- Most common complications
- 1. Pulmonary edema
- 2. Jaundice
- 3. Hypoglycemia
- 4. Anemia
- 5. Cerebral malaria
- How to avoid complications
If malaria is not identified and treated quickly it can cause some complications, especially in children, pregnant women and other people with the most weakened immune system. The prognosis of malaria is worse when the person has symptoms such as hypoglycemia, seizures, changes in consciousness or repeated vomiting, and must be urgently referred to the emergency room so that the symptoms can be controlled.
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the parasite of the genus Plasmodium , which is transmitted to people through the bite of the mosquito of the genus Anopheles . The mosquito, when biting the person, transmits the parasite, which goes to the liver, where it multiplies, and then reaches the bloodstream, attacking the red blood cells and promoting their destruction.
Understand more about malaria, its life cycle and main symptoms.
Most common complications
Malaria complications usually happen when the disease is not treated or when the person has a weaker immune system, as in the elderly, children or pregnant women.
These complications include:
1. Pulmonary edema
It happens when there is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs and it is more common to happen in pregnant women, being characterized by faster and deeper breathing, and high fever, which can result in the adult respiratory distress syndrome.
2. Jaundice
It arises 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 as jaundice.
In addition, when the 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.
3. Hypoglycemia
Due to the excess of parasites in the body, the glucose available in the body is consumed more quickly, resulting in hypoglycemia. Some symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar include dizziness, palpitations, tremors and even loss of consciousness.
4. Anemia
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. Thus, it is possible for the person with malaria to develop anemia, with symptoms such as excessive weakness, pale skin, constant headache and even a feeling of shortness of breath, for example.
See what to eat to prevent or treat anemia, especially if you are already taking malaria treatment.
5. Cerebral malaria
In more rare cases, the parasite can spread through the blood and reach the brain, causing symptoms such as very severe headache, fever above 40ºC, vomiting, drowsiness, delusions and mental confusion.
How to avoid complications
To reduce the risk of complications, it is important that the diagnosis of malaria is made early in the symptoms so that treatment can begin.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid epidemic sites to reduce the risks of exposure to the infectious agent. Find out how malaria treatment is done.
