Meningitis is caused by the intrusion of germs into the body - usually viruses or bacteria. At the slightest suspicion of meningitis
you must call a child doctor as soon as possible.
ABC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DISEASE
Typical symptoms of meningitis
Typical symptoms are: poor general condition, high fever, headache, vomiting and, what is important, stiff neck. For example, the child resists when trying to bend his head to the chest, because it hurts him.
The brain is separated from the skull by three membranes - the so-called tires
A soft tire adheres directly to the brain tissue, the next layer is called arachnid, and the outermost is the so-called hard tire. As a result of infection of the meninges with viruses or bacteria - the inflammation of the soft and spider web and lesions in the cerebral chambers are generated. This inflammation is particularly dangerous to the health and life of infants and young children.
The symptoms of meningitis are:
♦ high fever,
♦ general poor condition of the child,
♦ headaches and vomiting.
The characteristic symptom is stiff neck
Due to the above reason and due to pain, the child does not allow the head to bend to the chest.
A bit of physiology
The brain is separated from the skull by three membranes - the so-called tires. A soft tire adheres directly to the brain tissue, the next layer is called Arachnid, and the outermost is a hard tire. All three are involved in bringing blood to the brain and shock absorption. Between the soft tire and the spider web is the space in which the cerebrospinal fluid circulates.
How does tire inflammation occur?
Usually due to a bacterial or viral infection. Inflammation can also be a complication of other diseases - for example, mumps, influenza, tick bites, etc. As we know, viruses are highly contagious! Therefore, although not every virus infection causes disease, it is better to avoid contact with people with these diseases.
What happens as a result of meningitis?
An inflammatory condition of the soft and spider vein is produced, and lesions in the subarachnoid space and in the ventricles of the brain. This inflammation is particularly dangerous to the health and life of infants and young children. Bacterial purulent inflammation is especially dangerous.
Bacterial (purulent) meningitis
The incidence of this type of meningitis is significant in Poland. Approximately 3000 people suffer annually (most often children up to 4 years of age). Symptoms of neonatal inflammation are very difficult to recognize due to non-characteristic symptoms.
Age and severe course of the disease
Bacterial meningitis is the harder the child is younger. The youngest infants usually have a poor general condition - the child feels sick. Symptoms typical of meningitis may not occur.
The correct diagnosis of the disease
Preliminary diagnosis of meningitis is based on symptoms and neurological examination. Ultimately, the diagnosis is determined after the so-called puncture, i.e. a lumbar puncture and a cerebrospinal fluid sample. Bacteriological analysis of the composition of this fluid allows to clearly state the inflammation of the tires and to take appropriate treatment.
Can you prevent a tire from being ignited by a vaccine?
The child can be vaccinated against one of the purulent meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae. In many countries, newborns and infants are vaccinated (the rhythm of vaccination is as against hepatitis B). If your child is one year old, one dose of the vaccine Act-HIB or Hiberix available in the country is enough.You can also protect yourself against some viral diseases that can be complicated by viral meningitis - before mumps, influenza and measles. A good protection against disease caused by a virus transmitted by ticks are available in Poland for vaccinations.
