Infectious meningitis symptoms in children. The main symptoms of meningitis, similar to all ages

Meningitis is a disease nervous systemwhich is characterized by inflammation of the brain shells. The brain is surrounded by 3 shells: solid, soft and web. Between the soft and web sheath is the spinal fluid (liquor). When inflammation, the formation of liquor increases and the spinal pressure increases.

According to the nature of inflammation, 2 main forms of meningitis are distinguished:

1. Purulent. It is divided into primary and secondary. With secondary meningitis in the body there is a focus of infection, for example otitis or mastoidite. If these diseases are complicated by inflammation of cerebral shells, we are talking about a secondary version. With the primary purulent meningitis of another focus of infection.
2. Serous. May be caused by viruses, fungi or tuberculosis stick. Leaks in more straight formMore difficult to diagnose.

Depending on the etiology, meningitis is bacterial, viral, fungal, mite, tuberculosis.

Meningitis can develop in children of different age groups. The disease is subject to babies and older children. There may be several reasons:

1. In babies up to 1 month, the causative agent of the disease is most often bacteria - streptococci and intestinal wand.
2. In children aged 1 - 3 months, Meningitis causative agents are several others. In the first place hemophilic stick and pneumococcus, then streptococci and meningococcus.
3. In older children, the disease is most often caused by pneumococci and meningococci. Less often, the cause is infected with an intestinal wand.

In most cases, meningitis develops as an infectious disease. Therefore, the main path of the transfer is air-drip. A child can get sick in the presence of contact with an infected person. For example, the causative agent can pass during a conversation, cough, sneezing.

The main difference of meningitis is a sharp start. Parents can specify the time of symptoms up to hours and minutes. The disease often appears against the background of complete well-being.

The whole clinic includes 3 major symptom complex:

• intoxication syndrome;
• community symptoms;
• meningleal symptoms.

At the beginning of the disease, the syndrome of intoxication comes out to the fore. It is manifested by a sharp increase in body temperature. For meningococcal infection - up to 40 - 41 ° C, with viral - 39 - 40 ° C. Fever is accompanied by a significant deterioration in the well-being of the child.

The second group of symptoms is general-selling. If the child is small, then it is manifested by hyperoportability and loud crying. Often such crying is called a brain cry - it is loud, shrill, long. Not similar to crying baby because of other reasons. If the child is older, he will complain about the strongest headache. Painful feelings It is localized throughout the head, they are not alleviated by anything, the pain at the same time has a dilapidative character. Reception of conventional painkillers does not make it easier.

Against the backdrop of headaches, vomiting often occurs. The nature of the vomit may be different, it does not have a diagnostic value. It is important that vomiting does not bring relief. This is the main difference from vomiting with other diseases (for example, with acute intestinal infection, gastritis).

Another group of symptoms is an increased sensitivity to external stimuli. On sound, light and touch, the child reacts very painfully. Any noise I. bright light Brings a lot of intelligent sensations.

Positive meningeal symptoms indicate high blood pressure Spinal fluid. They can be checked at home. It is enough to know and be able to test the rigidity of the occipital muscles:

• lay a child on the back;
• tilt his head to the chest;
• in the norm of the selection must disappear without difficulty chestIf it is impossible, the symptom is considered positive.

In the presence of these signs, consult a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis and treatment

You can suspect the disease in a clinical picture. For this, the doctor checks the meningeal symptoms: the rigidity of the occipital muscles, the cernig, the top, the middle and lower Brudzinsky.

In the future, it is necessary to conduct a survey. The main diagnostic method is a lumbar puncture. To do this, with the help of the needle make a puncture in the region of 3 or 4 lumbar vertebra. After the puncture, a set of liquor in the syringe is made.

Explore the pressure with which the fluid flows, as well as the character of the liquor:

• cellular composition;
• color;
• transparency;
• glucose, protein;
• the presence of fibrin film.

Then the microscopic examination of the liquor to detect the pathogen is carried out. In the presence of bacteria, we need sowing a spinal fluid and determining sensitivity to antibiotics.

Treatment includes 2 main directions: the struggle with the cause and relief of symptoms.

Etiotropic therapy:

1. Antibiotics with bacterial infection. Most often used antibacterial agents from a group of penicillins or cephalosporins. In severe cases, "Vancomycin" is appointed.
2. With fungal lesions - antifungal drugs. For example, Nystatin.
3. There is no etiotropic treatment from viral meningitis.

Symptomatic treatment includes the purpose of glucocorticoids and diuretics. Glucocorticoids are prescribed parenteral forms, such as Dexamethasone.

Prevention includes the following events:

Meningitis is a severe disease, which is inflammation of the shell of the spine and brain. Despite the fact that during many years, scientists are trying to fight this disease, it takes hard, especially in children. In her course, it is at a child (especially in small) there are features that you need to know.

Signs and symptoms

Despite the fact that all children can slander with meningitis in different ways, there are a number of symptoms characteristic of all its forms. The following manifestations include meningeal symptoms:

headache, strong and amplifying from external factors (loud sound, bright light); vomiting without nausea, in no way connected with food; High temperature (39-40 ° C), which is not reacting to conventional antipyretic drugs; The kid can complain that he does not feel the head and back; Gently put it on the back and ask to press the chin to the chest - he will not be able to do this due to muscle's profile; In the infants you can see the empty of a large spring, its strong tension; The patient is more convenient to lie on the side, pushing his legs close to the stomach and thighphipped the head back; With meningitis, a rash can begin, reaching sometimes to large bright bordeed spots throughout the body.

Since the meningeal symptom can be recognized by parents at home, at the very first manifestations it is necessary to urgently apply to the hospital. Moreover, various factors can become the causes of meningococcal infection.

Causes of disease

The causes of this disease in children can become:

viruses, bacteria, fungi, simplest; sepsis and generic injuries - in newborns; problems with the nasopharynx and middle ear in young children (up to the year); prematurity; reduced immunity; diseases of the nervous system; The injuries of the dorsal and brain.

Therefore, children suffering from health issues and health problems fall into the risk group. The incubation period of the disease ranges from 1 to 10 days.

Types of meningitis

Meningitis among children are divided into two groups.

1. purulent

Called bacterial infection. Amazes the smallest kids who did not even fulfill the year. Most often begin with strong chills, increasing temperature, vomiting and headaches. Meningkeal syndromes are very clearly pronounced.

2. Serous

The reason is a viral infection. Children most often found precisely this type of disease. It can be caused by viruses epidemic parotitis (pigs in children), some intestinal viruses (Esno, Coksaki). Amazes children from 1 to 8 years. It starts unexpectedly - with a sharp leappiece of temperatures up to 39-40 ° C and higher. Such acute period It lasts from 3 to 5 days, and at full recovery can be hoped after 2 weeks.

The outcome and the same, and other forms of the disease depends on the timely appeal to the doctor and the adequacy of treatment, but in the case of serous meningitis, there are more chances for rapid recovery without consequences. Purulent type And diagnosed, and is treated with difficulty.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of serous children's meningitis does not represent difficulties, unlike purulent, which is recognized only during laboratory surveys. In suspected meningitis, children are prescribed the following procedures:

Puncture of the spinal fluid. General blood analysis. Analysis of the liquor. Bacterioscopic study of blood smears and sediment of the liquor. Bacteriological sowing of blood, liquor, nasopharynx mucus.

There are many analyzes, all this is done to accurate diagnosis. Before taking puncture from a child, he is sent to a survey to Laura, a neurologist, neurosurgeon and hematologist to avoid consequences.

Treatment of meningitis in children

Self-treatment in the case of meningitis is unacceptable. The treatment of the child should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital. This disease is dangerous in that the patient's condition can deteriorate at any time and become critical. Then there are emergency resuscitation events, possible only in clinical conditions. The course of treatment involves the reception of antiviral and antibacterial agents And it will depend on the form of the disease.

1. Treatment of serous meningitis

Therapy in these cases is aimed primarily to reduce intracranial pressure. Therefore, diuretic drugs are introduced to the patient, desensitizing (removable allergies) and the general feling agents, various vitamins are prescribed.

2. Treatment of purulent meningitis

Here therapy is based exclusively on antibacterial drugs that are prescribed only by results. laboratory studies. Intravenously, with the help of droppers, the means against intoxication and diuretic are introduced.

Antibiotics

And in that, and in another case, antibiotics of the penicillin row are prescribed: amoxyl, flossin, benzylpenicillin. They are used for treatment no longer than 5-7 days. Piracetam or nootropyl prescribe for recovery nerve cells and blood vessels. Dexamethasone, Kenalog, hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone are therapy against inflammation.

Rehabilitation

After the course of treatment, the child is allowed to lead the usual lifestyle, since meningitis does not damage the main systems of the children's body.

Complications after meningitis

If the meningococcal infection at the child was identified in a timely manner, doctors and parents accepted all possible measures aimed at eliminating the disease, no serious consequences should be afraid. If the appeal to the hospital was not timely, with purulent forms, as well as in the presence of deviations in health, there may be such consequences as:

full deafness; blindness; mental and physical delay in development; toxic shock; Outlet, brain swelling; acute adrenal insufficiency; cerebrids.

It is neither sad, but sometimes meningitis leads to a fatal outcome.

Prevention

Due to the fact that the treatment of children's meningitis is a complex and protracted process, prevention is relevant this disease. The parents of those children who fall into the risk group should be thought of it. The most effective preventive measures are:

meningitis vaccinations that make children in early age: It is now applied for this purpose. Vaccine counter windmill; Chemoprophylaxis for everyone who was in contact with man, patients with meningitis; Since the disease is transmitted by air-droplet, it is necessary to refrain from contact with infection carriers using gauze bandages and respirators.

Meningitis is a dangerous and serious illness, from which you must definitely protect your child. If the circumstances turned out to be stronger, the parents need to take all measures for the speedy recovery of the kid. This can only be avoided by heavy consequences and complications of this disease.

Classification of meningitis

The disease is particularly quickly transmitted in children's teams, so it is so important to identify in a timely manner. the first signs of meningitis in children, His look, and predict the possibility of transmission of infection.

With untimely or improper treatment Meningitis gives severe consequences, namely the development of the so-called "water" of the brain, an increase in intracranial pressure, the accumulation of purulent masses inside the cranial box, long-term inflammatory processes.

As a result - inhibition intellectual Development The child, in extremely launched cases, is also possible fatal outcome.

