What is bacterial encephalitis in children?

Bacterial encephalitis in children is also a relatively common disease. The incidence of this disease is relatively high in infants and young children, and it is quite harmful to children. If not treated in time, it may even cause some complications and even some sequelae. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out good treatment in time, and also to strengthen good conditioning and care in daily life. Let’s take a look at this aspect.

Baby meningitis is an inflammation of the baby's meninges. Meninges, also called meninges, are the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Baby meningitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is also called "aseptic meningitis."

For babies two or three months old, especially newborns (babies under 28 days old), whether the infection is viral or bacterial meningitis, it may be very serious. Any delay in treatment may cause deafness, intellectual disability, or even death.

If an older baby is infected with viral meningitis, the symptoms are usually mild, lasting 2 to 3 weeks. Most babies can recover completely, and very few will have sequelae. But if it's bacterial meningitis, it's a different story. Bacterial meningitis develops quickly and has serious consequences.

The bacteria that can cause meningitis in China are mainly meningococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB). Infants under 2 months old, newborns and some babies with immune deficiencies are susceptible to infection by enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus. The most common enterobacteriaceae are Escherichia coli, followed by Proteus, etc.

This is where it gets really frustrating, because meningitis symptoms may not appear the same in every patient, nor may they occur in the same order. But meningitis generally has the following obvious symptoms: fever, stiff neck, headache, and sensitivity to light.

Of course, some of the symptoms of meningitis listed above may be difficult to spot in a young baby. You may just notice that your baby is fussy, sleepy, or refuses to eat. He may vomit or have diarrhea, have cold hands and feet, or develop a rash or skin patches on part of his body that turn white or blue. You may also notice that your baby's anterior fontanelle (the soft area on the top of his head) is bulging or hardening. Your baby may also experience difficulty breathing and convulsions.

If you suspect your baby may have meningitis, see a doctor right away, whether or not you are sure of your suspicion, as it is vital that meningitis is treated early.

How do babies get meningitis?

There is no simple explanation for why some babies get meningitis and others do not. Many healthy children and adults have bacteria in their mouths and throats that can cause bacterial meningitis, yet they remain healthy. Children who have immune system abnormalities, sickle cell anemia, or severe head injuries are more likely to develop meningitis. But be aware that anyone can get meningitis.