Meningitis can be counted among the most risky diseases that can easily kill. Its main cause is the inflammation of cells that form a cover to the brains as well as the spinal cord. There is always a tendency to confuse the signs and symptoms of meningitis with those of flu. In fact, the disease may be initiated by flu and this therefore will need some knowledge to be able to differentiate them. The disease can be caused by virus, bacteria or fungi.
The newly born babies and children are the ones who are at a higher risk of getting the disease. This is because they have an immune system which is not fully developed. Since they cannot express themselves, their parents should always be at watch. If they see spots and rushes on the skin, if the children have very cold hands and feet plus unusual crying, the child might have meningitis.
The above are not the only symptoms. The children will be observed to have a very fast breathing. Their response when picked up is negative and they have a stiff neck. Their appetite is also poor and they have seizures. Knowing the signs is a vital thing since the vaccines available may not be very effective.
The saying that meningitis only affects the very young people is just a myth. Everybody is vulnerable, from the newly born to the very old. Many of the signs in adults are still the same in children. The only advantage is that adults can be able to say whenever they are feeling unwell. Fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, and rashes on the skin are observed. Severe headaches are common and a stiff neck, with a lot of pain when one tries to touch their chest using their chin.
Adults also experience drowsiness and sluggishness. Their bodies are very weak and waking up tends to be difficult. Confusion and disorientation is also observed in adults, and at sometimes, the infected may often get angry quickly. Pain in the muscles is common. In very critical conditions the patient may have seizures and sometimes comas.
With good knowledge of these signs and symptoms, one can be able to act fast when they suspect the disease. The infected should be rushed to a health center, where a specialist can handle the case. Blood tests will be carried out to determine if the person is sick or not, and if meningitis is found, the person will be put under medication.
The treatment to be administered will depend on the causal type of the disease. Fungal meningitis, which mainly affects people with low immunity, is treated using anti-fungal medication and drugs to boost immunity. Viral meningitis can heal over a short period if the patient takes a lot of fluids, bed rest and some pain medicines. The bacterial type can be healed by use of antibiotics.
The most vital of all things is to have the knowledge of the signs and symptoms of meningitis. People should be vigilant and should act first whenever they see suggestive changes in their bodies. One can call for emergency services to avoid the loss of life.
The newly born babies and children are the ones who are at a higher risk of getting the disease. This is because they have an immune system which is not fully developed. Since they cannot express themselves, their parents should always be at watch. If they see spots and rushes on the skin, if the children have very cold hands and feet plus unusual crying, the child might have meningitis.
The above are not the only symptoms. The children will be observed to have a very fast breathing. Their response when picked up is negative and they have a stiff neck. Their appetite is also poor and they have seizures. Knowing the signs is a vital thing since the vaccines available may not be very effective.
The saying that meningitis only affects the very young people is just a myth. Everybody is vulnerable, from the newly born to the very old. Many of the signs in adults are still the same in children. The only advantage is that adults can be able to say whenever they are feeling unwell. Fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, and rashes on the skin are observed. Severe headaches are common and a stiff neck, with a lot of pain when one tries to touch their chest using their chin.
Adults also experience drowsiness and sluggishness. Their bodies are very weak and waking up tends to be difficult. Confusion and disorientation is also observed in adults, and at sometimes, the infected may often get angry quickly. Pain in the muscles is common. In very critical conditions the patient may have seizures and sometimes comas.
With good knowledge of these signs and symptoms, one can be able to act fast when they suspect the disease. The infected should be rushed to a health center, where a specialist can handle the case. Blood tests will be carried out to determine if the person is sick or not, and if meningitis is found, the person will be put under medication.
The treatment to be administered will depend on the causal type of the disease. Fungal meningitis, which mainly affects people with low immunity, is treated using anti-fungal medication and drugs to boost immunity. Viral meningitis can heal over a short period if the patient takes a lot of fluids, bed rest and some pain medicines. The bacterial type can be healed by use of antibiotics.
The most vital of all things is to have the knowledge of the signs and symptoms of meningitis. People should be vigilant and should act first whenever they see suggestive changes in their bodies. One can call for emergency services to avoid the loss of life.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.meningitis-angels.org for more helpful information about Important Information About The Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis