A 28-year-old male presents with high fever and rapidly progressing breathlessness. He was diagnosed with malaria a week ago and was put on antimalarial medication. What could be the potential complication and the next step?
This patient's symptoms could suggest a serious complication of malaria called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS can occur in severe malaria, particularly in adults with Plasmodium falciparum infection. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The patient should be hospitalized and might need respiratory support, including potential admission to the intensive care unit.