Pediatrics & Meningitis

Understanding Pediatric Meningitis

• Simply put, meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that are found around the brain and the spinal cord; it can be a viral or bacterial infection and the pathogens invade the cerebrospinal fluid. How severe pediatric meningitis manifests depends on the organism that causes the infection and this is also what determines the prognosis. Even though meningitis can affect people from any age group, it appears to be more severe in children. Viral meningitis is more common and less severe than bacterial meningitis which is harder to treat and can easily lead to death.
  
  

Symptoms of Pediatric Meningitis

• The symptoms of pediatric meningitis differ depending on the particular organism that causes it. A child may present any of these symptoms or their combination like fever, poor feeding, arching back, irritability, high-pitched inconsolable crying, a notable difference in one's temperament, and a bulging soft spot. Other symptoms include headaches, confusion, loss of appetite, sensitivity to bright light, nausea, stiffness of the neck and a decrease in the level of consciousness.
  
  

How is Meningitis Transmitted?

• The pathogens responsible for meningitis usually stay in the respiratory tract and transmission occurs when an infected person gets into contact with others. The pathogens causing pediatric meningitis are easily spread when an infected child touches hard surfaces such as door knobs or toys after touching their nose, mouth or the eyes. They also spread from an infected person's respiratory tract through sneezing as well as close conversation. After entering the respiratory tract they travel through the bloodstream to the spinal cord.
  
  

Diagnosis and Treatment

• The earlier the diagnosis the better chances of recovery and survival. The physician will tap a fluid from the spinal cord using a needle that is inserted in the lower back area; this process is called lumbar puncture. The fluid collected is sent to the laboratory for analysis and helps in identification of the real culprit responsible so that proper treatment can be administered.
  
  

Treatment and Support

• After meningitis is diagnosed, intravenous antibiotics are immediately provided. When treatment begins early with appropriate antibiotics, the chances of recovery are high. However, antibiotic treatment is stopped if it is detected to be viral meningitis, in which case the disease takes its own course.
  
  A child suffering from meningitis should be offered support to help him recover soon. This may include various treatments that help to restore breathing and offer comfort from other symptoms. He should have enough bed rest, adequate nutrition as well as an increased intake of fluids. Prevention can be achieved by administration of some vaccines as well as practice of good hygienic practices.