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Meningitis is an infection that inflames the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. It can cause severe complications, especially in infants, who may not show the usual symptoms seen in older children and adults. Timely detection of the disease is important to prevent further complications; hence, parents must know when to seek help. To know more about meningitis, we got in touch with Dr P. Sharath Babu, MBBS, MD Pediatrics, Fellowship in Neonatology, Apollo Cradle and Children's Hospital, Chennai who shares insight on the disease.

What Is Meningitis And Why Is Early Detection Important?

Generally, meningitis is caused by either bacterial or viral infection. The bacterial form is more severe and needs urgent medical attention, while the viral form tends to be concerning but relatively minor. Common causative bacteria in infants include Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Generally, cases of meningitis in newborns and young infants tend to progress rapidly; thus, it's essential to take action quickly once signs and symptoms occur.

Dr P. Sharath explains the bacterial form of meningitis could lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or even death, therefore early detection is crucial. However, the signs are often subtle and can resemble common illnesses, so parents must stay alert for any unusual symptoms.

Warning signs to watch out for:

1. Poor Feeding - Infants suffering from meningitis are often reluctant to feed or have difficulty feeding, even if the baby was feeding well previously. Poor feeding can further cause dehydration quickly and worsen the illness itself.

2. Irritability or Unusual Crying- Meningitis renders infants and young babies extremely irritable and fussy. They can also start high-pitched crying at times. Parents might also notice that their baby is simply inconsolable, refusing to be comforted by feeding, rocking, or cuddling.

3. Unresponsiveness- An infant who appears sleepier than usual or does not wake readily and seems unresponsive is one of the most important signs of illness. Drowsiness caused by meningitis is a condition where the baby will not be as active as he or she would normally be.

4. Bulging Fontanelle- Another significant thing to look out for is the soft spot found on a baby's head (fontanelle). Increased pressure inside the skull could lead to the bulging of the fontanelle. Although the movement of the fontanelle is normal, persistent bulging, especially coupled with other symptoms, would be something of concern.

5. Seizures- Seizures are yet another warning sign of meningitis. A baby in a seizure usually presents with sudden jerky movements, movements of the eyes, or stiffening of the body, and it might take a few seconds to several minutes and needs immediate medical attention

When To Seek Medical Help?

Dr P. Sharath explains meningitis can progress very rapidly, so it is important to have your child evaluated if they have some of these combined symptoms. “Do not wait to see if the symptoms will work themselves out. Babies are more susceptible to meningitis complications such as permanent neurological damage, loss of hearing, or even death,” he said.

“If meningitis is suspected, a doctor is likely to order a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, to test cerebrospinal fluid for infection. Blood tests, imaging scans, and other tools are used to diagnose the disease. If the disease is confirmed as bacterial meningitis, intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization are necessary. Viral meningitis may be treated supportively since the disease often runs its course on its own,” he further explains.

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