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Stay Safe from the Monsoon Diseases
Stay Safe from the Monsoon Diseases

Both malaria and dengue are mosquito-borne diseases and are a cause of high mortality and morbidity in many countries mainly tropical. Both these conditions have an ability to cause acute febrile illness (an illness related to fever), but still, they are fundamentally different.

We bring some facts to help understand them better. Before discussing the differences here are some facts about the diseases from the World Health Organization (WHO).

People living in the poorest countries are at a higher risk of malaria, which is approx. 40% of the world’s population

– Every year, malaria affects more than 200 million people worldwide.

– Every 2 minutes, a child dies of malaria.

– WHO estimates around 390 million cases of dengue infection worldwide every year, out of which 96 million manifests clinically.

– WHO launched the Global Malaria Programme (GMP) to help prevent, control and study malaria.

Following are the various characteristic differences between these two fatal monsoon diseases:

  1. DISEASE AGENT: Malaria is a protozoal infectious disease while Dengue is a viral infection. Both are mosquito-borne diseases but the main mosquito vector of malaria is Anopheles while for dengue its Aedes.
  2. MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Malaria is transmitted through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito carrying Plasmodium parasite. While Dengue is spread by the female mosquito biting an infected person and then transmitting the virus by biting a healthy person, usually in the early morning or at dusk.
  3. ILLNESS TYPE: The incubation period, in the case of malaria, may last for 7-30 days, before the first symptom appears. In some cases, the disease can relapse months or years later without any visible symptoms. In the case of Dengue, symptoms begin 4-7 days after the mosquito bite and last for 5-10 days. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease.
  4. SYMPTOMS: Malaria may exhibit symptoms like fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and fatigue. Patients with Dengue may show symptoms like pain behind the eyes, swollen glands, and rashes apart from some common symptoms like high fever, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
  5. BLEEDING: The chances of bleeding in Malarial infection is rare while Dengue can result in internal bleeding caused by any capillary burst.
  6. HEMOLYSIS: The malarial parasite infects human liver cells, increasing their number and causing the liver cells to rupture. The sporozoites of the parasite then invade the RBCs constantly altering their structure and causing them to rupture. The toxic substances collected in the infected cells get released and the infection spreads to other cells and the cycle continues.
  7. THROMBOCYTOPENIA: Dengue virus can damage the bone marrow and result in a drop of white blood cells and platelet count from normal range (1.5-4 lacs) to as low as 20,000. Chances of thrombocytopenia in malarial infection are rare.

    COMPLICATIONS:
    Malaria: can be a fatal disease-causing one or more serious complications like cerebral malaria, breathing problems, organ failure (liver, kidneys, spleen rupture), anemia and low blood sugar to name a few.

    -Dengue: A severe form of Dengue fever, also called “Dengue Hemorrhagic fever”, can damage the lungs, liver or heart. Resulting in severe bleeding and a sudden drop in blood pressure to dangerous levels causing shock and death.

    TREATMENT: Malaria & Dengue both are potentially fatal diseases and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible.

    -Dengue: Also known as break-bone fever can’t be cured. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for dengue fever and no specific treatment; the condition can only be controlled with a combination of drugs and intravenous infusion. Blood and platelet transfusion may be required in case of a major loss.High fever & vomiting can dehydrate your body. Rehydration salts can help replace the lost minerals and fluids in the body. Pain killers such as paracetamol can help lower fever and ease the pain. NSAIDs are nor advised in dengue patients as they might increase the risk of internal bleeding.

    -Malaria: The treatment option for severe malaria cases include continuous intravenous infusion for those who can’t take oral medications. The drugs used to treat the active parasitic forms in the blood include Chloroquine, Mefloquine, Quinine and Doxycycline/ Clindamycin/ Tetracycline in combination with quinine. Drugs like primaquine and tafenoquine are also available which are active against the dormant parasitic liver forms) and help prevent relapses.

    Although both the diseases differ in various characteristics, the risk factors like unhygienic neighborhoods, tropical weather, and exposure to the virus are the same.

    We @DattMediproducts Pvt. Ltd. recommend everybody to not allow the water to stagnate in neighborhoods, using mosquito repellents while in outdoors, keep food covered at all times, and staying clean and washed in this monsoon season to prevent and lower the risk of lowering these dangerous diseases.

     

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
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Allergies are a common health issue that affect a significant portion of the population worldwide. Allergies are a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance, which is known as an allergen. The allergen can be any substance that triggers an allergic reaction in the body, such as pollen, dust, food, or animal dander.

Allergies are caused due to the abnormal response of the immune system, which mistakes a harmless substance for a harmful invader and initiates a defence mechanism, called antibodies, to protect the body from it. This results in various allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

There are various reasons behind the occurrence of allergies. Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s likelihood of developing allergies. Environmental factors such as exposure to pollution, chemicals, and toxins can also trigger allergies.

There are several different types of allergies, each with their unique symptoms and triggers.

Some of the most common types of allergies include:

1. Respiratory allergies:

These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. The symptoms of respiratory allergies include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.

2. Food allergies:

These allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain foods, such as nuts, shellfish, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild itching, tingling in the mouth, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat to more severe life-threatening anaphylaxis.

3. Skin allergies:

These allergies occur when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as certain fabrics, metals, or cosmetics. The symptoms of skin allergies include rashes, itching, and swelling.

4. Insect allergies:

These allergies occur when an individual is bitten or stung by an insect, such as bees or mosquitoes. The symptoms of insect allergies can range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.

5. Medicine allergies:

Medicine allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain medications. They can cause symptoms like skin rashes, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. It is important to communicate medicine allergies to healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Precautionary methods can be taken to manage allergies. Firstly, it is crucial to identify the allergen that triggers the allergic reaction. This can be done through various tests such as skin tests or blood tests. Once the allergen is identified, it is essential to avoid exposure to it. For example, individuals with food allergies must avoid eating the allergen-containing food.

Similarly, those with respiratory allergies must avoid exposure to airborne allergens, such as pollen or animal dander. If a person has a known severe allergy then they can also wear a medical alert bracelet, which lets others know that you have a serious allergy incase they are unable to communicate it.

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids can be used to manage allergy symptoms. In severe cases, epinephrine injections may be required to manage anaphylaxis.

In addition to medication, several lifestyle changes can also help manage allergies. One of the most important being to try to reduce stress levels. While stress can’t trigger an allergic reaction it can make it worse if you are having one. When in stress your body releases hormones including histamine, which is a powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms thus making the reaction worse.

Allergies can significantly impact the lives of those who suffer from them. However, with proper management, it is possible to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. If you suspect that you have an allergy, it is important to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis.

We advice to follow precautionary methods and working with a healthcare professional, that can help you manage allergies and improve your quality of life. Follow us for more such information.