Meningitis Symptoms, Causes and Treatment!

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover and protect the brain and the spinal cord. According to the National Health Profile report, approximately 27000 of cases and more than 1500 deaths are due to meningitis. At present, infection is by far the most common cause of meningitis. In fact, this condition can result in serious complications if not treated quickly. Also, meningitis can cause life-threatening blood poisoning and lead to permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Types of Meningitis

Mainly there are three types of meningitis, including:

• Viral meningitis - Also known as aseptic meningitis, it is the most common type. It is rarely terminal and usually resolves with treatment. Most patients recover from this condition without any complications, although a full recovery can take time.
• Bacterial meningitis - This type of meningitis is severe and is likely considered as a medical emergency. If left untreated, this condition may be fatal or cause serious long-term complications. Bacterial meningitis is aggressive and develops quickly within a few hours. Therefore, prompt medical care is important.
• Fungal meningitis - This condition develops in patients with weak immune systems or suffering from diseases like HIV/AIDS, lupus or diabetes. Fungal meningitis is not contagious. It spreads by inhaling fungal spores from the environment. Vaccines are not helpful to protect against fungal meningitis.

The other types include:

• Parasitic meningitis - It is more common in underdeveloped countries and is often caused by parasites found in unhygienic food, water and soil.
• Noninfectious meningitis - It may develop as a complication of another disease, for instance, mumps, tuberculosis, syphilis. Also, a break in the skin or bones can allow bacteria to enter the body, causing noninfectious meningitis.

Meningitis Symptoms

The symptoms of meningitis are not alarming at first. The person may simply seem tired or irritable. However, the symptoms may sooner develop into a severe condition. Therefore, keeping an eye for detail is important for the symptoms. Seek medical care immediately if meningitis is diagnosed. The most common meningitis symptoms include:

• a high-temperature fever
• cold hands and feet with a warm torso
• shivering or chills, with or without a fever
• a stiff neck
• irritability and crying. It could be due to a stiff or sore neck or muscle and body aches
• rapid breathing
• persistent vomit
• loss of appetite
• extreme sleepiness. An individual may have difficulty in waking up.
• red or dark rash or marks on the body

If the symptoms worsen, immediately consult a doctor. Prompt diagnosis and treatment help ensure a better outcome.

What are the Causes of Meningitis?

A number of bacteria cause meningitis. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Following this, Neisseria meningitidis can also cause outbreaks of infection. These bacteria rapidly spread in crowded conditions, such as college dormitories, canteens or military barracks. Other than this, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is also one of the most prevalent causes of meningitis in adults and children. However, due to the usage of the Hib vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar) in infancy, this condition is becoming less common. In addition, the spread of an infection near the brain, from the ears or the sinuses can also cause meningitis. This condition can also be a result of an occasional complication of head, brain, or neck surgery.

What Is the Possible Treatment for Meningitis?

An individual, at any given age, can contract meningitis; however, it's more common in:

• young children and babies
• young adults and children
• elderly people
• people with a weak immune system

One can lessen the risk of contracting meningitis by ensuring all the vaccinations are up-to-date. Other common treatment for meningitis includes: Viral meningitis symptoms are often treatable at home with acetaminophen and other over-the-counter medications. Antibiotics are not helpful in this condition as viral meningitis does not respond to it. If a person is suffering from viral meningitis:

• they should be kept in a darkened, quiet area.
• the person should lie on one side to prevent vomit.

In case of bacterial or fungal meningitis, an individual is often admitted to the intensive-care unit, for a short period of observation. However, the period could be longer depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment of bacterial or fungal meningitis includes:

• insertion of fluids directly into a vein to prevent dehydration. This also helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures.
• a dosage of steroids can also be considered to decrease the severity of the disease.

How Can Meningitis Symptoms Be Prevented?

Meningitis is an infectious disease which majorly affects the children. Bacteria or viruses that cause meningitis can spread through coughing, kissing, sneezing or sharing items like toothbrushes or cigarettes. Following these tips strictly can help prevent meningitis symptoms:

• Avoid sharing food, water bottles, glasses, and eating in the same utensils.
• Keep a healthy routine. Exercise regularly.
• Avoid sharing tissues or towels.
• Wash often hands with anti-bacterial hand wash.
• Intake a well-balanced diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits.
• Do not miss sleep. Take proper rest.
• Avoid the consumption of drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.
• Do not share lipstick, lip gloss or any other makeup essentials.
• Opt for vaccination to prevent the disease attack in all the ages. Immunisations like Hib, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal, and MMR help prevent meningitis.
• Include vitamins like A, C, D, and E in the diet. The vitamins help in maintaining good health. Besides, they also reduce the risk of developing inflammation around the brain and spinal cord.
• Ask others as well to wash their hands and to maintain proper hygiene to avoid spreading the bacteria.
• Pregnant women who test positive for meningitis should be given antibiotics during labour to prevent spreading the infection to the baby.
• Stay indoors during prime mosquito activity, i.e., from dusk until dawn. If still have to be outside, use long pants, long sleeves.