Many are interested in what is meningitis, what are its types and features of the course of the disease, since it can provoke dangerous and complex consequences. This disease is an acute infectious pathology, accompanied by inflammation of the spinal cord and brain.
Meningitis develops as a result of exposure to the human body of various bacteria and viruses, in particular such as:
- meningococcal infection;
- tuberculosis bacilli;
- hemophilic bacillus;
- enteroviruses.
The obvious signs of the disease include fever, severe headache, rashes on the body, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of meningitis in children up to a year are manifested in excessive anxiety, fontanel swelling, refusal to eat, constant crying. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease is quite complex and should be carried out by infectious disease specialists and neuropathologists.
Disease feature
It is very important to know what meningitis is and how exactly this disease develops. This is an inflammatory lesion of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. The disease is considered very serious and dangerous, as this can often lead to the death of the patient. According to statistics, meningitis ranks 10th among the main causes leading to death from infectious diseases.
Especially common is meningitis in children under the age of 14 years. Basically, the disease is very difficult. The risk of a child dying is determined by his age. When making a diagnosis, urgent hospitalization of a sick child in a hospital is required, since untimely treatment leads to the most dangerous complications.
What are the types
It is important to know not only what meningitis is, but also what types of meningitis are, as well as how it is possible to recognize the course of the disease in the initial stages. This disease is classified by:
- pathogen;
- the nature of the course of inflammation;
- severity
- development speed;
- the prevalence of the inflammatory process;
- source of infection.
Doctors distinguish primary and secondary meningitis, the symptoms and course of which are somewhat different from each other. The main pathogens of the primary form of the disease are various bacteria and viruses.
Viral meningitis occurs against a background of a viral infection. In addition, chickenpox, measles, rubella, and mumps can provoke the development of the pathological process. This form of the disease is often called serous.
Meningococcal meningitis develops due to the penetration of bacteria into the body. Infection occurs through close contact with its carrier by airborne droplets. Basically, the disease is observed among urban residents, as they often use public transport. In addition to this form, bacteria can provoke purulent meningitis. In addition to meningococcus, a pneumococcus, tuberculosis bacillus, spirochetes can provoke a pathological process.
The most common causes of secondary infection can be considered:
- sinusitis;
- frontal sinusitis;
- osteomyelitis;
- lung abscess;
- otitis;
- boil of the neck or face.
In all these cases, the formation of meningitis is possible only in case of improper treatment of all these diseases. The danger of the meningococcal form of the disease lies in the fact that it is very difficult, especially in children, which can literally lead to the death of the patient within a few hours. At the initial stage, immediately after the penetration of the virus, signs of the most common acute respiratory viral infection are observed, and then the symptoms begin to significantly increase.
If the body is not able to withstand infection, then after a few days it penetrates the brain, as a result of which there are clinical signs of purulent damage to the meninges. Under the influence of toxic substances secreted into the body, the formation of microthrombi occurs, as well as hemorrhage in the internal organs, resulting in the child dying. Among the dangerous signs of the disease, the formation of rashes on the skin can be distinguished.
Serous meningitis is epidemic in nature and children are often ill with such ailments. The most common cause of this disease is mumps virus or enterovirus. This type of disease is characterized by less severe symptoms and relatively benign course.
Causes of occurrence
What is meningitis and why it develops is of interest to many patients, since this is a complex disease of almost instantaneous course that affects the brain and causes various complications. The reasons for the development of this disease are quite diverse. However, the main source of infection are viruses, fungi and bacteria. The path of infection is exactly the same as in all primary pathologies.
The secondary form mainly develops in the form of complications of other infectious diseases. The focus of the inflammatory process can be:
- light wounds and injuries of the oral cavity;
- ear and nose diseases;
- problems with teeth;
- bone damage in osteomyelitis.
Infectious meningitis mainly occurs due to the development of otitis media. Inflammation of the middle ear often develops with the penetration of streptococcal or staphylococcal infections. The causative agent of infection can enter the membranes of the brain in an acute and chronic form of the disease. This occurs along with the flow of blood.
In childhood and adolescence, rheumatic meningoencephalitis is most common, which affects not only the membrane itself, but also the brain. This type of infection occurs against a background of a rheumatological attack and is accompanied by the formation of a strong rash. The disease can form after the operation, as the infection very easily penetrates the body through wounds.
The main symptoms
In almost all cases of meningitis, the symptoms are very acute. The first manifestations are very reminiscent of signs of a severe cold or flu. Among the main symptoms can be identified such as:
- general weakness;
- temperature rise;
- pain in the joints and muscles;
- lack of appetite.
Literally after a few days of the course of the disease, due to the high temperature, specific manifestations of this pathological process additionally arise. Among them are:
- intense headache;
- rash;
- impaired consciousness;
- vomiting that does not bring any relief;
- strabismus.
With the course of the disease, the discomfort is diffuse and does not bring any relief at all, that is, the pain is localized around the entire circumference of the head. Gradually, it becomes simply unbearable, provoking bursting, and after a while the painful sensations simply cannot be tolerated.
Signs of meningitis are also characterized by the fact that painful sensations provoke nausea and vomiting. Often, in the presence of such a pathology, painful sensations significantly increase if a person tries to change the position of his body, as well as when exposed to external stimuli.
Among the symptoms of meningitis, the occurrence of rashes can be distinguished, but this does not always happen. When a mild form of the disease occurs, a rash of a dark cherry color appears on the patient's body. With the occurrence of meningococcal meningitis, the rash passes literally after 3-4 days. If the form of the disease is very severe, then bruises and large spots form on the patient's body.
Symptoms of meningitis can be expressed in excessive muscle tension at the back of the head, as well as severe pain when trying to stretch your legs at the knees or tilt your head to the chest. Strabismus occurs very rarely and only if the nerves of the skull are affected.
The signs of meningitis in children are very complex and dangerous. They appear in the form of:
- diarrhea;
- spitting up and vomiting;
- seizures
- anxiety, refusal of food.
In addition, the child has a very strong constant crying, as well as pulsation and swelling of the fontanel.
Symptoms of tuberculous type meningitis are quite dangerous. This disease develops over several weeks or even months. The first sign of a pathological process is the presence of increasing pain in the head. In addition to headaches, patients complain of very poor health, as well as frequent vomiting.
Symptoms of meningitis in adults resemble signs of an infectious disease. Among them, one can often distinguish such as:
- fast fatiguability;
- fever;
- nausea and vomiting;
- photophobia and greater susceptibility to sounds;
- increased muscle tone.
If the patient has poor body resistance, then meningitis without temperature can be observed. This suggests that the body simply can not cope with pathogens and there is no protective reaction. Since this is a very dangerous disease, it is important not to miss the moment when the first signs of meningitis begin to appear in adults or children. This will allow you to start treatment in a timely manner and avoid the occurrence of dangerous complications.
These are only the general and earliest symptoms of meningitis, since the manifestations of this disease are quite extensive and are divided into several groups corresponding to a certain form of the inflammatory process.
Diagnostics
To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the form of the pathological process, it is important to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis, which implies:
- fundus examination;
- cerebrospinal fluid examination;
- electroencephalography;
- x-ray of the skull;
- tomography.
If the patient is conscious, then a selection of tests is performed to help determine the nature of the disease. However, it happens that a person enters the hospital in a very serious condition. In this case, initially you need to restore breathing, palpitations, as well as remove the patient from a shock state. This is carried out by a special resuscitation team.
Despite the presence of modern tomographs, the presence of bacteria can only be determined by conducting a cerebrospinal fluid examination. Therefore, with meningitis, a lumbar puncture is performed, when a special needle is inserted into the back, with which a cerebrospinal fluid is taken.
A complete blood count will help determine the presence of inflammation and many other abnormalities. Bacteriological research will help establish a group of organisms that provoked the occurrence of the disease. A chest x-ray is required to rule out pneumonia or confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment feature
Treatment of meningitis should be started immediately after the suspicion of the course of the disease. In case of deterioration in well-being, immediate hospitalization in the hospital and lumbar puncture are required to clarify the diagnosis. Among the main methods of treatment of meningitis, antibiotic therapy should be distinguished. To normalize the well-being of the patient, non-specific treatment is additionally required:
- diuretic drugs;
- saline plasma substituting solutions ;
- glucocorticoid hormones;
- glucose solution;
- cardiovascular drugs.
With the course of the secondary form of the disease, treatment of the underlying disease is required. If meningitis in adults is a complication of the purulent process of the oral cavity or ENT organs, then urgent surgical rehabilitation of the focus of inflammation is required.
Patients need special care and care. After normalizing the condition, you need to establish a clear daily routine, ensure a competent, balanced diet, and also limit physical and mental stress. The diet must be fractional, and it is important to provide the patient with all the useful and nutrients. It is best to remove animal fats from your usual diet, as they can provoke a deterioration in well-being. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of pure water.
