How many of us are aware that in 2019 meningitis was diagnosed in about 7.7million people across the world?
It is well known that the brain is a very important organ inside us just like the heart, lungs, kidneys etc. There is a protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord and this is meninges. When meninges gets inflamed then, it is termed as meningitis. In the older kids and adults, meningitis symptoms or signs would be seen clearly but not in the infants. It is worthy to note that timely diagnosing meningitis is important to avoid further complications.
Cause:
Meningitis can be caused by both viruses as well as bacteria. Truth is that bacterial form is more serious than viral form of meningitis. Mostly, meningitis would spread at a fast rate in the newborns and infants.
Warning signs of meningitis:
Poor feeding:
It must be taken into note that infants with meningitis issues are reluctant to feed well or have difficulty in feeding. This poor feeding could happen even if the infant has been feeding well previously. Dehydration could occur due to poor feeding and it could make the meningitis worse also. Parents must keep an eye on this.
Irritability or unusual cry:
The baby would become highly irritable and fussy due to the meningitis issue. High pitched crying would occur and the baby would be inconsolable. So, please take care.
Unresponsiveness:
One of the most important signs of meningitis in infants is unresponsiveness or the baby appears sleepier than usual. Parents must watch out for this drowsiness in their babies.
Bulging fontanelle:
Parents must look out for soft spots on the baby`s head or fontanelle. It must be noted that increased pressure inside the skull of the baby could lead to bulging fontanelle. When combined with other symptoms, persistent fontanelle is an important sign of meningitis.
Seizures:
It is true that the occurrence of seizures in the baby is an important sign for meningitis. During seizures, the baby might show sudden jerky movements, stiffening of the body etc. Parents must beware of this important sign.
When to seek medical help?
As the meningitis can develop very fast, parents must get their babies diagnosed as soon as possible if they come across these above said signs. Meningitis can lead to neurological or brain damage and hearing loss etc in the infants.