Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that affects the tissues (meninges) covering the brain. Apart from bacteria, meningitis is caused by virus and even fungal infection. Meningitis is of various types like Aseptic meningitis, gram negative meningitis, pneumococcal meningitis, and tuberculosis meningitis.
Among the available types, certain variety of meningitis can be treated at home and does not require hospitalization. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious one which may require immediate treatment. Viral meningitis produces symptoms like flu and hence people are tempted to take antibiotics.
Causes :
Virus and bacterial infection is the most common cause for meningitis. Other causes are fungal infection, chemical reaction, taking strong medications and tumors.
Millions of bacteria live in our nose and mouth which would then pass into the blood stream to attack membranes of brain causing meningitis. Normally, there would be a protective covering between the brain and the blood stream. However, when the bacteria progresses on its way to brain, situations may change and they may find entry into the brain causing inflammation. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes this infection.
Who are at risk ?
Very rarely, meningitis also occurs due to spread of brain infection and it can occur on adults who are middle aged and children below 5 years. People who are in the habit of taking alcohol, who suffer from cancer and taking chemotherapy, and people who are diabetic and weakened immunity are prone to meningitis.
Symptoms :
Fever (mild to severe), chills, change in mental stage, nausea, vomiting, severe headache and stiffness in neck are some of the symptoms. Depending on the intensity of infection, some people may also get shortness of breath, palpitation, aggressive behavior, difficulty in eating, and bulging fontanelles.