulation). Recurrent malaria even if mild can lead to enlargement of spleen. The affected person suffers from sense of heaviness in the left upper part of the body and abdominal pain. The enlarged spleen is very prone to rupture either spontaneously or due to trauma. Elderly persons, pregnant women and children under 5 years are more prone to develop complications of malaria. Falciparum type of malaria parasite is the one usually causing more severe forms of malaria with complications. But it does not necessarily mean that every person infested by falciparum malaria will develop severe complicated malaria. Apart from these complications, malaria can present in atypical manner also. A person can have malaria with symptoms of flu like dry cough, running nose, e.t.c. Some consider such a problem to be ordinary flu; and tend to buy over the counter pills directly from the pharmacy. Thus the diagnosis and treatment gets delayed. Therefore it is important that people know about the complications and diverse symptoms of malaria. They should be aware that malaria can manifest in other ways apart from the typical symptoms. They also ought to know that if not treated promptly, complications of malaria can be fatal. Apart from the awareness, it is also essential that adequate preventive measures should be taken against malaria. Keeping the houses and environment clean, avoiding stagnation of water, use of mosquito nets, all these ensure that mosquitoes and hence malaria stays away. rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk