Meningitis and Its Cure
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 614, Word Count: 530,
Meningitis is a type of infection in the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. This infection in caused by viruses, bacteria, and /or other microorganisms. Meningitis is a life-threatening infection because of the inflammation's nearness to the brain and spinal cord which are very important part of our body. As a result, this condition is known to be a medical emergency. Let’s now focus on meningitis and its cure.
Meningitis
- Bacterial meningitis is rare and can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Viral meningitis is relatively common and far less serious.
- Meningitis often remains undetected due to its symptoms which are very common to flu.
- Kids can get meningitis, and it can be spread among persons living in close quarters.
Symptoms of Meningitis
· Meningitis symptoms vary, depending on the age and cause of the infection
· The first symptoms of bacterial or viral meningitis are runny nose, diarrhea or vomiting. Common symptoms are :
- Stiff neck
- Skin rashes
- Seizures
- Fever
- Lethargy (decreased consciousness)
- Irritability
- Headache
- Photophobia (eye sensitivity to light)
Treatment for Curing Meningitis
When meningitis is suspected, do all the laboratory tests to help make the exact diagnosis. It includes lumbar puncture to collect spinal fluid. Curing of meningitis can be made possible using the following ways.
Initial Treatment
1. In case of meningococcal disease of meningitis, the doctor will recommend benzyl penicillin.
2. Mechanical ventilation may be required if there is very low consciousness or respiratory failure.
3. Seizures in meningitis are treated with anticonvulsants
4. The choice of treatment depends on the type of bacteria
5. There is also a choice of Empirical therapy for meningitis which depends on the age of the patient and head injury.
6. Ampicillin is recommended to cover Listeria monocytogenes
7. Tuberculous meningitis needs more treatment with antibiotics. Tuberculous meningitis can be treated with corticosteroids.
Steroids for Curing Meningitis
1. Meningitis treatment with corticosteroids, for e.g.dexamethasone help to reduce the rates of mortality.
2. corticosteroids are optional in dealing with pediatric meningitis.
Viral Meningitis Treatment
1. Viral meningitis naturally requires supportive therapy only
2. Viruses responsible for meningitis are not open to specific treatment. Viral meningitis needs more care than bacterial meningitis.
3. Herpes simplex virus and /or varicella zoster virus sometimes give positive response to antiviral drugs, sasaciclovir, etc.
4. Mild cases of viral meningitis are easy to treat at home with the help of bed rest, and analgesics.
Fungal Meningitis Treatment
Cryptococcal meningitis is treated using dosed antifungal, such as flucytosine and amphotericin B.
Prevention
Meningitis can be controlled by routine immunization. The vaccines available in the market help to protect against meningitis.
Many bacteria and viruses responsible for meningitis can be avoided by hygiene. Try to encourage your kids to wash hands thoroughly. In some cases, doctors can give antibiotics to a person who has been in close contact with meningitis patient.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT.
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