Meningitis are separated by the causative agent, which caused the disease; The area of \u200b\u200blesion covered by the disease and other factors.

There are such types of meningitis

Lepomingitis, striking the soft and web brain shell. Arachniditis (only arachnoid, rare case). PAHIMENIGITY (inflamed solid shell brain).

By the zone of the defeat

Spinal (spinal cord). Cerebral (brain).

In character directly inflammation

Serous Meningitis. Purulent meningitis.

Both species are equally common in children.

By origin

Meningococcal - Diplococcus is the pathogen, is transmitted by air-droplet. Complication - the accumulation of purulent masses. Pneumococcal - The causative agent is streptococcus, often accompanied by the transfer of pneumonia or develops as one of its complications or consequences. It has its consequence the development of brain edema. Hemophilic meningitis It appears when a weakened gram-negative chopstick appears in the body. Most often, little children are susceptible - from six months to one and a half years. Staphylococcal meningitis Often amazes children undergoing chemotherapy or long-term antibacterial treatment and having strongly weakened immunity. Also in the risk group are newborn to 3 months. Escherichiosis Meningitis caused by the same virus and affects infants. Develops quickly, death is possible. Salmonelles Meningitis Transmitted through contacts to everyday life, often develops in winter. He is subject to children under 6 months. This kind of variety is extremely rare. Listeriosis meningitis - strikes the nervous system, manifests itself through the acute intoxication of the body.

The first signs of meningitis in a child

In children younger age The first symptoms of meningitis can be confused with signs of ARVI

Meningitis always begins suddenly and develops very sharply.

The first signs of meningitis in a child is to dry up the mucous membrane of the nose and mouth, the appearance of symptoms of the inflammatory process.

Depending on the age of affected child, various symptoms may be observed.

Signs of meningitis in children under the year showing weaklyThe help is inexpressive.

This is because the symptoms are often confused with signs of colds, the confidential consciousness is not recognized on time, which signals that meningitis began in the child.

Symptoms in infants also "lubricated" due to the impossibility of polling the child about the localization of pain, general well-being.

Do not forget in the first months after the appearance of a newborn brain ultrasound. At this stage of life, with the help of this study, many pathologies can be diagnosed, including the infection of the cerebral shell.

Neutronography It is important to do in the first lives of the baby, because Springki still closed and can be performed efficiently. Therefore, the article on the note is young Mama: When is the signnant in newborns?

The topic that leads parents in a restless state of medical examinations - noises in the heart of the child. What are their reasons what it can threaten in the future we tell in this material.

Signs of meningitis in children 2 years and younger:

Sharp leap temperature up to 39-40 degrees, resistant hard heat; Baby Znobit. The antipyretic means, as a rule, or have no effect, or their effect is short-lived. There is a general weakness, drowsiness, lethargy. The child is pale, does not react to the appeal of adults. Strong headache and vomiting are observed. With the deterioration of the state, spasms and convulsions that are easy to recognize the uncharacteristic position of the limbs and anxiety of the child are possible. Try to find out from the baby that it bothers that he hurts

Signs of meningitis in children 3 years old and older can be recognized due to the poll of the child: At this age, children tend to be meaningful contact with adults and reveal the confusion of consciousness characteristic of the disease will be easier.

Symptoms of meningitis in children 5 years and younger school age recognized not only by general status and high temperatures, but also characteristic details: condition of mucous eye and mouth, ability to swallow food etc.

So, signs of meningitis in children of 7 years, as well as for 2-3 years younger or older Usually look like this:

A sharp leap temperature to the indicator 40, fever, chills. The confused state of consciousness, nonsense begins due to fever and oppression of brain functions as the inflammatory process. Sharp strong pain In the abdomen, similar to those that occur during poisoning. Nausea and vomiting. Cramps and (or) numbness of the limbs. The face is hypereced, it is often observed redness, a small swelling (swelling). The eye protein is clouded, has a yellowish tint. Redness of the throat, the grit of the sky.

Signs of meningitis in children are 11 years old, adolescents are no different from those described above.

What to do if a child has seizures at high temperatures, what are their reasons for how to provide first help? Detailed information we have submitted here.

Patient Child Parents Temporary Improving His State misleads, they believe that the kid suffered heavy form ARVI, influenza or other colds.

Nonprofessional confused with them Meningitis is very easy, because the symptoms are in many ways similar, and such character traitsAs nonsense, confusion of consciousness, the yellowing of the eyeballs can remain unnoticed.

Meningitis proceeds very acute, but ends after 3-5 days after the first symptoms appear. After that, the development of the consequences of the disease begins, the second phase of numerous exacerbations is possible.

there is general signs meningitis in children for whom the doctor finally puts the diagnosis - They do not give confusion to form.

These include:

Spasm of the occipital muscles, Because of which, when trying to bother head forward in the back of the back, resistance occurs, not giving freely move. Symptom Kernigawhich manifests itself in the voltage of the rear muscles of the thigh. The doctor examines a person in the lying position. Carefully flexing the leg in tazobed SustaHe is trying to break her in his knee. If resistance occurs, the patient is not able to exercise even with a third-party help, suspicion of meningitis is put. Symptom of Brudzinsky. Inspection is also carried out lying. At the same time, one leg is straightened, the second doctor bends in a knee and (or) hip joint. If the second leg begins to bend reflexively, also suspicion of meningitis.

