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Treatment of Malaria Point-Wise Guidelines
Malaria is a possibly life-threatening infection caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Until now, it has been one of the leading health problems in different parts of the world, including most regions of India. Knowledge about its proper treatment and management, hence, becomes very important to prevent serious consequences and completely recover from the illness.

Diagnosis of Malaria

Effective treatment starts with the proper diagnosis of the disease. The diagnostic tests followed to diagnose malaria include:
Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Such tests present rapid results because they identify some antigens of the parasite in a small droplet of blood. They are useful for screening at the first contact and are especially useful where facilities are limited.
Blood Smear Microscopy: This is the classical technique for diagnosis, whereby the blood samples are examined under the microscope for malaria parasites. It consists of
Thick Smear: Concentrates a larger volume of blood for detecting parasites.
Thin Smear: Allows a better view of individual parasites and thus helps in species identification.

Polymerase Chain Reaction: This is the latest available technique for the detection of DNA of malaria parasites. PCR is a very sensitive technique and it can also specify the different Plasmodium species and thus is very useful for research and in complicated cases.
Treatment Options for Malaria

Treatment of malaria mostly involves administering certain antimalarial drugs to kill these parasites and alleviate symptoms. The kind of treatment depends on the Plasmodium species and the severity of infection. The best treatment for the most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, includes:

Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT): ACT is the best treatment for the most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Artemisinin is combined with another antimalarial drug like:

Lumefantrine
Doxycycline
Mefloquine
Piperaquine
ACTs are recommended because of their high efficacy in reducing the risk of resistance.

Chloroquine: Mainly used against infections due to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale. However, resistance to chloroquine is widespread in some parts of the world.

Lumefantrine
Doxycycline
Mefloquine
Piperaquine
ACTs are recommended because of their high efficacy in reducing the risk of resistance.
Chloroquine: Mainly used against infections due to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale. However, resistance to chloroquine is widespread in some parts of the world.
Quinine and Quinidine: It is reserved for severe malaria, is always combined, and is usually given in hospital.
Primaquine: This drug prevents the relapses of the infection with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale by its action on latent hepatic forms.
Supportive Care and Precautions
Always Finish the Full Treatment: The full course of treatment should be taken. If one feels better before the treatment is completed, one must not stop it. The reason is that it may lead to relapse, and the species will develop resistance to the drug.

Special Care: Pregnant women, small children, and those suffering from severe malaria need special care. Treatment is modified according to these factors.

Supportive Measures: Symptoms such as fever and dehydration can be managed with the right medicines and fluid replacement, which will also aid in the overall recovery.
Prevention Measures
Preventing malaria is as important as treating it. Effective measures of prevention are as follows:
Insecticide Treated Nets: Sleeping under these nets reduces the risk of mosquito bites considerably.
Insect Repellents: Apply repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.

Control Mosquito Breeding Sites: Eliminate standing water from the surroundings of houses and use larvicides to kill mosquito larvae.

Conclusion
Though malaria is a serious disease, it can be well controlled once rightly diagnosed, treated correctly, and appropriately prevented. In case of illness with fever, chills, and sweating, or after being in an area where malaria is common, see a doctor promptly. Timely treatment and adhering to the advice of the doctor are very much necessary to beat back the infection of malaria and prevent its complications.

Treatment of malaria, one of the world's most famous and widespread diseases, involves accurate diagnosis and effective medication.