Spotting meningitis can be tricky, and it can be easy for your little one to develop it without you knowing. Thatâs because the early warning signs and symptoms are almost identical to the flu.
Donât worry though. By getting to know the signs and symptoms, you can ensure your child gets the right treatment before it becomes serious. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges; the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, and sometimes by illness and certain medication. It spreads like colds and flu, when someone whoâs infected touches, kisses, sneezes or coughs on you.
Common signs:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Drowsiness.
- A small appetite.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Sensitivity to bright light.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Neck stiffness.
More severe symptoms include coma and seizure.
Watch out for these signs in toddlers: â¨
A refusal to be fed, irritable when picked up, a fever, and a bulging soft spot on their head, and moaning and crying.
Preventing meningitis is the best way to work against it. Remember, not every child gets the same symptoms and they can appear in any order.
Make sure your little ones wash their hands often with soap and warm water. Encourage this, particularly after using the bathroom; when theyâve been around other kids, and when theyâve been in contact with a sick person. Teach them not to share food, utensils and drinks with anyone who is, or has recently been, sick.
If you suspect your child or anyone else has meningitis, you should:
- Take them to your doctor immediately.
- If you canât get there right away, call a doctor and describe the symptoms.
- Go to the nearest emergency room if your doctor isnât available.
Treatmentâ¨
If a doctor suspects your child has meningitis, he will do tests. A sample from the spinal cord is usually taken. This can show signs of inflammation and infection due to a virus or bacteria. Blood samples may also be taken to check for bacterial infections in the blood. Sometimes, imaging of the head is done to check for swelling and inflammation around the brain.
There are two kinds of meningitis, viral and bacterial. Depending on which kind your child has, heâll be treated a certain way.
Bacterialâ¨
Severe bacterial meningitis is very serious and must be treated immediately with antibiotics. It helps reduce the risk of complications like brain swelling and seizures. The type of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria that caused the infection. The sinus may be drained if thereâs a build-up of mucus and infection.
In some cases, doctors may give an antibiotic to someone whoâs been around an ill person with bacterial meningitis to prevent them from developing the disease themselves.
Viral meningitisâ¨
Unfortunately, antibiotics canât be used for viral meningitis, but mild cases usually clear up on their own. It can be treated with bed rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter pain medication.