Meningitis is a disease in which the delicate meninges or cerebrospinal membranes (the layer of membrane between the skull and the brain) become infected. The disease is usually accompanied by complications of bacterial or viral infection of any part of the body, such as ear, sinus or upper respiratory tract infections. Causes of meningitis 1. Bacterial meningitis is caused by some kind of bacterial infection. There are 3 types, namely Haemophilus influenzae type B, Neisseria meningitidis (diplococcus), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae). Approximately 80% of the United States is bacterial meningitis. Usually a small percentage of healthy people carry these germs in their noses or on their bodies and do not attack the body; he spreads them by coughing or sneezing. Some studies point out that people are most likely to be infected when they have a cold because the inflammation of the nose makes it extremely easy for the bacteria to enter the skull. 2. Tuberculous meningitis is a non-suppurative inflammation of the meninges caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and accounts for about 6% of systemic tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is disseminated through blood and then planted under the soft meninges to form tuberculous nodules, and a large number of tuberculous bacteria enter the subarachnoid space after the nodules break down. In recent years, the morbidity and mortality of tuberculous meningitis have been increasing. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the efficacy and reduce the mortality rate. 3, Viral meningitis can be caused by several viruses, including several associated with diarrhea, one of which may be infection after being bitten by a large vole, etc. 4, cryptococcal meningitis: can also be caused by fungi. The most common one is Cryptococcus, which can be found in pigeon species. Healthy people are less susceptible to fungal-related meningitis, but not to those infected with HIV, a human immunodeficiency virus that can cause AIDS. There are many forms of meningitis and different degrees of inflammatory conditions. Much of this depends on which microorganisms or viruses are causing the disease. What are the symptoms of meningitis? Fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness, photophobia (inability to tolerate bright lights) usually occur within a few hours. Occasionally, there is also a dark red or purple rash on the skin. If the infection continues to spread and is not stopped, you can become drowsy and finally pass out. Symptoms of meningitis may be less noticeable in infants and young children. What are the risks of meningitis? Meningitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection and is an airborne disease. As such, it is epidemic, like many viral diseases, and often occurs during the winter months when people hide in close contact with each other in their homes. Bacterial meningitis may also occur in an epidemic fashion, but the common occurrence of this disease is still sporadic. The sooner bacterial meningitis occurs, the better; untreated meningitis can eventually be fatal. With proper treatment, most patients recover completely, but a few are left with permanent damage such as deafness, blindness, and/or deterioration of mental status. In infants and the elderly, there is a greater risk of non-recovery or prolonged damage, due to their weakened resistance. Viral meningitis is less severe than bacterial meningitis. In most cases, viral meningitis results in a complete recovery with no residual effects. What should I do about meningitis? If you or anyone in your family develops symptoms of meningitis, especially if it is also accompanied by a combination of symptoms such as headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, etc., see a doctor immediately and do not delay. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the central nervous system) will confirm the initial diagnosis of meningitis. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid should be taken in the hospital. If a sample obtained by lumbar puncture appears cloudy and contains pus cells, the meninges may already be infected. Further testing of the cerebrospinal fluid should identify the infecting agent, which will allow the doctor to develop a treatment for the specific agent causing the infection. How is meningitis treated? Hospitalization is necessary until the meningeal infection is cleared. If the infection is bacterial in nature, your doctor will give you a high dose of antibiotic medication, which may be administered by drip, directly into a vein. The injection of antibiotic drugs can take up to two weeks. Most viruses are not destroyed by antibiotic drugs, so they are not usually used when you have a virulent meningitis. You may be cured within two to three weeks, and the speed of healing depends on the severity of the attack. During your hospital stay, your doctor will try to make you feel comfortable and quiet. They will let you rest in a darkened room, give you plenty to drink, and may give you medication to lower your body temperature, ease your headache, and help your body overcome the infection.