Home remedies and tips for meningitis

Meningitis is an infection causing the inflammation of membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Infants, children, teens and adults can all develop meningitis, although the type of meningitis tends to vary according to the age group. The condition causes the dysfunction of the meninges, along with cerebrospinal fluid which protects the structures of the central nervous system. The meninges are basically the protectors of the brain, that is, they prevent the brain from being affected by germs or any trauma. Each type of meningitis is caused by different types of agents. Bacterial meningitis is caused by the bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. Chronic meningitis is caused by slow-growing organisms like fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and can also arise from noninfectious causes such as chemical reactions or drug allergies. Up to 75% of life-threatening cases occur in children under 5, and it's increasingly common in teens and young adults aged 15 to 24. Severe cases can lead to seizures and coma.

- Amritha K

The signs of the infection are similar to the symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis develop more quickly, in comparison to the other types. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of meningitis and develop over several hours or a few days.

Symptoms in infants are as follows:

· Constant crying

· High fever

· Stiffness in a baby's body & neck

· Excessive sleepiness or irritability

· Poor feeding

· Inactivity or sluggishness

· A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head

Symptoms in individuals older than the age of 2 are as follows:

· Headache with nausea or vomiting

· Sudden high fever

· Stiff neck

· Sensitivity to light

· Muscle pain

· Confusion or difficulty concentrating

· Seizures

· Sleepiness or difficulty waking

· Skin rash

. No appetite or thirst

· Severe headache

· Stomach cramps

· Fatigue and drowsiness

. Extremely cold hands and feet

. Rapid breathing and chills

Home remedies for meningitis

Although there are various treatment methods for the infection, the following home remedies are effective in curing meningitis. Many people tend to opt for home remedies over the conventional treatment methods due to the possible complications that may affect one's overall health. The most common and effective home remedies for meningitis are as follows: