Meningitis is a disease in which the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord swell up due to inflammation. Triggered by an infection, the condition is believed to affect anywhere between 600 and 1,000 people in the country each year. As it can cause severe symptoms, it is important to get an early diagnosis and treatment to facilitate a speedy recovery. To help one understand meningitis, here is everything to know about the condition:

Causes
Viral infection: This is the most prevalent type of meningitis. Here, enteroviruses and herpes simplex viruses are among the most common viruses responsible for the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain.

Bacterial infection: Here, bacteria may reach the meninges (membrane layers that protect the head and spinal cord) following an ear or sinus infection, physical contact with someone affected, or, in rare cases, a skull fracture. Rarely, a surgical procedure may also cause this condition.

Fungal infection: Meningitis here develops due to the spread of fungal infection, often caused by cryptococcus, histoplasma, or candida fungi.

Parasites: Parasites can cause meningitis and enter the body through the intake of raw or undercooked slugs or snails or accidental intake of parasite eggs. They may cause a rare type of meningitis called eosinophilic meningitis.

Additionally, pregnant women, older adults, and babies can contract bacterial meningitis through foods containing the Listeria bacterium. So, it is important to avoid foods containing Listeria, such as soft cheeses, sandwich meats, and hot dogs.

Symptoms
High fever: Sudden, unexplained high fever is a common sign of meningitis. The body temperature here may go up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Stiff neck: As meningitis triggers an infection around the spine and brain, it can lead to stiffening of the neck, causing significant discomfort and difficulty moving the neck.

Cognitive issues: Meningitis brought on by brain injury may lead to cognitive impairment and learning difficulties, as the disease directly affects the brain. So, one may experience problems with memory, concentration, and learning, along with movement and balance issues.

Vomiting: This is a common meningitis symptom among children and adults brought on by the body trying to defend itself against the infection.

Loss of appetite: Children and adults with the condition may experience loss of appetite. Infants with the condition may not be responsive to feeding.

Loss of consciousness: Meningitis may lead to loss of consciousness due to changes in the mental state. Complications like severe inflammation and seizures may worsen this symptom.

Headache: Caused by inflammation of the meninges, headache is among the most common symptoms of meningitis. These headaches typically affect the entire head instead of being localized.

Diagnosis
Here are some of the ways to diagnose meningitis:

Physical examination: Doctors may perform a physical examination of the head to check for swelling of the meninges.

Lumbar puncture: Here, a fluid sample is drawn out from the spine and tested for the presence of viruses or bacteria.

CT scan: A computed tomography or CT scan can also help detect any inflammation in the head or spinal cord region, helping doctors diagnose meningitis.

Blood test: A blood test is another way of determining the presence of bacteria and viruses that may have caused meningitis.

Management options
Alongside treatment options recommended by doctors, one can consider the following remedies and strategies for managing the condition:

Better food choices: The best way to help the immune system fight an infection is to have nutrient-rich foods, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins like poultry, venison, and eggs. Additionally, one can opt for fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh, as they contain probiotics, which strengthen the immune system and accelerate healing. However, one should ensure that these foods are handled hygienically. Further, omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring, and foods like walnuts, flax, and eggs are great sources of omega-3s.

Oxygen masks: In some cases, meningitis may trigger breathing difficulties, necessitating oxygen support or mechanical ventilation. So, one can keep an oxygen mask handy and use it as required.

Adequate hydration: Dehydration is a common consequence of meningitis, so one should have plenty of water and other electrolyte-rich healthy fluids like fresh fruit juices, soups, and coconut water when dealing with this condition.

Good hygiene practices: Frequently washing hands and not sharing utensils with others can help curb the spread of infection. It is also important to avoid close physical contact when diagnosed with meningitis.

Rest: Meningitis symptoms like fever, breathing difficulties, and headaches can cause severe fatigue. Further, stress and poor sleeping habits can aggravate these symptoms and impede recovery. So, those with meningitis should get adequate rest while recovering.

Meningitis may cause fatigue, preventing one from carrying out daily chores. So, one should seek help from family members, friends, or others while recovering from the condition.