If after 4 months after treatment no improvement in well-being is observed, this means that a chronic type of the disease is developing, and the patient is given a disability group.
Drug treatment
The main objective of drug therapy is to eliminate the pathogen. For this, drugs of various groups are used, in particular, such as:
- antibacterial;
- antiviral;
- antifungal;
- anticonvulsants.
Antibiotics are prescribed in case of purulent or microbial course of the disease. Often assigned:
- penicillins;
- cephalosporins;
- Amphenicol.
With the tuberculous form of the disease, "Isoniazid", "Streptomycin", "Phthisoetam", "Combutol" are prescribed. For greater effectiveness of the therapy, the use of such drugs as Tizamide, Pyrazinamide, Rifampicin is indicated. With the help of drugs, you can quickly and efficiently eliminate the pathogen. The course of treatment should be no more than 12-14 days.
For the treatment of viral meningitis , “Interferon” and corticosteroids are mainly prescribed. In addition to these drugs, sedatives, nootropics, and vitamin complexes are prescribed. The choice of antiviral drugs largely depends on the type of pathogen. The fight against aseptic meningitis is based on symptomatic therapy and is somewhat reminiscent of the treatment of respiratory diseases. The patient is prescribed antipyretics, analgesics, adsorbents, as well as drugs that reduce intracranial pressure.
Fungal meningitis is treated by the use of drugs such as Amiklon, Flucanazole, Amphotericin. In addition to this, symptomatic therapy is recommended. For the removal of toxins from the body, the use of adsorbing drugs is shown, the most popular of which are Smecta, Enterosgel, Enterosorb. In addition to adsorbents, a plentiful drink is required, in particular, it is recommended to use stewed fruit, fruit drinks, herbal infusions.
Meningitis is often accompanied by overexcitation, anxiety, convulsions. In this case, the patient is shown the use of such drugs as Aminazin, Phenobarbital, Diazepam. In the hospital, oxygen therapy is performed. This is a fairly effective method that allows you to eliminate oxygen starvation of the brain and normalize the patient's well-being.
Forecast
With the course of meningitis, the prognosis is difficult to determine. The more time has passed since the first signs of the disease arose, the easier it is to predict the course of the disease. On the first day it is completely unclear. In the presence of meningitis, the prognosis largely depends on factors such as:
- speed of seeking medical help;
- level of intoxication;
- severity of general symptoms;
- rash onset;
- research results;
- period of normalization of temperature;
- first reaction to therapy;
- the presence of concomitant pathologies.
The distant prognosis for quality of life is good enough. Sometimes additional therapy with nootropic drugs, vitamins may be required. To prevent an increase in intracranial pressure and eliminate adhesions, electrophoresis with drugs that the doctor will select may be required.
Possible complications
There is an opinion that after the previous meningitis, the consequences remain for life, but this is far from the case. If treatment is started in a timely manner, then the disease can pass very quickly without complications, which is often observed. However, there can be quite dangerous consequences, especially in the case of purulent meningitis. Most often, conditions such as:
- septic shock;
- swelling of the brain;
- Transition of infection to the cerebral cortex.
Occlusive hydrocephalus is considered a very dangerous complication. Moreover, adhesions, which are located in a significant amount in the cerebrospinal fluid after the purulent process, can simply block these paths. As a result of this, an intracranial hypertension syndrome is formed, which develops quite rapidly.
Any kind of meningitis must be treated in the hospital of the infectious diseases department or in intensive care.
Prophylaxis
No one is safe from meningitis, which is why it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of the disease and, at the first sign, immediately consult a doctor. Among the main preventive measures, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- strengthening immunity;
- balanced diet;
- compliance with personal hygiene;
- vaccination.
Enhancing the body's resistance to various diseases will help hardening, a long stay in the fresh air, playing sports. Good immunity will help prevent infection. Water procedures are very useful, in particular, dousing with cold water, visiting the pool. You need to spend a lot of time in the sun, as this provides a good healing effect.
Another important factor in the implementation of prevention is a healthy diet. To counter various viruses and bacteria, the body must sufficiently receive all the required nutrients and vitamins. Immunity is adversely affected by problems with the stomach and intestines. To balance the microflora, you need to consume fermented milk products daily. In addition, it is advisable to additionally take special vitamin complexes.
Prevention of meningitis implies compliance with hygiene rules and precautions. :
, .
. . . 2 , – .