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.
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.
Last but not least, a compromised immune system, say as a result of diabetes, alcoholism, AIDs, and the use of immunosuppressant drugs can also make one susceptible to the condition. Having said that, some of the notable signs and symptoms of meningitis that you should watch out for include:-
Sudden high fever, stiff neck, seizures, sleepiness or difficulty waking up, high sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, confusion and difficulty in concentrating, very severe headache, skin rashes and irritability. As previously mentioned, this condition mostly affects people between the age of 5 and 20 and these are the common symptoms associated with it.
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.
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.
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.
Last but not least, a compromised immune system, say as a result of diabetes, alcoholism, AIDs, and the use of immunosuppressant drugs can also make one susceptible to the condition. Having said that, some of the notable signs and symptoms of meningitis that you should watch out for include:-
Sudden high fever, stiff neck, seizures, sleepiness or difficulty waking up, high sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, confusion and difficulty in concentrating, very severe headache, skin rashes and irritability. As previously mentioned, this condition mostly affects people between the age of 5 and 20 and these are the common symptoms associated with it.
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.
About the Author:
In order to become informed about the signs and symptoms of meningitis, you should review the following site www.meningitis-angels.org. We have all the relevant information about this ailment at http://www.meningitis-angels.org.
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