Warning Signs of Meningitis
Meningitis is the health condition known as the infection of the membrane covering the brain and spinal chord. Meningitis can strike at any moment, despite age, gender and health condition, so it is important to get acquainted with its warning signs and causes.
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What Causes Meningitis?
Meningitis is usually triggered by a viral infection in your body as well as a bacterial infection. There are also cases in which the emergence of this disease is determined by a fungal infection. However, this occurs quite rarely. Meningitis can also be caused by noninfectious reasons, for instance as a result of chemical reactions, drug allergies or inflammatory illnesses.
So, as bacterial diseases are often what lead to meningitis, it is vital to track down the source of the infection in order to treat this health condition effectively.
Warning Signs of Meningitis in Newborns
Newborns are highly sensitive, therefore are predisposed to suffering from this harsh infection. If you notice that your newborn is going through fever, having its tiny hands and feet scarily cold, you should take him or her to the pediatrician at once. Don’t postpone it. Your baby might be suffering from meningitis.
Other common symptoms which might help you determine whether your baby has meningitis or not are: his constant refusal to eat and imminent vomiting, rapid breathing and grunting, feeling unresponsive and dopy, continuous, disturbing crying. Additionally, if you observe your baby is permanently experimenting seizures and convulsions, it might also indicate the settling in of meningitis.
Warning Signs of Meningitis in Babies
Other warning signs that may pinpoint the occurrence of meningitis in babies are fever, getting easily irritated when trying to pick him or her up. If you observe your baby moaning and you see the appearance of pale, blotchy skin, and even rashes, the odds are your baby is suffering from meningitis.
Warning Signs of Meningitis in Toddlers
The first symptoms indicating your toddler has this harsh infection are: severe, disturbing headache, vomiting and unsettling fever. Also, he/she might experience feelings of confusion and deliriousness, and seizures may also be visible. A general state of vacancy and weariness, accompanied by stiff neck and dislike for strong lights – all these embody warning signs of meningitis. As soon as you observe any of these symptoms, make sure to schedule a visit to your pediatrician.
Warning Signs of Meningitis in Teenagers
Teenagers suffering from meningitis will experience severe muscle pain, excruciating headache, disturbing nausea and vomiting, cold feet and hands. A sate of dizziness and faint and constantly feeling sleepy and easily irritated are also signs indicating meningitis.
It is utterly important to make sure to go to a specialized doctor the moment you notice any of these symptoms. Meningitis is a very harsh condition; there’s a 10% death rate triggered by bacterial meningitis. However, if it’s diagnosed in its early state, it can be treated, so steer clear of putting of a visit to your doctor.
I had it as a 12 year old girl. And what i can remember……terrible headache, stiff neck. I was very very sick. The lumber punch was sooooooo painful. My one leg was lame for a week afterwards.