What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious condition caused by a virus or an infection, which leads to an inflammation of the meninges – membranes surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord. It is mostly common in young children because they are usually yet to develop immunity to certain kinds of bacteria. This condition should be treated as a medical emergency. Therefore, medical attention should be sought as soon as symptoms become apparent. The two main types of meningitis are viral meningitis, in which symptoms are flu-like and less dire, and bacterial meningitis, in which conditions are much more serious.
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Causes of Meningitis
Meningitis can be caused by a direct spread of a severe infection such as an ear infection or a sinus infection. In some cases, meningitis is noted to be triggered by an injury to the head or brain. There are several causes of meningitis, including bacterial infection,viral infection, fungal infection, a reaction to medication, a reaction to medical treatments, lupus, some forms of cancer, or from a trauma to the head or back.
Viral meningitis is the most common form. Usually, viruses enter your body through your mouth before going into your brain. You can find these viruses in the mucus, saliva, and feces. Other viruses that may cause meningitis include chickenpox, flu, mumps, HIV, and genital herpes.
Bacterial meningitis is caused by different types of bacteria, and viral meningitis can be a result of a complication from chickenpox. Today, most children now get meningitis vaccinations early on for chickenpox. Therefore, viral meningitis is usually ruled out in most cases. Bacterial meningitis must be treated quickly or severe bacterial meningitis will require intravenous antibiotics. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral meningitis because they do not kill viruses. The best prevention against meningitis is to get meningitis vaccines as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Meningitis
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Irritability
- High fever and chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Delirium, and sensitivity to light
- It is possible that a blotchy, red skin rash can appear
- Shivering, blue lips or hands and feet considerably colder than normal
Symptoms found in infants include fever, vomiting, poor muscle tone, difficulty feeding, irritability, a high-pitched cry, and a bulging fontanel. Additionally, changes in temperament and extreme sleepiness signal dangerous changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. It should be known that meningitis kills about 10 to 15 percent of those affected. With 10 to 15 percent of its survivors suffering from hearing loss, diminished intellect, or the need to have limbs amputated because of blood poisoning.
Meningitis Diagnosis and treatment
The symptoms that appear with meningitis is similar to the flu, hence it’s difficult to diagnose. The doctor will perform a spinal tap and take a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid of minimal quantity. If it is a viral one, the same will be tested, and the infection will be treated with the proper medication and care.
The best form of treatment is preventative care, meningitis vaccinations, and hygienic care is the safest way to avoid the disease. It is best to seek medical care immediately if someone is suspected to have any of these symptoms.
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Posted on May 5, 2023