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

By Cornelia Reyes


Meningitis is a serious and life threatening medical condition mostly characterized by flu-like illnesses and infections. This explains the reason why many people confuse the signs and symptoms of meningitis from those of influenza. As is always advisable when you notice any uncomfortable signs and symptoms, you should visit your doctor immediately. Whether it is meningitis, flu or any other condition, at least you will be assured of getting the right treatment plan.

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.

Considering the fact that the disease causing bacteria spreads very fast through the respiratory tract, it means people living in community settings are at a high risk of getting infected. Such settings include dormitories, child care facilities and military camps. This explains the outbreak patterns in most situations when large groups congregate.

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:-

There characteristics associated with adults and kids above the age of 2 and others mostly associated with toddlers and newborns. If you experience, or your loved one experiences a sudden high fever, nausea and vomiting accompanied by a very severe and pounding headache, seizures, stiff neck, light sensitivity, sleepiness or difficulty being fully awake, confusion and difficulty concentrating, and skin rashes, it could be an indication of this condition.

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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