Meningitis Know The Signs (Meningitis)

Member Name: ickleannie

Product:	Meningitis
Date:	28/01/09 (265 review reads)
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Advantages: Potential Killer

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Meningitis is a killer and I am writing this review, not to scare, but hopefully as a useful information resource to remind people what to look out for if this infection is suspected. I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing an acute case of this recently involving one of my friend's children (who thankfully is doing great now). However I won't lie to you it was an extremely distressing and terrifying experience for all involved. A common effect of meningitis is that initially the symptoms tend to resemble the flu so people are unaware of its progression until it has become quite a serious infection. I however can't stress enough how imperative it is to catch this condition quickly as this will result in more effective overall management of the infection once admitted to hospital.

What is meningitis?

This condition affects the covering layers of the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It can be caused by a virus, bacterium or fungi. Although other forms of meningitis exist the two most common versions are Viral meningitis and Bacterial Meningitis.
Viral meningitis is the most common type, and it has to be pointed out the least serious form of the condition. It most commonly affects babies and children who are less than a year old. This type normally gets better by itself within a couple of weeks and does not often require medical intervention or treatment.
Bacterial Meningitis however is extremely serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. The reason for this is that if it is left untreated it can cause severe damage to the brain, furthermore it can infect the blood with a condition called Septicaemia which can ultimately lead to death. Treatment for this type of meningitis must be very swift and will require immediate admission to an Intensive care unit, primarily to ensure that the body's functions are supported, usually on a ventilator, and where antibiotics can be administered to fight the infection. Unfortunately death can occur in about one in ten of these cases due to symptoms being missed which ultimately can cause a delay in treatment. Although it is possible for some younger children and older adults to develop this infection it is most common in children under three and in teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15-24.

Signs and Symptoms?

Unfortunately a lot of the classic signs of meningitis can be missed, this is due to them being similar to normal flu symptoms. If you have young babies and Toddlers at home it is imperative that you watch out for any of the following signs. It should however be noted that not all of these symptoms may be experienced and if there is any doubt then a medical professional should be contacted without delay.

Look Out For!!

Fever, Cold hands and feet, Refusal of Food,Vomiting, Pale Blotchy Skin ,Fretful Not Wanting To Be Handled. A Bulging Fontanel - soft part of the front of babies head, Floppy, Listless, Unresponsive, Drowsy Difficult to Wake, Spots/Rash (Look at The Glass Test Section), Rapid breathing or grunting. Unusual cry/moaning.

In the case of suspected Meningitis in older children and adults look for the same symptoms as with babies and toddlers above however in addition there may also be some of the following.

Confusion and irritability, Severe muscle pain,Stomach cramps and diarrhoea, Severe headache.Stiff neck and adversion to bright lights.

The Glass Test?

Watch out for tiny red or brown pin prick marks which can change into purple blotches or blood blisters. The rash can appear anywhere on the body and can develop very quickly.This is an extremely simple test to carry out however please also bear in mind that a rash may not appear immediately or sometimes not at all. If a rash appears press a glass tumbler firmly against the rash, as a result of this you will be able to see if the rash fades and loses its colour under the pressure. If it does not change colour you will be able to see the rash through the glass. Seek medical advice immediately. The rash can be harder to see on dark skin, so check for spots over the whole body, especially on paler areas like palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, on the tummy, inside the eyelids, and on the roof of the mouth.

Early Warning Symptoms Quick Refresher

In the first few hours (up to 8 hours for adolescents) look out for fever, nausea, vomiting, irritability, runny nose and a sore throat.
In the 7-12 hour period look out for leg pain, cold hands and feet, mottled or pale skin. These are IMPORTANT SIGNS OF SEPTICAEMIA.
In the 13-22 hour period : rash, impaired consciousness and stiff neck.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT EVERY BABY GETS ALL THESE SYMPTOMS AND THAT THE SYMPTOMS CAN APPEAR IN ANY ORDER.


Finally

If you have any concerns or require further information on this topic then contact your GP, Health Visitor or Practice Nurse. There is a wallet sized card that has been produced which highlights the main signs and symptoms of Meningitis, this is a useful resource to keep handy. There are several useful websites on this topic and while researching for this review I would recommend the following as good sources of information.

www.meningitis-trust.org
www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/meningitis2
www.nursingstandard.co.uk


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Summary: Update Your Knowledge