Meninges are the layer of tissues which encloses the spinal cord and brain. In instances where the tissues as well as the cerebrospinal fluid become infected it results to meningitis. It is characterized with swelling of the meninges which can be cause by a viral or bacterial infection. Severity of the condition depends on the cause of meningitis. Symptoms of meningitis may work out in a few weeks or it may lead to life threatening situation which calls for medical attention immediately.
The most common type of meningitis is the viral meningitis which usually works out on its own with or without medication. The other type of meningitis which is more serious is the bacterial meningitis. This type of meningitis requires immediate treatment and needs close monitoring especially for children and infants. If your infant exhibits symptoms of bacterial meningitis then it should be evaluated fast by your doctor.
Symptoms of Meningitis in Infants
The most common symptom for meningitis for infant is high fever. Temperature can range from above normal or too high that the infant may chill from high temperature. Do not just give any fever reducing medicine but always consult your doctor first. Because of high temperature, infant can be extremely lethargic. Baby may sleep more than usual.
In the early stages of meningitis, infants may develop gastrointestinal and upper respiratory symptoms. In effect it may vomit or gets nauseated. You can detect infant when nauseated if they lip smack, excessive drooling or dry heaving.
The marked symptoms of meningitis are a stiff neck although it can be difficult for you to detect it in infants since infants may not turn their heads that often yet. Newborns are still too young for it to have controls of their neck but you may observe that infant will cry whenever the neck and head are moved. Also you may observe the soft spot in the infant’s head to be bulging.
If an infant has meningitis, it may lose its interest with food as well as water. This can lead to serious complications especially since they have fever. At this time an infant should be drinking a lot of fluids so as not to dehydrate. Always seek your doctor if you observe that your baby is not wetting diapers as often as it should because this can be a sign of dehydration.
Infants with meningitis may be difficult to comfort. They are irritable and they might now want to be constantly cuddled or moved for movement may worsen the pain. If you see any sign of internal bleeding seek medical attention immediately. Some infants may also experience seizures.
If you think your newborn or infant is exhibiting some or all of the symptoms mentioned above then consult your doctor immediately. Do not risk your baby’s life by just giving them home remedy medicines. Conditions like this always need the guidance of your doctor.
Prevention is always best and today scientist has never stop doing their research and study in this medical field. Recently a study is conducted by Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute headed by Peter Beernink, PhD and Dan Granoff, MD. This study provides a strong foundation for a development of new meningococcal vaccines (Journal of Immunology 2011).