The Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis, The Causes And Risk Factors

By Cornelia Reyes


Meningitis is a serious and life threatening medical condition mostly characterized by flu-like illnesses and infections. This explains the reason why many people confuse the signs and symptoms of meningitis from those of influenza. As is always advisable when you notice any uncomfortable signs and symptoms, you should visit your doctor immediately. Whether it is meningitis, flu or any other condition, at least you will be assured of getting the right treatment plan.

The causes of the disease are categorized into 3: bacterial, viral, and very rarely, fungal infections. Bacterial infections are the most common and unfortunately the most life-threatening. As the name may suggest, these are infections caused by bacteria. It is important for your doctor to properly diagnose the actual cause of the infection so that the right treatment plan can be taken.

Skipping vaccinations, whether as a kid or an adult, will certainly make you vulnerable and so is age. According to statistics, meningitis is most common in kids under the age of five, and those below the age of 20, especially if they are living in community settings. This gets even worse if any scheduled vaccinations had been skipped previously for whatever reasons.

Research shows that the risk factors are also very high for people living in community settings such as in dormitories, military camps and childcare facilities. The reason for this is because the disease causing bacteria spreads quite fast via the respiratory tract. This means it will be widespread in a community setting when people assemble.

Pregnancy is also a known factor, mainly because of the listeriosis bacteria which often contributes to bacterial infections in expectant mothers. There is enough reason to believe it can lead to meningitis in expectant mothers, and which can equally affect the unborn child.

People living with compromised immune systems, e. G. Those with HIV/AIDs, diabetes, alcoholics, or those using immunosuppressant medication are also at a very high risk of getting the condition. Having said that, the following are some of the most common signs and symptoms that you should look out for.

There characteristics associated with adults and kids above the age of 2 and others mostly associated with toddlers and newborns. If you experience, or your loved one experiences a sudden high fever, nausea and vomiting accompanied by a very severe and pounding headache, seizures, stiff neck, light sensitivity, sleepiness or difficulty being fully awake, confusion and difficulty concentrating, and skin rashes, it could be an indication of this condition.

For newborns and toddlers, the symptoms could be irritability, poor feeding, crying regularly which worsens when the toddler is picked, excessive/abnormal sleepiness, extremely high fever, stiff neck and stiff parts of the body, and a swell in the fontanel.

Urgent medical attention should be sought at the onset of the most common signs and symptoms of meningitis namely persistent and very severe headache, sudden high fever, confusion, stiff neck and vomiting. While these signs could be an indication of any other medical condition, it is always good to get clearance from your general practitioner. Needless to mention, whether for meningitis or any other medical condition, getting treatment on time increases your chances of getting healed early enough.




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