QUESTION: My sister has been suffering from malaria for three months. She consulted with doctor in the first symptom of malaria but doctor gave only fever medicine at that time. Blood test was not done at that time. So my question is: "within how many days or months malaria patient has to immediately take medicine?" ANSWER: One of our collaborating medical doctors has assisting in … [Read more...]
Malaria and stomach pains
QUESTION: Will malaria cause severe stomach pain? ANSWER: In some cases, yes, malaria can cause stomach cramps and pain. It also often causes nausea and vomiting. It is important to seek medical attention if you think you have symptoms of malaria; a quick and accurate diagnosis will lead to effective and efficient treatment, which improves chances of a rapid recovery. … [Read more...]
Malaria Re-occurrence
QUESTION: I've been infected with malaria vivax, for this i've taken the treatment for three days, after three days i don't have any symptoms but after two days again I'm feeling the fever and abdominal pain which i'm having since the diagnosis is still persisting. Why is it happening? Are there any chances even after treatment for re-occurrence? My urine is yellow color but there is no … [Read more...]
Can malaria affect the liver and stomach?
QUESTION: Can malaria affect the liver and stomach? I had two attacks of P. falciparum few years back. Now I doubt there is some swelling under my right rib bone. Please clear my doubt. ANSWER: Malaria can certainly affect many of the organs in the body, including the stomach and liver. This is due to the sequestration (attachment) of red blood cells to the tiny blood vessels in these … [Read more...]
Malaria Fever
QUESTION: How many days will the fever last? ANSWER: There is no set amount of time for the duration of a malaria fever, and in fact it will depends on several factors, namely the type of malaria the patient has, their level of acquired immunity, whether they were taking preventative medicine for malaria (prophylaxis) at the time of infection and how quickly they receive appropriate … [Read more...]
Illness from Uganda trip
QUESTION: I just came back from a visit to Uganda Africa. I was unable to take Malarone as I had bad side effects. Vomiting. I was only exposed once when we walked into a swampy rain forest. This of-course was the only day I did not have repellent. We were taking the kids on a nature walk and the German volunteer got a little lost. I ran as fast as could out of the area. Started to feel tired … [Read more...]
White Blood Cells and Malaria
QUESTION Does malaria cause loss of white blood cells / antibodies? ANSWER The parasites that cause malaria reproduce in the human host by infecting red blood cells, then multiplying asexually and bursting out into the bloodstream, ready to infect more red blood cells. As such, malaria parasites do not destroy white blood cells. However, patients with malaria may display reduced white … [Read more...]
Having Malaria after being tested negative
QUESTION: In April 2010 I was in India, had symptoms of malaria, had blood work done, platelets low but rapid antigen and smear were negative. One year later, May 2011, had low platelet count, chills, no fever or fever spikes. Could this be malaria again even though I was tested negative. ANSWER: This response is courtesy of Dr Jaya Swarup Mohanty, a physician in India: Malaria doesn't … [Read more...]
Malaria effects on body’s digestive system
QUESTION: How does Malaria affect the digestive system? ANSWER: Malaria does not usually affect the digestive system directly, although nausea and abdominal pain can be symptoms of the disease, usually due to the high fevers caused by the infection. Having said that, some of the drugs given as treatment or prevention of malaria are also known to have gastrointestinal side effects; both … [Read more...]
Are there dietary restrictions for malaria?
QUESTION: What are the dietary restrictions of malaria? ANSWER: There are no dietary restrictions, as such, when infected with malaria. A person who is suffering from malaria will have high fevers and potentially nausea, which might decrease the appetite—it is crucially important to try to stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and trying to eat when possible. Certain drinks, such as … [Read more...]