MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN
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MENINGITIS
Meningitis is a health issue caused by an inflammation of the meninges, the thin membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. This problem is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that affects the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
SYMPTOMS OF MENINGITIS Fever Headache Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Lack of Energy Stiff Neck Jaundice (yellowish skin) Vomiting Refusing to eat Poor feeding Seizures
TYPES OF MENINGITIS Although meningitis can be caused by bacteria and viruses, fungi and parasites can also produce this inflammation. In any case, all kinds of meningitis spread as most other common infections do. Bacterial meningitis can be dangerous, but viral meningitis tends to be less severe, and most people can recover completely without treatment. Fungal meningitis is an infection that usually occurs in patients with weakened body’s defenses.
Several vaccines against many types of meningitis have been developed, including vaccines for Neisseria meningitides and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Experts recommend that all children get these vaccines. It is important to note that the bacteria that cause meningitis can spread when infected patients cough or sneeze.
VACCINES
EVOLUTION The initial signs and symptoms of meningitis are similar to many other typical pediatric diseases: fever, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, chills, general malaise, and muscle aches. For this reason, the risk of this infection is because its symptoms are unspecific in its initial stages. Later, as meningitis develops, typical meningeal signs appear such as a stiff neck with intense pain and projectile vomiting without prior nausea. Then lethargy and stupor can appear, as well as seizures. The patient may also present petechiae, tiny reddish spots caused by a viral infection. However, if these lesions increase in size rapidly, they indicate the development of bacterial meningitis.
MOST MENINGITIS CASES END WITHIN 7-10 DAYS. SOME PATIENTS MAY NEED TREATMENT IN A HOSPITAL. TREATMENT IS USUALLY AIMED AT RELIEVING SYMPTOMS AND INCLUDES REST, LIQUIDS, AND PAIN RELIEVERS.
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