It is a swelling of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. There are different types of it, and it has different causes and forms of treatment. Hence, a meningitis vaccine is already available. But it only works for some types of this disease. Also, some still need more studies and trials. Meningitis vaccines are important to protect you from the disease. Anyone can have this illness. However, children, young adults, and those over 50 years old are more prone to it.
Meningitis treatment depends on what type you have. The common cause of it is the bacteria in the membrane. It is the most serious type of health illness. Here are some of the treatments for this type of infection.
1. Antibiotic
The doctor may give you different kinds of this treatment. Therefore, they will give you the medicine even without knowing the cause of it. After knowing the type that caused it, there will be some changes. After that, doctors will use a medicine that kills the type of bacteria you have.
2. Corticosteroids
Moreover, a meningitis treatment can lessen the swelling. Also, it will help to ease it to avoid pressure in the brain.
3. Paracetamol
This medicine is for bringing back the normal temperature of the body. Therefore, you can do it together with sponge baths and cooling pads
4. Anticonvulsants
When a patient is having attacks, this type of drug can be of use.
5. Oxygen Therapy
Additionally, it is a treatment where the doctors will give air to the patient. Therefore, it is given in order for the patient to breathe easily.
6. Fluids
Moreover, some may experience serious vomiting because of the disease. You will lose a huge amount of nutrients in your body. Hence, it can happen if you do not drink water. This treatment will replace the losses.
7. Sedatives
It is a treatment that helps in calming the patient. If the patient gets annoyed or tired, this will help to relax and make them fall asleep.
8. Meningococcal Shot
Moreover, a meningococcal vaccine helps to prevent it. It comes from a certain type of bacteria. Children who are 11 to 12 years old should get a meningococcal vaccine. A follow-up shot at 16 years old is important. Also, a shot is ideal for those who have higher chances of getting it.
9. Pneumococcal Shot
This type of bacteria can cause pneumonia. Those people who are at higher risk should be getting the shot. This shot is not yearly, so it is not a hassle if you are a busy person.
10. Hib Shot
Hib shot can prevent its bacteria. This infection usually happens to children under five years of age. However, like other illnesses, it also affects adults. Also, it can cause mild sicknesses like ear infections. But it can also cause a serious illness. For instance, one can experience infections of the bloodstream.
Complications
Getting the shot at the right time is very important. It will not only protect you from having the illness, but it can also give you peace of mind. However, if you failed to protect yourself, you may have to face these complications.
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Hearing loss
- Memory problems
- Learning problems
- Hard time walking
- Kidney problems
- Death
Doctors use different ways to know if you the illness.
- Blood Cultures
In this procedure, the blood sample is placed on a dish. Also, it is to see if there is a growth of bacteria. It can also be under a microscope to see whether there is a presence.
- Imaging
Different medical scanners are being used to see images in the head that show any swelling.
- Spinal tap
To know if a patient has a disease, you will need to undergo this procedure where doctors will collect fluid from the spine and examine it. In this way, it would also help the doctor know which type of bacteria causes it.
To help in preventing the illness, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should have enough rest. Avoid smoking and having physical contact with sick people. It is also important to practice and maintain good hygiene. It is because some types can spread through close contact.