These symptoms may be observed at the same time: one of them may be presentThey can be expressed extremely weakly or only in the period when the child has a high temperature.

Lumbal puncture is assigned to confirm the diagnosis - Only after this analysis the patient may be treated.

How (not) to infect meningitis?

Meningitis begins after entering a weakened infection of a certain kind (streptococci, staphylococci and other pathogens described above). The disease is transmitted in the following ways:

Air-drip - The easiest way of transfer, in this way the viral meningitis is usually distributed in children. Symptoms appear first in 1-2 people in the team, the epidemic begins. Fecal-oral - transmitted through contaminated feces patients (human or beast) food, water, household items. Transplantary transmission - A rare type of infection from mother to child. In case of infection on early timing An intrauterine infection is developing, the fruit most often dies. When transferring to late time The child is born with a disease.

The treatment of meningitis is carried out in a hospital and combines the reception of complex antibacterial and antiviral drugs and symptomatic treatment. Due to the possible dangerous consequences of the disease, self-treatment is not recommended.

How to avoid trouble: Prevention measures

Meningitis is dangerous and manifests itself sharp, and therefore measures should be taken to prevent the disease.

support child immunity; To seek medical care during colds - especially atypical. For example, if the child's temperature without symptoms; Do not neglect the quarantine measures in the event of an epidemic.

Recognition of meningitis and timely appeal for help - the condition of minimizing the damage to health and the way to avoid the severe effects of the disease.

Do you need to make a baby vaccine from meningitis? Explains Dr. Komarovsky.

ATTENTION, only today!

Parents are hardly worried when babies are sick - you want the diseases to be quickly, without complications. Unfortunately, in childhood Due to low immunity, this is not always obtained. One of the heavy diseases where the child is required urgent help - Meningitis. Parents need to know the symptoms to avoid dangerous complications.

The first symptoms of meningitis in children

This disease is inflammation of the shells of the brain - more often amazing children. Meningitis proceeds in severe form, can develop instantly. The disease causes brain swelling, requires urgent inpatient treatment. Not in time rendered assistance threatens with severe complications, right up to fatal outcome. It is important to correctly diagnose the disease, but the problem arises - the initial signs of meningitis in children are similar to the symptoms of viral infection.

How does meningite begin? The child needs urgent medical care when such initial signs, as:

heat; drying mucosa; nasolabial triangle sinusiness; vomiting; pallor; dyspnea; Pulse care; The appearance of pain when pressing the middle of the forehead, the upper lip; decline in appetite; feeling thirst; Failure to eat; The appearance of rash in the form of spots.

The causes of inflammatory processes in the brain can be infection caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria, microorganisms. Infection passes from a person or a painful pet, through food, dirty toys, unwashed hands, poor-quality water. Often there is a meningococcal version of the disease of the disease, which is distributed by air-droplet. We provoke the inflammation of the brain shells:

otitis; tonsillitis; weak immunity; Card and brain injuries; Inflammation of the sinuses of the nose.

The disease in all cases has its own features of the manifestation, which are caused by the age of the child. There are common meningkeal signsFor which the disease is accurately determined. They are associated with characteristic only for inflammation of the brain shells with tension - muscle rigidity. For example, on the neck, in the backbone, they appear such a hypertonus, which is impossible to get to the chest.

The inflammation of the brain shells in the symptoms, named the names of the doctors, who first observed them were diagnosed:

Kerniga - in the position lying it is impossible to break the leg, bent in the knee - do not give rear muscles hips. Mondonesei - unbearable pain when pressing closed eyes. Lesaja - Apply for infant age - the method of hanging for armpits - when maintaining the head, the knees are involuntarily tightened to the chest.

The inflammation of the brain shells is characterized by symptoms, expressed by four signs, which described Brudzin:

spring - if you click on the cheeks under the cheek, - involuntarily go up shoulders; Nizhny - in the position lying tighten one leg - the second will repeat the movement; Middle - legs pulsely bent in the joints, if you press the pubic area; Upper - lying on his back raise the child's head - his knees will catch up to his chest.

Serous Meningitis - Symptoms in Children

This type of disease is characterized by inflammation of the brain, in which purulent serous fluid accumulates. Meningitis is caused by enterovirus, the disease develops rapidly. If timely help is not provided, disability and fatal exodus are likely. How does meningitis manifest in this situation? Distinctive features Diseases:

high temperature that is not removed using familiar drugs; nausea; weakness; Abundant vomiting.

If a viral infection has fallen with food, water is observed diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating. When infection with an air-drip way, a runny nose appear, the throat. Defining symptoms during serous species meningitis:

headache, increasing when driving - a child can shout without ceasing; lethargy; heat; legging; chills; capriciousness; afraid of strong sounds, light; Increased skin sensitivity; hearing impairment; Pulsation Spring in infants; muscle tension; hallucinations; cramps. Viral meningitis - symptoms in children

How to recognize meningitis when his symptoms are too similar to viral infection? The disease begins to increase the temperature, which is not removed by antipyretic means. Such meningeal symptoms appear:

severe vomiting; chills; inflammation of the nasal mucosa; Unbearable headaches; nausea; Failure to eat; rash in the form of spots; intolerance to touch, loud sounds, light; The tension of the muscles on the signs of Kerniga, Brudzinsky.

