Understanding The Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis

By Kathryn Neal


The signs and symptoms of meningitis are not easy to spot. This is because the disease has symptoms that are somehow identical to those of flu. It would be imperative to know the assurance signs of the ailment. This could play a great role in helping save a life. You should be familiar with the fact that there are two types of meningitis: viral and bacterial.

The disease causes the inflammation of the membrane coating of the spinal cord and the brain. This lining is referred to as the meninges. Bacterial meningitis shows its indicators within a few hours or a few days. The viral version of this disease normally develops faster over a few days. You can differentiate the two types of this illness by going for medical tests. You will also be able to tell because they have different warning indicators.

Meningitis is a serious illness that can result in the death of a patient. You must seek the services of a specialist immediately you develop suspicions. Early treatment saves lives and complete recovery in young children. The signs as well as the symptoms of this condition do not present themselves in any pattern or at the same time.

Bacterial meningitis can be fatal. This is because its warning signs show suddenly and get worse very rapidly. It would be best to call for an ambulance the minute you make any suspicions. There are several signs that you should expect to see before the symptoms show. They include muscle pains and pain in joints and limbs, shivering, cold feet and hands, blue lips, pale or blotchy skin and fever.

After a patient shows the signs of illness, the following symptoms may be experienced after a short while. They include nausea, vomiting, severe headache and a general feeling of being unwell. Any temperature above 38 degrees Celsius should be considered as a fever in children and adults.

When the condition of a patient worsens, he or she may experience confusion, photophobia, stiffness of ones neck, seizures or drowsiness. Photophobia and stiffening of the neck rarely occur in children. Other warning signals include blotchy red rashes and rapid breathing. In infants, the child may become unresponsive or develop erratic movements. He or she may also not want to be held and will cry a lot. The child may vomit, sleep a lot, refuse to feed and maintain a blank staring look.

Viral meningitis makes a patient to experience symptoms that resemble those of a mild flu. The patient may experience fever, headaches and a general feeling of being sick. In severe cases vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, photophobia, neck stiffness, muscle pains or joint pains may be experienced.

The signs and symptoms of meningitis may vary depending on the stage of condition. It is important to know that the bacterial version of the disease can cause septicaemia. This is also referred to as blood poisoning. You should also know that anyone could get the ailment because it is not hereditary. The ailment is considered to be neither airborne nor waterborne though it is contagious.




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