The signs and symptoms of meningitis are not easy to spot. This is because the disease has symptoms that are somehow identical to those of flu. It would be imperative to know the assurance signs of the ailment. This could play a great role in helping save a life. You should be familiar with the fact that there are two types of meningitis: viral and bacterial.
When the membrane lining of the spinal cord as well as the brain become inflamed, this condition is referred to as meningitis. The membrane in question is known as meninges. When a patient suffers from bacterial meningitis, there are signs that may begin showing within a few hours or a few days. The viral type of this disease advances more rapidly over a few days. Medical experts have the expertise to help patients know the kind of ailment they have. Since the symptoms are also not the same, this could help a patient to know whether he or she has the viral or bacterial version of the disease.
It is important to know that the illness can cause death. It is therefore wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early treatment can save a patient from death and even result to complete recovery in children. Remember that the signs of meningitis do not appear in any format or at one go.
Bacterial meningitis can be fatal. This is because its warning signs show suddenly and get worse very rapidly. It would be best to call for an ambulance the minute you make any suspicions. There are several signs that you should expect to see before the symptoms show. They include muscle pains and pain in joints and limbs, shivering, cold feet and hands, blue lips, pale or blotchy skin and fever.
After the signs have shown, the symptoms are bound to follow closely after. They include severe headache, vomiting, nausea and an overall feeling of being sick. The normal temperature for both children and adults is 38 degrees celsius. Anything above this could be the indication of a fever.
When the ailment worsens, patients experience drowsiness, photophobia, stiffness of the neck, confusion and seizures. Photophobia and neck stiffness is commonly not experienced by children. Other warning signs include fast breathing and spotted red rashes. When an infant is infected it becomes irritant, becomes unresponsive and makes jerky movements. The young child may refuse to feed, vomit, sleep during most times of day and night and maintain an expressionless stare.
The symptoms of both flu and viral meningitis are similar. Patients could experience fever, headaches and an overall sick feeling. In a later stage of this disease, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, neck stiffness and pain in limbs, joints and muscles is experienced.
The signs and symptoms of meningitis may vary depending on the stage of condition. It is important to know that the bacterial version of the disease can cause septicaemia. This is also referred to as blood poisoning. You should also know that anyone could get the ailment because it is not hereditary. The ailment is considered to be neither airborne nor waterborne though it is contagious.
You can visit the website www.meningitis-angels.org for more helpful information about Familiarizing Yourself With Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis