Malaria

Introduction
Mosquitoes, Malaria………very identifiable, aren’t they? Malaria is referred to as a serious (in some cases fatal) disease caused by the bite of the female anopheles-infected mosquito. Malaria is further categorized in four categories, namely:

P.falciparum
P.vivax
P.malariae
P.ovale

According to a statement of the World Health organization, about 300-500 million people are affected by malaria every year and more than one million people die of it.

Alternative Names
There is no alternative name for malaria.

Causes
The major cause of malaria is the bite of a female malaria infected-mosquito. When a mosquito bites someone infected with malaria, it takes up the malaria virus from the blood of that person. This malaria virus than grows in the mosquito for a week or more before it could be passed on to someone else. If after this period, the mosquito then bites a person, this malaria parasite is passed in the person’s blood. This parasite then travels from the blood to the liver where it grows and multiplies. During the period while the parasite is in the liver, no sickness is felt by the infected person. It is only when the parasite leaves the liver and enters the red blood cells (RBC) that the true symptoms of the disease become perceptible. This interval might take as long as eight months. After entering the RBC’s, the parasites once again grow and multiply. The red blood cells burst out leaving the parasites free to attack other RBC’s. The toxin released into the blood stream by this parasite makes the infected person feel sick. The other but minor causes of malaria are blood transfusions and the passing on of the malaria parasite from mother to fetus during pregnancy.

Risk Factors

Unvaccinated people
People living in unhygienic conditions.
People who are not immune to it.

Symptoms & Signs

Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Muscular pain
High fever with lots of shivering
Jaundice
Stool with blood
Anemia
Reduced alertness

Diagnosis
The symptoms of malaria are clear enough for diagnoses, however for more precise diagnoses doctors opt for physical as well as blood tests. The physical examination is based on the observation of liver and spleen. If the examination shows an enlarged liver and spleen the doctor will diagnose you of malaria. The presence of parasite in the blood further confirms malaria. In this method blood is taken and examined under a microscope. The identification of the species of plasmodium is necessary because the treatment of the disease varies depending on the specie involved.

Prevention

Screened windows best prevent the mosquito to enter and eventually causing malaria.
Try to wear protective clothing especially over the arms and legs.
Insecticides are effective in killing malaria parasites.
People living in the malaria-prevalent areas are in some way immune to it; however the travelers are not so they should carry with themselves some kind of preventive medications.
Pregnant women should take certain preventive medication to save the fetus from catching the infection.

Treatment
Malaria is usually treated with drugs. This treatment is done keeping in mind the following two factors

The geographical area where the person got infected.
The specie of plasmodium involved in causing malaria.

People living in different areas of the world are resistant to different medications (the reason why geographical area is important for the treatment), thus the correct drug could only be prescribed by the doctor.

Primary Natural Supplements
HERBS

Cinchona bark

Secondary Natural Supplements
VITAMINS

Vitamin B complex

Dietary Guidelines
Liquids, especially juices are advised to be a dominant part of your diet.

Home Care Suggestions

Remember to take protective clothing while going out, especially in the evening.
Avoid pools and puddles that are in an unhygienic condition.
Sitting under trees in the garden or very near to bushes is highly prohibited.

Mind/Body Considerations
A peace of mind is the best piece of advice anyone could give regarding your mind and body consideration.


Contact Us Shipping & Return Policy	Shopping Basket Shop by Store Shop by Brand	About Us Privacy Policy Resources

© Copyright 2005 - 2012 PillPod.com
Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should carefully read all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your medical professional. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated product descriptions and/or images.