Meningitis - symptoms in children up to year

It is very dangerous to develop a disease in infants, when moms are lost and do not know what is happening with the baby. He becomes heavenly, excited, crying unfortunately. Doctors observe such symptoms of meningitis in a child who has not been fulfilled:

diarrhea; jerking; excitation for touches; pulsation, blowing springs; drowsiness; convulsions; lowering muscle tone; severe vomiting; rash on mucous; loss of consciousness; Sign of wood - when hanging a baby for armpits. Symptoms of meningitis in children 3 years

At this age it is easier to diagnose the disease - the child will tell himself that it worries. What symptoms when meningitis can be recognized? The baby hides under the blanket - it is annoyed by light and noise, the strong headache prevents. Increased temperature can hold on several days, then fall, and increase again. There are signs of meningitis in a child:

lubrication in muscles; malaise; The appearance of rash on the body; noise in ears hanging hearing; Sensitivity of the skin - soreness of touches; nonsense in a dream; chills; convulsions; Tension muscles on the signs of Brudzinsky.

Symptoms of meningitis in children 5 years

At the age of a child, ranging from five years to a teenager, the inflammation of the brain shells characterize the first signs of meningitis - a sharp increase in temperature, severe vomiting. Appear:

redness of the throat, problems with swallowing; confused - does not answer simple questions; numbness of the limbs; sharp abdominal pains; Blind of eye protein, appearance of a yellowish shade; rave; convulsions; rash on the body; signs of muscle rigidity; Personal swelling, redness. Video: Enterovirus Meningitis - Symptoms

Meningitis is an infectious-inflammatory disease in which the shells of the head and spinal cord. For meningitis, a complex of general-selling, general-oxidation and meningeal symptoms is characterized.

There are diseases with which you can live for years, there are infections that can be treated at home and even tolerate on the legs, but any sensible parent when the child appears in the child's signs of meningitis is trying to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Meningitis - dangerous diseasecarrying a real threat to life and high danger of complications. He is capable of leading to death in a few hours, and the consequences (paralysis, paresis, epilepsy, hydrocephalus) untime treatment stay for life.

Meningitis is harder in children, since the hematostephalic barrier (between blood and nervous cloth) They have greater permeability, but under certain conditions (weakened immunity, head or back injuries) can be ill at any age.

The term itself stems from Latin "Meningos" - brain shells. Meningitis is known for a long time, but detailed clinical picture It was described only at the end of the XIX century, and it began to treat it in the 50s of the 20th century. Until now, according to statistics, every tenth sick dies.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the shells of the head and (or) spinal cord having an infectious nature. For purulent form Diseases The spinal fluid (liquor) is also involved in inflammatory process, becomes muddy and changes the composition.
The disease has several classifications on various features:

By the nature of inflammation:

• purulent. Most liquor cells are neutrophils whose function is to protect against bacteria and fungi;
• serous, when in the spinal fluid, lymphocytes are prevalent responsible for combating viruses.

By pathogenesis (features of occurrence):

• primary - independent diseasenot a consequence of the infection of the organ or the body as a whole;
• the secondary, arising as a complication after an infection, when its pathogen passes through the hematostephalic barrier and leads to inflammation.

By speed of leakage:

• reactive, requiring treatment during the first day;
• acute, developing in 2-3 days;
• subacute, inflammation at which can last more than 2 weeks;
• chronic when meningitis develops longer than 4 weeks.

Also distinguished meningitis, depending on the occurrence of inflammation (cerebral, cerebrospinal, convexital, surface, basal), localization (paneling, pahimenegit, lepthenyngitis, arachnoiditis).

With a timely manner, the consequences of infectious meningitis in children can be minimized, and after a while they disappear at all. Sometimes there remain difficulties with perception and attention, but after a few years (no more than five) the body will be restored completely. Two years after the child's disease must observe a pediatrician.

Complications depend on the type of suffering infection. So, purulent meningitis Children can cause problems with vision, hearing, psychomotor development, memory. The occurrence of adhesions in the brain shells after the suffered disease disrupts the circulation and the production of liquor, which leads to an increase in intracranial pressure or hydrocephalus.

Basal meningitis (arising in the base of the brain), cause a decrease in hearing, vision and. The serous form of the disease is slightly less dangerous, but without timely assistance will lead to the same consequences. After meningitis, the development of epilepsy is sometimes observed, but doctors suggest that this is happening in those who have been predisposed to it.

Especially dangerous reactive form Meningitis, able to kill in a few hours, causing infectious-toxic shock: change blood clotting, fall arterial pressure, violation of the heart and kidney work.

Causes

For the occurrence of infectious meningitis in children, the causative agent should penetrate the hematorecephalic barrier. In the body, it can fall in the following ways:

1. Air-drip. When coughing and sneezing, healthy people can convey infection. According to epidemiologists, per person who affected the meningococcal form of the disease, accounts for up to 3 thousand passive carriers and 200-300 people with inflammation of only nasopharynx. In this way, adenoviruses and enteroviruses are also transmitted.
2. Fecal oral. This is so transmitted mainly by enteroviruses, causing not only intestinal infection, but also meningitis under certain conditions.
3. Hematogenic. The most frequent path. It is characteristic of secondary meningitis, when blood transfers the pathogen from the source of infection to the brain. HIV, cytomegalovirus and other infections are capable of penetrating blood through the placental barrier during pregnancy and cause inflammation of the brain in the child's womb.
4. Lymphogenic. The causative agent moves in lymphatic system.
5. Contact. The injury of the head or back can lead to penetration into the brain shell or the cerebrospinal fluid of pathogenic microorganisms.

On incubation period Meningitis affects a specific pathogen, for example, in children enterovirus causes inflammation in a week, and Meningokokok for 4 days.

For the occurrence of the disease, it is not enough for infection simply in the body. The probability of transferring and reproduction of pathogens depends on the state of immunity - it is not able to withstand microorganisms relaxed due to the lifestyle, chronic or innate diseases. Child's defensive barriers are imperfect, so more than half of the sick - children under 5 years old.

Bacterial meningitis are of particular danger, since any purulent focus - otitis, angrint, abscess - can cause a disease. Most often, the causative agent of bacterial meningitis is meningococcus. If a the immune system It could not delay it in the nasopharynk, it penetrates blood through the mucous membranes and can cause inflammation in any body body, including the brain.

One of the most terrible types of infectious meningitis in children is lightning meningochemia, when he penetrates into blood a large number of Meningococcus. It highlights toxins that in a few hours cause sepsis, blockage of small vessels, skin hemorrhages and a blood coagulation disorder. The child in the first few hours (maximum per day) dies from heart or renal failure.

Symptoms

Signs of the disease are practically independent of the type of pathogen. Often meningitis in children manifests itself as an infectious damage with non-specific symptoms inherent in other, less dangerous, diseases.

Symptoms not allowing to eliminate meningitis:

1. Headache, amplified when moving the head, due to light and loud sounds. It is especially worth alert if it appears during any infectious disease (Orz, herpes on the lips and so on) and strong so much that all other symptoms are moving into the background.
2. Pain in the back and neck, accompanied by increasing temperature.
3. Nausea, vomiting (without communication with food intake), drowsiness, crimsoning consciousness.
4. Any cramps. They are observed in a third of children with meningitis, and, as a rule, occur in the first day.
5. Permanent crying, growing springs, fever in children up to year.
6. Rash with raising temperature. In 80% of children, typical rash during meningitis has the form of rapidly emerging pink specks, in the center of which hemorrhage occurs in a couple of hours - this is a symptom of meningochemia. The bill goes for a minute and you need to go to the hospital as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, any rash, accompanied by high temperaturesmay be a sign of the disease and it is necessary to show a doctor.
   With purulent meningitis, nonspecific symptoms appear brightly from the first hours (or days), viral signs In the future, they gradually disappear, and with tuberculosis form increases over time.

Doctors distinguish a number of meningeal symptoms associated with the impairment of the work of the senses, the tension of the muscles, the pain reaction to inflammation. The most important:

1. Rigidity (inelasticity) of the occipital muscles. If you put your hand on the back of the head and try to burn your head to the chest, the muscles will be so fidgeted that it will be impossible. Strong tension causes a typical meningeal pose - lying on his side with his head trapped back and bent to the belly legs.
2. Symptom of Kerniga. Lying on the back cautiously bend the leg in the knee and the hip joint at a right angle, when meningitis in such a posture he will not be able to break the knee. For children under the age of 4 months, this is not a sign of meningitis.
3. Symptom of lasage hanging (for children up to year). If a child take under the mouse, he involuntarily sweeps his legs to the stomach and disperse them is impossible.
4. Symptom of Brudzinsky. If a child lying on his back, tilt his head to his chest, legs and hands will automatically begin bending (top symptom). When flexing one leg, the second will also unconsciously repeat the movement (lower symptom).
5. Symptom of "tripod". Sitting with elongated legs, the child deviates back, leaning on his hands, or sweeps his legs.

In children under 3, especially with the rapid development of the disease, symptoms can manifest themselves weakly or one or two of them.

If there are no characteristic hemorrhages on the skin, it is possible to accurately diagnose meningitis only with the help of the spinal puncture and the analysis of the liquor on signs of inflammation (increase in the amount of protein, the presence of pus).

Also in the cerebrospinal fluid is detected by the pathogen. For the same purposes, blood test is at the same time. To establish the presence and scale of damage to the brain shells are prescribed neosonography, electroencephalography, magnetic resonance tomography.

Treatment

For the treatment of meningitis in children, especially emergency hospitalization is needed. The disease assistance includes:

1. Antibiotics with bacterial meningitis. The choice of a particular preparation depends on the causative agent. In particular, regular streptomycin punctures in the spinal channel applies with tuberculosis form. Viral meningitis involves observation and symptomatic treatment (exception - herpetic infection or the Epstein Barr virus revealed when an acyclovir antibiotic is applied).
2. Normalization of intracranial pressure. With any meningitis, the pressure of the spinal fluid increases, resulting in intense headaches. Withdrawal of a small part of the liquor (including during its analysis) reduces pressure. Diolens are also used.
3. Symptomatic treatment comprising anesthetic, antipyretic, vitamins, anti-ansulous.
4. Elimination of intoxication and restoration of the water-salt balance with intravenous solutions.
5. Anticonvulsant preparations (if necessary).
6. Hormonal anti-inflammatory therapy.

