Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is viral meningitis?
- How common is viral meningitis?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes viral meningitis?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for viral meningitis?
- Medicines & Medicines
- How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for viral meningitis?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat viral meningitis?
Definition
What is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain around the muscles and nerves of the spine and is caused by a viral infection. Meningitis can occur when the fluid surrounding the meninges, or the 3 membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, becomes infected.
How common is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is a significant problem in many areas of the world, especially in developing countries. Infection usually occurs most frequently in children, adolescents and young adults.
However, this condition can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis?
The symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are somewhat similar to one another at first. However, viral meningitis is usually milder. Depends on age
Symptoms of viral meningitis in babies:
- Loss of appetite
- Easy to get angry
- Easily sleepy
- Lethargy
- Fever
Symptoms of viral meningitis in adults:
- Headache
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Easily sleepy
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. There's no way to tell if you have viral or bacterial meningitis by just feeling it.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes viral meningitis?
There are various causes of this condition; however, viral infection is the main cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infection and rarely, fungal infection.
Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. Viruses in the Enterovirus category account for 85% of cases. These conditions are more common in summer and fall, and include:
- coxsackievirus A
- coxsackievirus B
- echoviruses
This condition usually does not cause serious illness. In severe cases, this disease can cause fever and prolonged seizures. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often gets better on its own. Viruses include:
- Herpes simplex virus
- HIV
- Measles
- West Nile virus
- Etc.
Meningitis can also come from non-communicable causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some cancers and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for viral meningitis?
There are many risk factors for viral meningitis, namely:
Not vaccinated: The risk is increased in people who do not get the recommended child or adult vaccinations.
Age: Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children under 5 years. Bacterial meningitis is common in people under 20 years of age.
Live in a community situation: Students living in dormitories, officers on military bases and children in day care centers are at a higher risk of emningococcal meningitis. This condition is likely caused by bacteria that spread along the respiratory route, and spread rapidly in large gatherings.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis - an infection caused by the bacteria listeria, which can also cause meningitis. Listeriosis increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth.
A vulnerable immune system: AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, use of immunosuppressant drugs and other factors that affect the immune system can also make you susceptible to meningitis. Removal of the spleen can also increase the risk, and patients without the spleen should be vaccinated to minimize the risk.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of meningitis begins with a physical examination and medical history. Age, absences for boarding and child care can be important clues. During a physical exam, your doctor can see:
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Stiff neck
- Lack of awareness.
The doctor may also perform a lumbar puncture or spinal tap, wherein the doctor can see the increased pressure on the central nervous system. This procedure can also see any inflammation or bacteria in the spinal fluid. This test can also help determine the most appropriate antibiotic for treatment.
Other tests can also be done to diagnose meningitis, such as:
Blood culture identifies bacteria in the blood. Bacteria can move from the blood to the brain. N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae can cause sepsis and meningitis.
A complete blood count is a general index of health, and checks the number of red and white blood cells in the blood. White blood cells fight infection. The number usually increases in cases of meningitis.
A chest X-ray can show pneumonia, tuberculosis or a yeast infection. Meningitis can occur after pneumonia.
A CT scan of the head can show problems such as brain abscess or sinusitis. Bacteria can spread from the sinuses to the meninges.
What are the treatments for viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is not treated and usually gets better on its own. Symptoms should disappear in 2 weeks. There are no serious long-term problems associated with viral meningitis. In mild cases, you may only need home care, such as medicines for fever and pain, and drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat viral meningitis?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with viral meningitis:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially if you are at high risk, is very important, such as:
- Get adequate rest
- Do not smoke
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Vaccinations can also protect against some types of meningitis. Vaccines that can prevent meningitis include:
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- Meningococcal vaccine
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
