Meningitis refers to any infectious disease attacking the
meninges, which are the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. In
the form most commonly seen, the inflammation is caused by the
meningococcus and pneumococcus bacteria. These germs are found in the
upper respiratory tract of 2% to 5% of normal individuals who may act as
carriers; or, under certain circumstances, they may develop the illness
as the bacteria spread from the nose and throat to the brain, usually
via the bloodstream.
The disease is also spread by an infected person through nose and throat secretions. Meningitis may also develop as a secondary infection following acute infections of the sinus cavities or middle ear. The incubation period of this form of the disease is about one week. It occurs most often in the winter months, and generally more in males than in females. Children, young adults, and older persons are most susceptible.
Symptoms. Much depends on the resistance of the patient and the virulence and type of bacteria. In a severe case, symptoms may start with sudden chills, fever, violent headache, and vomiting. Coma may follow rapidly. Blood spots may appear on the skin. The patient goes into shock and death may occur within a period of several hours.
Fortunately, most cases are not so catastrophic.
These begin with the signs of an upper respiratory infection, chills, fever, and headache. There is nausea. In young children there may occasionally be diarrhea. A blotchy red rash may or may not appear. There is wide fluctuation in temperature. The patient complains of muscle aches, severe headache, and there is marked stiffness of the neck. The more quickly the diagnosis is established, the shorter the course of the illness and the fever.
Complications. Hydrocephalus, a deformity in which the head in enlarged, is a common complication in infants. At all ages visual and hearing disturbances can occur due to nerve damage. Occasionally the heart is involved. Chronic headache are a frequent complication.
Prevention. Use of antibiotic drugs for carriers and persons exposed to meningitis is a most effective preventive step and should never be neglected. Infections of the nose, upper lip, ear, and sinus should be treated promptly to prevent spread to the brain.
The disease is also spread by an infected person through nose and throat secretions. Meningitis may also develop as a secondary infection following acute infections of the sinus cavities or middle ear. The incubation period of this form of the disease is about one week. It occurs most often in the winter months, and generally more in males than in females. Children, young adults, and older persons are most susceptible.
Symptoms. Much depends on the resistance of the patient and the virulence and type of bacteria. In a severe case, symptoms may start with sudden chills, fever, violent headache, and vomiting. Coma may follow rapidly. Blood spots may appear on the skin. The patient goes into shock and death may occur within a period of several hours.
Fortunately, most cases are not so catastrophic.
These begin with the signs of an upper respiratory infection, chills, fever, and headache. There is nausea. In young children there may occasionally be diarrhea. A blotchy red rash may or may not appear. There is wide fluctuation in temperature. The patient complains of muscle aches, severe headache, and there is marked stiffness of the neck. The more quickly the diagnosis is established, the shorter the course of the illness and the fever.
Complications. Hydrocephalus, a deformity in which the head in enlarged, is a common complication in infants. At all ages visual and hearing disturbances can occur due to nerve damage. Occasionally the heart is involved. Chronic headache are a frequent complication.
Prevention. Use of antibiotic drugs for carriers and persons exposed to meningitis is a most effective preventive step and should never be neglected. Infections of the nose, upper lip, ear, and sinus should be treated promptly to prevent spread to the brain.
Rully Nugraha.
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