Meningitis Prevention includes, above all, strengthening the immunity of children: hardening, walking, balanced nutrition.

In addition, for children in the risk group (age up to 5 years, with a weakened after the disease or due to genetic reasons Immunity) It is necessary to apply the following methods for reducing the risk of disease:

• Warning of air-drip infections: restriction of contacts with patients, avoiding public places during epidemics, using cotton-gauze bandages. Meningokokok, pneumococcus, hemophilic wand die under the influence of fresh air and ultraviolet, so it is worth it to air the room and open the windows.
• Prevention of infections transmitted by oral-fecal paths occurs through respect for conventional hygiene rules: thorough washing of hands, fruits and vegetables, boiling water with suspicion of hazardous microorganisms.
• Vaccination. Unfortunately, the universal vaccination from meningitis does not exist, but the planned vaccination can protect against certain diseases, complications after which can go to the brain. Vaccines against the main pathogens bacterial meningitis (Hemophilic stick, pneumococcus, meningococcus) in the Russian calendar vaccinations are not included, but certified and can be made at the request of the parents of the child.

Meningitis is one of the most severe and dangerous infectious diseases, especially often affecting children from 1 to 5 years. Due to the hitting of bacteria, viruses, mushrooms, some simplest brain shell arises inflammation, with late treatment, leading to severe complications up to death.

At the fore possible symptoms Meningitis needs to go to the hospital as soon as possible, since infectious-toxic shocks in some cases develops very quickly - in several days or even hours. Protecting the child from the disease will help the strengthening of immunity, prevention of infections of various nature and vaccination.

Useful video about meningitis in children

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Meningitis in children occurs hard, with the development of cerebral and infectious symptoms, meningeal signs and pathological changes in the spinal fluid. Pediatricians pay special attention to feud. This is explained frequent defeat CNS structures, high mortality and serious complications.

The disease is most often registered among babies and children under the age of 6 years. At the same time, the boys suffer from meningitis much more often girls. The possibility of death is directly related to the age of the baby - the younger, the higher the risk. To protect the child from neuroinfection and avoid serious complications, parents should be aware of the inflammation of the brain as much as possible.

Why and how meningitis develops

The causes of meningitis in children were studied very well. It has been proven that the disease most often provoke bacteria: meningococci, staphylococci or pneumococci.

No less often neuroinfection develops against the background of virus damage:

• measles;
• rubella;
• polio;
• tick-borne encephalitis;
• herpes;
• chickenpox and other infectious pathologies.

Slightly less often observed tuberculous, fungal or helminthic meningitis.

The most quickly meningitis is transmitted by air-droplet, therefore, in kindergartens and schools, the outbreak of neuroinfection, leading to quarantine.

Half has an incubation period during which there are no signs of damage. This contributes to the spread of the pathogen among a larger number of children.

Especially susceptible to infectious or weakened kids with low immunity, which have recently undergoing severe diseases. The formation of meningitis in newborns has a great influence pathological development pregnancy or childbirth, intrauterine infections, oxygen starvation of the fetus.

In the period between infancy and preschool age, all sorts of purulent diseases become risk factors:

• sinusitis;
• otitis;
• mastoid and Eusthaitis;
• furunculosis;
• osteomyelitis;
• tonnsillitis, pharyngitis and other respiratory ailments.

The cause of secondary meningitis can be a respiratory disease.

The inclination to the rapid development of meningitis in the kids of early and preschool age is due to the weakness of immunity and an increased permeability of the physiological barrier between the blood system and the central nervous system. The impetus to the inflammatory process in the brain can be bad care for the child, long overcooling, emotional overvoltage, exhaustion, head injury.

Signs and symptoms of inflammation of the brain in children

How does meningite manifest in children? Underes in childhood usually begins as a banal respiratory infection. The child climbs the temperature, tricks and dries in the throat, headache and lights appear. The strength and nature of the symptoms depend on the age of the baby and the type of infection.

Infant age

In children, under the year, the signs of meningitis are weakly pronounced and they are often confused with the beginning of a cold, so specific health care comes late. The baby, due to age, can not tell about his state of health, show where he hurts. One of the main signs of meningitis is a consciousness confusion - also passes unnoticed.

Meningitis in newborns is weakly expressed in symptoms

Therefore, parents to protect the child from risk, and from unnecessary experiences, it is recommended in the first months after birth to make a baby ultrasonic studies of the brain.

With inflammation of the brain in infants, there is a seal and bulge in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Grand Spring. With a careful attitude towards a child, it can be noted that it lies with his head trapped back, tightening his knees to the stomach. With the appearance of such signs of the disease, it is necessary to urgently cause an ambulance.

Early children's age

The symptoms of meningitis in children from 1 year to 3 years are sharply and violently. The temperature is sharply rising to 40 ° C and above, the child is thrown into the heat, then in the cold. The antipyretic do not help or have a very weak action.

Soon, other symptoms of inflammation of brain shells appear behind the fever:

• apathetic, lethargy and drowsiness;
• the baby pale and does not respond to others or begins to be capricious and chip in sobs;
• there is severe headache and vomiting.

