Meningitis is defined as inflammation of the membrane known as the 'meninges', which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The most common symptoms are high fever, severe headache and stiffness in the neck. Causative agents include viruses, bacteria and parasites. Some meningitis is minor enough to get better on its own, while others can be serious enough to be life-threatening. It is more common in infants, children and young people.
Mixed vaccinations during childhood are a preventive factor against many bacteria that can cause disease. However, parents should pay attention to the symptoms of the disease. It is very important to start treatment without wasting time and causing permanent damage. Some symptoms resemble the flu in the early stages. After a certain period of time, the actual symptoms become apparent. Common meningitis symptoms are as follows:
- Severe headache
- Sudden vomiting
- High fever
- Stiffening of the neck
- Neck pain and stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light and inability to look
- convulsions and convulsions
- Trembling and breathing too fast
- Pain in joints and muscles
- Focus problem
- Loss of consciousness or blurred consciousness
Symptoms of meningitis in newborn babies are as follows:
- Long and continuous crying
- High fever
- Irritability and constant sleepiness
- Loss of appetite
- Bulging and swelling of the fontanel
- Stiffness in the body and neck
- Problems waking up
- Having trouble moving
Causes and Types of Meningitis
The causes vary depending on the type of disease. The disease is mostly caused by viruses. Later, bacteria and parasites can cause it. Viruses, bacteria and parasites can be transmitted in many ways. The most common ways are coughing, kissing and sneezing. Items in common use can also cause contamination. They can also be transmitted through poorly cleaned and shared plates, spoons and forks. Viruses and bacteria mostly enter the body through the mouth, then the nose and ears. They then reach the brain and cause an infection on the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In case of illness, the person should be treated immediately. The types can be explained as follows:
- Pneumococcus: usually occurs in the respiratory tract, sinuses or nasal cavity. This bacterium can cause pneumonia and is one of the causes of meningitis. The disease it causes is called pneumococcus. It mostly develops as a result of otitis media, pneumonia and sinusitis.
- Meningococcus: It causes this disease as a result of the bacteria, which are mostly in the upper respiratory tract, passing into the blood and reaching the brain membranes. The immune system of babies does not develop much, which causes this type. The risk of occurrence increases in the 15-20 age range. It can cause epidemics in military barracks, dormitories and schools where students stay together.
- Listeria: It can be transmitted through cheese, sandwiches or other foods. It can cause infection in pregnant women, elderly people, infants and people with low or weak immunity. It can cause fatal effects for the baby during pregnancy.
What are the risk factors for meningitis?
Many bacterial meningitis factors can be prevented by vaccination. Babies who are not vaccinated are at serious risk. The risk factors of the disease are as follows;
- Unvaccinated babies put themselves and the community at risk.
- Pregnancy period
- Elderly
- Living in collective places such as dormitories and barracks
- Nurseries
- Drugs that lower immunity such as AIDS, diabetes, alcohol
In addition, infants and children are at risk of infection and transmission. Sneezing, coughing, touching, kissing, sharing kitchen utensils and similar things are risk factors. There is a risk of getting the disease many times.
How is meningitis diagnosed and treated?
Physical examination, blood test, brain tomography and lumbar puncture may be necessary to determine the disease. The treatment process should be in the hospital. How long this process may take varies. Generally, cases detected early show a quick recovery. Post-treatment effects may persist for a long time and may take time to resolve. In cases of complications, different treatments are used.
What are the Complications of Meningitis?
Complications can be severe. If a parent or child has the disease, the longer it is left untreated and delayed, the more life-threatening and life-threatening it can be. These complications include
- Hearing problems
- Damage to the brain
- Vision problems
- Memory and memory problems
- Problems with walking
- Kidney failure
- Epilepsy
- Death