What you Should Know About Meningitis

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What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is a condition in which the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord become inflamed (swell). The swelling is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can also be caused by accidents, tumors, certain medicines, and other forms of infections. It’s critical to understand the cause of meningitis because treatment varies, depending on the cause. Meningitis can improve without treatment in a matter of weeks in some cases. Others are usually dangerous and require immediate antibiotic treatment.

Types of Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis

This is a life-threatening sickness that requires immediate medical attention. If you don’t get help right away, it could be fatal or cause brain damage. Acute bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and move to the brain and spinal cord. It can also happen if bacteria get into the meninges directly. An ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or quite rarely, some procedures can cause this.

A number of bacteria strains can cause acute bacterial meningitis, the most prevalent of which are:

Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Pneumococcus)

In the United States, this bacterium is the most prevalent cause of bacterial meningitis in newborns, young children, and adults. It is more likely to cause pneumonia, ear infections, or sinus infections. This infection can be prevented with the use of a vaccination.

Haemophilus Influenzae (Haemophilus)

The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was once the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, however, due to the new Hib vaccines, the frequency of cases of this kind of meningitis has decreased dramatically.

Neisseria Meningitidis (Meningococcus)

Another common cause of bacterial meningitis is this bacterium. These bacteria generally cause an upper respiratory illness, but when they circulate, they can cause meningococcal meningitis. This is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects teenagers and young adults. You can prevent this infection with vaccination. Anyone who has had direct contact with a person who has meningococcal meningitis should receive an oral antibiotic to prevent the disease, even if they have been vaccinated.

Listeria Monocytogenes (Listeria)

Unpasteurized cheeses, hot dogs, and lunchmeats all contain these microorganisms. Pregnant women, babies, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable. Listeria can pass through the placenta, and infections in late pregnancy can be dangerous for the infant.

Viral Meningitis

Meningitis caused by a virus is usually mild and goes away on its own. The majority of infections in the United States are caused by enteroviruses, which are most prevalent in the late summer and early fall. Viruses like herpes simplex, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus, and others can cause viral meningitis.

Parasitic Meningitis

Eosinophilic meningitis is an uncommon kind of meningitis caused by parasites. A tapeworm infection in the brain (cysticercosis) or cerebral malaria can potentially induce parasitic meningitis. Amoebic meningitis is a rare type of meningitis that can be gotten by swimming in fresh water and can quickly turn severe. Animals are usually infected with the primary parasites that cause meningitis. In most cases, people become infected by consuming parasite-infested foods. Parasitic meningitis does not transfer from person to person.

Chronic Meningitis

Chronic meningitis is caused by slow-growing organisms (such as fungus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) invading the membranes and fluid around your brain. Meningitis that lasts two weeks or longer is known as chronic meningitis. Chronic meningitis has comparable signs and symptoms to acute meningitis, such as headache, fever, vomiting, and inability to focus.

Fungal Meningitis

It is relatively uncommon and could be mistaken for acute bacterial meningitis. Inhaling fungal spores found in soil, decomposing wood, and bird droppings is a common way to contract it. It is impossible to spread fungus meningitis from one person to another. Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal form of meningitis that affects persons with immunological weaknesses like AIDS.

Symptoms of Meningitis

fluSymptoms of early meningitis can be mistaken for the flu (influenza). Symptoms may appear over a period of hours or days. Anyone above the age of two may experience the following signs and symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of meningitis:

  • Neck Stiffness
  • A severe headache that does not appear to be normal
  • Headache accompanied with nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion or inability to concentrate
  • Seizures
  • A hard time waking up
  • Light sensitivity
  • No desire to eat or drink
  • Rashes on the skin

Causes of Meningitis

Meningitis is most commonly caused by viral infections, followed by bacterial infections and, less frequently, fungal and parasite diseases. Because bacterial infections can be fatal, it’s important to find out what’s triggering them. Less common causes include:

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Syphilis
  • Cancer medications
  • Drug allergies
  • Chemical reactions
  • Tuberculosis

Risk Factors of Meningitis

Age

The majority of viral meningitis cases occur in children under the age of five. Bacterial meningitis is common in people under the age of twenty.

Community Setting

Meningococcal meningitis is more common among college students living in dorms, military personnel, and children in boarding schools and child care centers. This is most likely due to the bacterium’s ability to spread swiftly through big populations via the respiratory pathway.

Immune System Dysfunction

AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, immunosuppressive drugs, and other immune-system-altering conditions make you more susceptible to meningitis. Having your spleen removed raises your risk, so anyone without one should get vaccinated to reduce their risk.

Not Getting Vaccinated

Anyone who has not completed the recommended childhood or adult vaccination program is at greater risk.

Pregnancy

Listeriosis, an infection caused by listeria bacteria that can lead to meningitis, is more likely to occur during pregnancy. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and early birth are all increased by listeriosis.

Complications of Meningitis

Complications from meningitis can be severe. The longer you or your child goes without therapy, the higher the chance of seizures and lasting neurological damage, such as:

  • Hearing loss
  • Memory difficulty
  • Brain damage
  • Learning disabilities
  • Difficulty walking
  • Seizures
  • Kidney failure
  • Shock
  • Death

How to Diagnose Meningitis

Imaging

Swelling or inflammation of the head can be seen on computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. X-rays or CT scans of the chest or sinuses may also reveal an infection linked to meningitis.

Lumbar Puncture

A spinal tap to obtain cerebrospinal fluid is required for a definite diagnosis of meningitis (CSF). The CSF of meningitis patients frequently has a low sugar (glucose) level, as well as an increased white blood cell count and protein level. Your doctor may be able to determine which bacterium caused meningitis by analyzing your CSF.

Blood Sample

syringeA blood sample is placed in a specific dish to see if it grows bacteria or other germs.

How to Prevent Meningitis

Coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush, or a cigarette can all spread bacteria or viruses that cause meningitis. Here are some preventive measures:

Wash your Hands Regularly

Hand-washing is vital in preventing the spread of germs. Teach children to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom, as well as after handling animals or spending time in a crowded public location. Show children how to wash and rinse their hands properly and thoroughly.

Maintain Good Hygiene

You should not share straws, dining utensils, lip balms, and toothbrushes with others.

Get Vaccinated

Take immunizations against infections that might cause bacterial meningitis, such as the flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Live Healthily

Get enough rest, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your immune system strong.

Now that you Know…

Viral meningitis normally clears up on its own and rarely causes long-term complications. Most patients with bacterial meningitis who are treated early recover completely, while some have substantial long-term complications. In general, up to one out of every ten cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal.