Infectious diseases >>>> Serous meningitis
Serous meningitis.
Meningitis is a disease associated with inflammatory processes in the lining of the brain or spinal cord. Meningitis can develop as an independent disease or become a complication of other infectious diseases. The cause of meningitis lies in the spread of infectious pathogens to the meninges: bacteria, viruses, and sometimes fungi. With a bacterial etiology of the disease, meningitis is called purulent, since it is often purulent processes that provoke bacteria, getting from other foci of infection into the membranes of the brain. When the inflammatory process in the membranes of the brain becomes the result of a viral infection, they speak of serous meningitis.
The source of the disease is a person: a sick person or a carrier. Infection occurs by airborne droplets or oral (through unwashed hands, food and water).
Serous meningitis is to a greater extent a childhood disease, since according to statistics, it is children of preschool and school age who suffer from this form of meningitis.
Serous meningitis signs:
- Onset acutely (rapidly increasing symptoms),
- Severe headache (due to high intracranial pressure),
- Chills,
- Nausea,
- Rising temperature up to 37.5 degrees,
- A state of stunnedness and lethargy may occur.
Signs of serous meningitis fit the set of symptoms that are called meningeal syndrome in medicine.
Diagnosis of serous meningitis is based on a serological test for the presence of antibodies in the blood to the causative agent of the disease, as well as on the study of cerebrospinal fluid by puncture sampling. In addition to the diagnostic need, puncture relieves headache.
Treatment of serous meningitis is aimed at extinguishing a viral infection, in addition, it is symptomatic: relieving pain, lowering body temperature if necessary. For the early removal of viral toxins from the body, it is necessary to replenish the water and electrolyte balance (drinking plenty of fluids) and use diuretics. Recovery occurs after two to three weeks.
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