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

By Cornelia Reyes


Most people confuse the signs and symptoms of meningitis from those of other medical conditions such as influenza. As a matter of fact, an outbreak will mostly be characterized by a flu-like infection or illness, hence the huge confusion. The need to be alert and learn the characteristic signs can never be overemphasized enough. This ensures you act quickly and the right measures are taken on time, a move that can actually save a life.

The main causes of this condition are not known; even so, there is reason to believe they are as a result of bacterial, viral, and sometimes fungal infections. Fungal infections are quite rare, though, while their bacterial counterparts are the most common and most life-threatening of all cases. Again, it is important for your doctor to know the actual cause of your specific signs and symptoms so that the right treatment plan may be formulated.

Some of the risk factors associated with the condition include skipping vaccinations. The risk of developing this medical condition rises if one does not complete the recommended adult or childhood vaccinations on time. It is also associated with age, with most cases affecting children below the age of 5. Statistically, bacterial meningitis will affect people below the age of 20, particularly those living in society settings.

If you are living in a community setting, e. G. In a military camp, in a dormitory, or in child care facilities you may also be at a high risk of contracting the disease. This is because the bacteria is spread through the respiratory tract and will often spread quickly when large groups assemble.

Expectant mothers are also at a very high risk, thanks to the listeria bacteria. These bacteria makes expectant mothers vulnerable to listerioris, a condition that can lead to the disease if not well addressed on time. It goes without saying that the disease can be passed down to the unborn kid.

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.

Stiff neck, sudden high fever, seizures, sensitivity to light, difficulty waking up or sleepiness, difficulty concentrating or confusion, vomiting or nausea sometimes accompanied by headache, very severe headache that cannot be confused with a "normal" headache, skin rashes, very high fever and irritability. These are associated with an infection of those above the age of 2.

Newborns and toddlers on the other hand may experience a swollen fontanel, abnormal sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding habits, sudden high fever, stiff body and neck and constant crying, which could be an indication of the same.

You should seek urgent medical condition when you notice such signs and symptoms of meningitis like sudden high fever, severe and unrelenting headache, vomiting, confusion, and stiff neck. While the cause may not always be meningitis, getting a clean bill of health from your doctor, or seeking early treatment at the onset of the condition, will always improve the chances of complete healing and of course ease the pain that comes with the condition.




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