Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection/inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can be either bacterial, viral or rarely fungal infection. Anyone can get meningitis, but babies and kids are most at risk.
Meningitis may become very serious. So, if you suspect someone suffering from meningitis you must call immediately.
First Aid for Meningitis
• If someone has any of the signs of meningitis, like shielding their eyes from the light, joint & muscle pain, headache, rash or stiff neck, high-temperature call for emergency medical help straight away and treat the fever.
• While you’re waiting for help to arrive, reassure them and keep them cool and try to give cold juice to them.
• Keep checking their breathing, pulse, and level of response.
Causes of Meningitis
Most common causes of meningitis are bacteria and viruses that often live in our body including skin, gastrointestinal tract. But bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening.
Viral meningitis:
It is one of the most common infection which is caused by the group of virus called Entero viruses which cause mild infection and can be spread through food, water, coughing, sneezing.
Bacterial meningitis:
Bacterial meningitis is a very life-threatening illness if you don’t treat right away. These are caused by infected saliva or sinus infection.
Few leading bacteria which cause bacterial meningitis are Neisseria meningitides and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Fungal meningitis:
It is one of the uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. But, fungal meningitis isn’t contagious. Fungal meningitis affects the immune system of the victim.
Prevention of Meningitis:
Meningitis is one of the uncommon but serious contagious infections which may lead to brain damage and even sometimes death. Some of the steps that help to prevent meningitis include:
1. The best way to protect you and your family from bacterial Meningitis is providing recommended Vaccine schedule.
2. Keep your hands clean to avoid exposure to infectious agents, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and petting animals.
3. Don’t share personal items, drinks, foods, utensils, toothbrushes, and straws with anyone else. Teach children and teens to avoid sharing these items too and practice good hygiene.
4. Stay healthy and boost your immune system.
5. Cover your mouth & nose while coughing or sneezing & keep your distance from infected people.
Treatment for Meningitis
The treatment depends upon the type of meningitis that you are suffering from.
Bacterial meningitis:
The bacterial meningitis is life-threatening and it must be treated quickly.
If you have bacterial meningitis, you will receive antibiotics until the infection is cured. Because bacterial meningitis is contagious, & antibiotics reduce the risk of complications. So you will probably stay in an isolated room for at least 48 hours. Also, fluids are given constantly to prevent dehydration.
People with bacterial meningitis are recommended to stay in the hospital for a week to avoid infection.
Viral meningitis:
Viral meningitis is usually much less severe and Antibiotics are not effective for treating viral meningitis and people with viral meningitis are completely recover within 7 days.
The best treatment for viral meningitis is Rest, hydration, anti-viral medicine may be given as needed. No surgical therapy is suggested for viral meningitis.
Fungal meningitis:
Fungal meningitis will be treated with anti-fungal medications in the hospital. Fungal meningitis treatment depends upon the strength of the immune system & the type of fungus that caused the infection. If there is a weak immune system then the treatment maybe often longer.
Also Read: Do you know how your body warns about your irregular health?
Frequently Asking Questions about Meningitis:
1. What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection/inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can be either bacterial, viral or rarely fungal infection. Anyone can get meningitis, but babies and kids are most at risk.
2. Who is at risk for meningitis?
Any person of any age may develop meningitis. But meningitis is more common in infants, young children & people older than age 60.
3. Is meningitis contagious?
Close contact with the victim or sharing personal items can spread the bacteria and virus meningitis. This includes sharing drinks, foods, utensils, towels, toothbrushes, and straws. Coughing, or sneezing.
4. How do doctors diagnose meningitis?
Meningitis symptoms are Fever, Neck stiffness, severe Headache & vomiting. In addition to these symptoms, doctors conduct a physical exam and also collect a sample of spinal fluid (spinal tap).
Other tests may include:
1. Blood and urine tests.
2. A neurological exam to test nerve.
3. CT scan.
4. Lumbar puncture.
5. What are the complications of meningitis?
Complications of meningitis include:
1. Poor memory.
2. Epilepsy (seizures).
3. Poor memory & concentration.
4. Hearing loss.
5. Learning disabilities
6. Loss of Vision.
7. Brain damage
8. Shock
9. Kidney problems
10. Arthritis.
6. Is it possible to prevent meningitis?
There are many vaccines are available to prevent bacterial meningitis. Some of the preventive measures include:
1. The best way to protect you and your family from bacterial Meningitis is providing recommended Vaccine schedule.
2. Keep your hands clean to avoid exposure to infectious agents, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and petting animals.
3. Don’t share personal items, drinks, foods, utensils, toothbrushes, and straws with anyone else. Teach children and teens to avoid sharing these items too and practice good hygiene.
4. Stay healthy and boost your immune system.
5. Cover your mouth & nose while coughing or sneezing & keep your distance from infected people.
For any medical emergency including Ambulance, blood requirement, first aid tips call VMEDO helpline 09343180000
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