A potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease, malaria can cause symptoms like high fever, chills & muscle pain and result in severe health complications.
However, with timely diagnosis & appropriate treatment, malaria can be effectively treated within a short period of time.
Keeping that in mind, we have come up with this informative blog focusing on malaria treatment, medications & common challenges faced in malaria control.
How Malaria is treated?
The treatment & medications for malaria varies from person to person and depend on various factors like age, stage of infection, existing health conditions, pregnancy, potential side effects of medicines, etc.
In severe cases, blood transfusions are conducted to remove the malaria parasites from the blood and save the patient’s life.
What are the medications for Malaria?
The first type of malaria medication includes preventive medicines prescribed to individuals travelling to areas wherein malaria is common. This comprises regions like South Asia, Africa, South America & Central America.
In terms of treatment, the commonly used antimalarial medicines include:
- Chloroquine Phosphate
- Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs)
- Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
- Quinine Sulfate (Qualaquin) with Doxycycline (Oracea, Vibramycin, others)
- Primaquine Phosphate
How to prepare for an appointment with the doctor?
If you have recently travelled to a malaria-endemic region or are experiencing malaria symptoms, then you first need to consult your family doctor.
In case of serious symptoms, make sure to get a diagnostic test done at the earliest and get hospitalised or contact an infectious disease specialist.
What do you have to do while visiting a doctor?
Find below the common questions asked by doctors questioning a patient with malaria symptoms. Make sure to be prepared with the respective answers.
- What are the symptoms you are experiencing, and since when?
- What is your recent travel history?
- What was the duration of travel, and when did you come back?
- Did you consume any malaria preventive drugs prior to travelling?
- Any existing health conditions or medications/supplements that you are currently consuming?
What are the major challenges in controlling Malaria?
Even though malaria can be easily prevented & treated with early and proper treatment, certain key challenges are being faced in controlling it.
This include:
- Rising issues with antimalarial drug resistance
- Some types of malaria parasites lying dormant & hidden in the liver during treatment and becoming active afterwards
- Genetically mutated mosquitoes becoming resistant to insecticides
Conclusion
Following malaria preventive measures when travelling & getting yourself checked on returning or experiencing symptoms is the way to go when it comes to staying safe from malaria.
Schedule a diagnostic test at your nearest Clinico Diagnostic Centre if you suspect a malaria infection. Call us 24×7 on 9504555555 to book an appointment.
