If malaria is not identified and treated quickly, it can cause complications, especially in children, pregnant women and others with the weakest immune system.Malaria prognosis is worse when the person has symptoms such as hypoglycemia, seizures, changes in consciousness.repeated vomiting, and should be urgently referred to the emergency room so that symptoms can be controlled.
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of the Mosquito Anopheles, the mosquito, when it bites the person, transmits the parasite, which goes to the liver, where it multiplies, then reaches the bloodstream., attacking red blood cells and promoting their destruction.
Learn more about malaria, its life cycle, and its main symptoms
Complications of malaria usually occur when the disease is not treated or when the person has a weaker immune system, such as in the elderly, children or pregnant women.
These complications include:
This occurs when there is excessive fluid buildup in the lungs and is more common in pregnant women because it is characterized by faster, deeper breathing and high fever, which can lead to respiratory distress syndrome in adults.
It occurs due to the excessive destruction of red blood cells and liver damage caused by the malaria parasite, resulting in an increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the bloodstream, resulting in the yellowish color of the skin, known like jaundice.
In addition, when jaundice is severe, it can also cause a change in the color of the white part of the eyes.Learn more about jaundice and how treatment is done in these cases.
Due to excess parasites in the body, glucose available in the body is consumed more quickly, resulting in hypoglycemia.Some symptoms that may indicate a decrease in blood sugar include dizziness, palpitations, tremors, and even loss of consciousness.
When in the bloodstream, the malaria parasite is able to destroy red blood cells, preventing them from functioning properly and transporting blood to all parts of the body.For example, a person with malaria may develop anemia, with symptoms such as excessive weakness, pale skin, constant headaches, and even shortness of breath, for example.
Know what to eat to prevent or treat anemia, especially if you’re already treating malaria.
In rarer cases, the parasite can spread into the bloodstream and reach the brain, causing symptoms such as severe headaches, fever above 40 degrees Celsius, vomiting, drowsiness, delusions and mental confusion.
To reduce the risk of complications, it is important that malaria is diagnosed early in symptoms so that treatment can begin.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid outbreaks to reduce the risk of exposure to the infectious agent.Find out how malaria is treated.