Do you know how meningitis is transmitted and prevented?

Menigitis is one of the most serious diseases. Because, this disease has claimed the lives of two artists Olga Syahputra and Glenn Fredly.

Therefore, people must understand about this disease or the symptoms of meningitis. What does meningitis look like?

Caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, meningitis can be transmitted from one person to another. That way, you need to know through what transmission of meningitis can occur. This is important to note because transmission can occur at any time and from anyone.

Definition 

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine. 

What causes it?

Meningitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. In children, it is most commonly found due to TB germs. 

Signs and symptoms

• Severe headache and sudden high fever (a frequent early symptom)
• Changes in level of consciousness
• Neck stiffness
• Appearance of confusion
• Excessive sensitivity to light and sound
• Seizures
• Rapid pulse, irregular breathing
• Vomiting 
• Difficult to wake up

Diagnosis of meningitis 

As soon as there is a suspicion of meningitis from the history and physical examination, an examination should be done immediately.

• Ct scan of the head, to confirm or rule out other causes (abscess, tumor, bleeding)
• Lumbar puncture, to find the cause of meningitis through examination of cerebro-spinal fluid. 

Complications 

Complications are more likely to occur if treatment is given late, not completed or the patient does not experience clinical improvement after the first week of therapy. Complications that may occur are

• Ventriculitis
• Hydrocephalus
• Hemorrhage
• Shock
• Electrolyte disturbances

Treatment 

After determining the diagnosis, the doctor will provide meningitis treatment according to the cause of meningitis, namely 

• administration of antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
• Surgery is performed if there are complications from meningitis.

Prevention 

• Maintain health
• If you suffer from otitis media or tuberculosis, take the medicine given.
• Vaccinate the child completely

 

The later it is realized and detected, the longer the healing process. This is because the spread of the disease virus has been widespread.
Viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis will easily spread through the bloodstream and then move to the spinal cord to the brain.
"Many accompanying factors can cause meningitis, not only based on decreased immunity. For example, a tooth infection that is not treated immediately can spread to the brain," he explained.
It is said that this disease can cause death due to inflammation or inflammation that causes swelling. Then it will make the brain mass increase.
When one part of the brain increases in volume, it will cause an increase in pressure on the brain or called intracranial pressure.
Of course, the brain is the center of everything for the body. If infection with a disease spreads, it will affect the coordination center.
Therefore, he urged that if there are unusual and persistent symptoms, the public should immediately check themselves. This is an effort to detect diseases that may be dangerous.