Recognizing meningitis - if you have this symptom, you should go straight to the doctor
Created: 02/23/2022, 10:11 am
By: Laura Wittstruck
Meningitis initially manifests itself like the flu.
© Imago
Meningitis is highly contagious.
If bacteria are the trigger, it is also very dangerous – how you can recognize it.
In meningitis, or meningitis, the meninges or spinal cord become inflamed, sometimes at the same time.
Viruses and bacteria are common triggers of the disease.
Bacterial meningitis
is
a life-threatening emergency.
In the beginning, the symptoms of the two forms are similar, which is why those affected should urgently seek medical help at the first sign of meningitis.
In some cases, the inflammation spreads to the brain.
Then doctors speak of
meningoencephalitis
.
This condition is also life-threatening and should be treated immediately in a hospital.
Meningitis: Which pathogens trigger it?
Various viruses or bacteria can be responsible for meningitis.
Viral meningitis
is caused, for
example, by herpes*, mumps or enteroviruses.
Pathogens that cause bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, are
meningococci or pneumococci
.
In some cases, pathogens such as fungi can also trigger meningitis.
If bacteria or viruses are responsible, meningitis is very contagious.
Like other pathogens, they are mainly transmitted by
droplet infection
- for example when coughing, sneezing or kissing.
According to
apotheken-umschau.de
, people with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible.
Young children and adolescents are also affected more often than adults.
There are now vaccinations
against some triggers
of meningitis – this is the case, for example, with meningococci and pneumococci.
Also Read:
"Grandmother Neurons": Groundbreaking Discovery in Brain Cells.
Meningitis: These symptoms are characteristic
The first signs of meningitis are similar to those of
flu*.
According to
the Apothekenumschau
, they appear after about three to four days.
Those affected often have a high fever, and severe headaches and body aches can also occur.
Nausea and vomiting are also possible.
Finally, the characteristic complaints appear:
Stiff neck:
those affected can no longer bend their head down, severe pain occurs when they try.
Neurological problems:
Dizziness, confusion, but also epileptic seizures are possible.
Meningitis in Babies
: Young children rarely experience neck stiffness, but symptoms such as a bulging fontanel, vomiting, drowsiness, and convulsions can occur.
Meningitis caused by meningococci:
If meningococci are the trigger, there may be pinpoint bleeding on the skin.
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This therapy helps with meningitis
Meningitis caused by bacteria can lead to a life-threatening situation.
This is because it is often accompanied by
serious complications such as sepsis
.
In extreme cases, it can even lead to death within a few hours by causing cardiovascular failure or septic shock.
As soon as meningitis is suspected, the doctor treats the affected person with an
antibiotic*
- this is also given to close relatives as a precaution.
The situation is different with viral meningitis.
Medicines are only available for certain pathogens.
Those affected usually recover on their own within fourteen days.
The doctor often only treats the symptoms that are associated with it - for example with painkillers.
(lw) *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.
