What are the consequences of meningitis in children?

If a child develops meningitis, it is a serious condition and the child must go to the hospital for treatment in time. It cannot be treated at home. At the same time, everyone should also pay attention because many people do not know what meningitis is, so many parents do not pay much attention to it. So now the editor will give you a detailed introduction.

Meningitis is an infection of the central nervous system. The four most common pathogens that cause meningitis are: (1) viruses; (2) bacteria; (3) tuberculosis; and (4) fungi (molds). After being infected with these four pathogens, most people initially have the same symptoms: fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, etc. These symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, so they are often ignored, thinking that they just have a cold and that they can get better by drinking water, resting or taking some cold medicine.

However, as the disease progresses, severe headaches and frequent vomiting will occur. At this time, the person will become weak and listless. At this stage, the condition is actually quite serious. If the patient also experiences convulsions, coma, etc., it indicates that the brain substance is damaged and rescue is very difficult, usually resulting in either death or disability (paralysis).

The main manifestations are:

1. High fever (40℃), stiff neck, severe headache, loss of appetite, confusion, vomiting, convulsions, fatigue, drowsiness, sensitivity to light, small blood spots on the skin, skin rash {especially in the armpits, hands, and feet}. These symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of colds and are often the cause of misdiagnosis. Symptoms may change within one to two days, and some may become life-threatening within hours.

2. In infants and newborns, high fever, headache, and stiff neck are not typical symptoms, and sometimes low temperature may occur instead. The symptoms experienced by this group of patients include: high-pitched and continuous crying, unusual drowsiness, poor appetite, extreme sensitivity, and some having swollen fontanelles.

3. In the elderly, the above symptoms may or may not appear, but they may show latent symptoms such as confusion and dullness.

4. Severe bacterial meningitis may also cause symptoms such as shock, coma or convulsions {epileptic-like}.

Therefore, it may also happen to adults, and everyone should pay more attention to it. At the same time, children should be allowed to develop good living habits. Parents should also pay attention to their children’s daily diet. Don’t eat too much greasy or spicy food at this time.