Today we are talking about a condition that sometimes causes symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, but can be much more dangerous. That is meningitis . You may have heard this name. What happens in this is that the protective membranes that surround our brain and spinal cord become infected and swell. The most dangerous thing is that many people confuse it with the common cold because its initial symptoms are similar to those of a common flu. Therefore, knowing exactly what these symptoms are and acting quickly can save a life.
What are the first symptoms of meningitis?
Meningitis starts out like a cold or flu. So you need to be very careful about these symptoms. These can come in a different order from person to person. Some people may not have any of these symptoms at all, and the disease can be severe.
| Common symptoms seen at the beginning | |
|---|---|
| Fever | Vomiting |
| Headache | Stomach ache and diarrhea |
| Lifeless body | Muscle pain |
| Pale skin | Cold hands and feet |
The most important thing: Although a rash is a major symptom of meningitis, it doesn't always appear first. It can appear later. Don't wait for a rash to appear, as the disease can get worse very quickly. If you have other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Severe symptoms of bacterial meningitis
Meningitis is mainly caused by bacteria and viruses. Of these, bacterial meningitis is the most severe and can quickly become life-threatening. The symptoms appear very quickly.
Symptoms in adults:
- Neck stiffness: Neck stiffness and pain that makes it impossible to bend.
- Severe headache : A headache that is more severe than a normal headache and is unbearable.
- High fever: A sudden increase in body temperature.
- Confusion: Loss of consciousness, loss of place and time.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to look at bright light
- Purple spots on the skin
Symptoms in young children:
Imagine your little one suddenly acting differently. Pay attention to these signs.
- Crying non-stop
- Anxiety and irritability
- Vomiting
- Feeling lethargic and sleepy
- Difficulty waking from sleep
- Loss of appetite, refusal to drink milk
- Swollen and bulging fontanel on the top of the head
- A fit (seizure) means a seizure.
Symptoms of Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is usually not as severe as bacterial meningitis, but its symptoms can also start suddenly.
- Fever
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Feeling cold and shivering
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty looking at light
- Appetite
- Double vision
- Symptoms of a cold, cough, and flu-like illness, such as body aches
Babies may also show symptoms such as: fever, vomiting, swelling of the soft spot on the top of the head, irritability, excessive sleepiness, and a reluctance to drink milk.
Meningitis Rash
This is something that many people should know. When the bacteria that cause meningitis enter the bloodstream, the toxins produced by the bacteria damage our blood vessels. This particular type of rash occurs because blood leaks under the skin from these damaged blood vessels.
- Early stage: These lesions may first start as very small red dots (petechiae), similar to those of a small ant bite.
- Later: After a while, these small dots join together and become large red or purple spots (`purpura`) like bruises .
The Glass Test: This is a simple way to tell if a meningitis rash is a common rash or a common cold. Take a clear glass and press it against the rash. Common colds will fade (turn white) when pressed against the glass. Meningitis rashes will not. This is a very important warning sign!
It may be difficult to see these marks clearly on someone with dark skin. In such cases, check light-colored areas such as the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, under the eyes, stomach, and roof of your mouth .
When should you seek immediate medical advice?
This is the most important part. Meningitis can sometimes resolve on its own, but you can't wait until it becomes life-threatening. So, if you have even the slightest suspicion that you or your child has symptoms of meningitis, take action immediately.
| In these cases, see a doctor or go to a hospital immediately: | |
|---|---|
| Fever with severe headache | If the neck is stiff and difficult to bend |
| If consciousness is confused | If skin lesions appear that do not fade with a glass test |
| If a small child is excessively sleepy, refuses to drink milk, and cries incessantly | If a fit (seizure) occurs |
This disease is very dangerous for young children. Symptoms like fever and loss of appetite can also be symptoms of other childhood illnesses. Therefore, do not try to determine whether this is meningitis or not at home. See your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Starting treatment early can prevent many serious complications.
Take-Home Message
- The early symptoms of meningitis can be similar to a common cold or flu, so don't take it lightly.
- A stiff neck, severe headaches, inability to look at bright lights, confusion, and skin lesions that do not fade when pressed with a glass are serious warning signs.
- Be very aware of these symptoms, especially in young children and infants.
- If you suspect you or your child has meningitis, consider it a medical emergency and seek medical advice immediately. Wasting time can worsen the disease and lead to serious complications.
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