Meningitis

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*Overview

-Meningitis is a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection that causes the inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding brain and spinal cords. Some symptoms include headache, fever, and stiff neck. Depending on the cause, some cases of meningitis improve without treatment while others can be life-threatening and require emergency antibiotic treatment 

*Causes

-Meningitis is mostly caused by viral infections, followed by bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. Among these causes, bacterial infections can lead to death

-Bacterial meningitis

+Bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain or spinal cord, causing bacterial meningitis. However, bacterial meningitis cal aldo occur when bacteria directly attack the meninges which could be caused by ear or sinus infection, skull injury, or rarely some surgeries 

-Strains of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis:

+Streptococcus pneumonia: this bacterium usually causes pneumonia and ear infections. It also causes bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults. But we currently have a vaccine the prevent this infection

+Neisseria meningitidis: these bacteria commonly cause an upper respiratory infection, but can also cause meningitis when they invade the bloodstream. A vaccine can help prevent these bacteria, but you should receive an oral antibiotic if you have been in close contact with an infected person

+Haemophilus influenzae: this is also one of the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children, but a new vaccines have reduced the number of cases of this type of meningitis 

+Listeria monocytogenes: these bacteria present in cheeses, hot dogs, meats. It mainly affects people with pregnant, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems

-Viral meningitis: most cases are caused by a group of viruses named enteroviruses. They are common in late summer and early fall. But this type of infection is mild and usually clears on its own

-Fungal meningitis: it is often contracted by breathing in fungal spores that may be found in soil, decaying wood and bird droppings. It affects people with weakened immune systems. It can cause death if not treated properly with an antifungal medicine

+Parasitic meningitis: this type is rare. It can be caused by a tapeworm infection in the brain or cerebral malaria. It is also sometimes contracted through swimming in fresh water and can become life-threatening if left untreated. The main parasites that cause meningitis typically infect animals. People are usually infected by eating foods contaminated with these parasites.

*Symptoms

-Severe headache 

-High fever

-Trouble waking from sleep

-Poor feeding

-Vomiting

-Making you feel sluggish

-Stiffness in the body and neck

-Constant crying and being very sleepy or irritable 

+Bacterial meningitis can cause death within days without proper antibiotic treatment. Delayed treatment also put you into the risk of having permanent brain damage. Thus, it is crucial to take to doctor when you have these symptoms

*Risk factors

-Skipping vaccinations: you should complete the recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule

-Living in a community setting: people with this living type are at greater risk of meningitis since the bacterium probably is spread through the respiratory route, and quickly through the crowds or large groups of people

-Age: most cases of meningitis occur in children younger than 5 years old. It is common in those under age 20

-Pregnancy: the infection increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery

-Weakened immune system: you should take care of your immune system

*Prevention

-Wash hands

-Practice good hygiene 

-Having healthy diet and lifestyle 

-Cover mouth when you need it cough or sneeze

-Be careful with your diet when you are pregnant 

-Being vaccinated

*Complications

-Meningitis can be severe. The longer you has the disease without treatment, the greater risk of experiencing permanent brain damage or even death

+Hearing or memory loss

+Learning disabilities or physical limitations 

+Kidney failure

+Seizures