If you do not accept any measures, the kid has cramps and muscle spasms, which are easy to identify by the specific position of the body.

Preschool age

From 3 to 6-7 years old, the child is already quite capable of talking about what it bothers. The first signs of meningitis in children at this age are recognized not only at elevated temperature and headaches.

Other bright symptoms appear:

• confusion of consciousness, nonsense, gallucinations are possible;
• abdominal abdominal, similar intestinal infection;
• nausea, vomiting;
• eye proteins have a yellow shade;
• hyperemia and swelling of the face;
• redness and throat pain, sky looser;
• causes and spasms, numbness of skin.

Children of preschool age meningitis proceeds brightly and violently

As you can see, the clinic again resembles a respiratory infection. What to do parents, how not to make a mistake and recognize the disease on time?

Specific symptoms

Children's meningitis proceeds very intensively, but after 4-5 days all the manifestations go to the decline and the parents are confident that the baby just caught up or picked up the flu. But it is not. From the fifths of the day, the disease passes into the second stage, meaning the height of the disease. It is during this period that specific signs appear that reach maximum severity:

1. Muscle rigidity nape. When trying to make nods and press the chin to the chest appears resistance in the back of the head that limits the movement.
2. Symptom of Kerniga. This is one of the main and early manifestations Brain lesions in meningitis. Inspection of the patient is carried out in the position lying on the back. The patient's foot bends in the knee at right angles. When trying to disperse it, resistance occurs.
3. Symptom of Brudzinsky. Considered the most frequent and permanent sign meningitis. The patient lying on his back is bends one foot in his knee. If at the same time the second limb begins to reflectically tighten to the first, meningitis can be assumed.

Specific symptoms of brain inflammation in children

These signs may appear so together and apart. Often they occur only during high temperatures.

How to identify Nedug

How to determine meningitis in young children? General and specific signs already give an idea of \u200b\u200bthe development of inflammation in the brain. To confirm the diagnosis, the child is taken a fence of the cerebrospinal fluid for the subsequent study. The results of the analysis make it possible to determine the pathogen and differentiate meningitis.

What other events help reveal neuroinfection in a child? By definition of narrow specialists, the baby can prescribe MRI brain, X-ray skull, neurosonography.

In addition, urine and blood fence is taken, but the final diagnosis in any case is based on the results of the lumbar puncture. This method is considered the only reliable.

Treatment methods

Recognized pathological condition It is a direct indication for the hospitalization of the child into an infectious office. At the early stage of the disease, the baby needs bed regime, peace, balanced and lightweight diet, good care.

The treatment of meningitis in children implies comprehensive therapyconsisting of etiotropic preparations, immunostimulants and symptomatic assistance.

Specific therapy

Etiotropic treatment directed against meningitis is based on the reception of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal medicines. The choice of the drug is carried out by the doctor in accordance with the type and sensitivity of the pathogen, the condition of the child, its age and the presence of related pathologies.

Before establishing the type of pathogen, the treatment is appointed approximately. After carrying out diagnostic events And the results of therapy corrected.

Infectious meningitis requires the use of antibacterial drugs. The introduction of antibiotics in childhood is carried out intravenously or intramuscularly. Most often assign:

• penicillins - ampicillin, benzylpenicillin, amoxiclav, clamar, Medoclav;
• cephalosporins - Cefotaxim, Ceftriaxone;
• amphenicols - Levomycetin, Fluimucil;
• carbapenes - Doripenem, Meront, Cilaspan.

Antibacterial therapy in childhood is carried out intramuscularly or intravenously

The tuberculosis form of illness can be treated with isoniazide, streptomycin, comboutol. For greater efficiency in the therapy scheme include tizamide or rifampicin.

In the severe form of meningitis, antibiotics are administered directly in the spinal channel. The duration of antibacterial treatment should not exceed 7-10 days.

The duration of the use of antiviral and antifungal drugs is determined by a physician, but in any case should not be longer than 14 days.

Symptomatic therapy

Such treatment is aimed at eliminating the consequences of meningitis and improving immunity. To improve the state of a small patient and accelerate recovery, assign:

• disintellation preparations - albumin, crystalloid solutions, plasma;
• anticonvulsants - Sibazon, phenobarbital, diazepam. Gamma-hydroxymalaic acid to children is not recommended, because it oppresses the breathing center and can cause a stop of breathing;
• antiallergic medicines - Claritin, Zirtek, Supratin;
• vitamin complexes and immunostimulants.

Disinfecting therapy is carried out by salt electrolyte solutions

If meningitis is accompanied by an edema of the brain, perform a set of measures aimed at removing excess water from the body, forced diuresis and anticonvulsant treatment.

When the child's breathing system is palaced artificial ventilation lungs. Cerebral Collapse is born with intravenous administration Violent and puncture of brain ventricles.

During the illness and after recovery, it is necessary to ensure that the child keeps the regime, they did not say mentally and physically, more rested. Mandatory condition for recovery is a diet.

Consequences of the disease

Almost half of the passing children may face various complications after brain inflammation. How serious they will and are long, depends on the health of the child at the time of infection, its age and immunity.

The consequences of the bacterial form of meningitis

After meningitis, the following pathological conditions are most often developed:

• headaches;
• violation of mental activity and work of the central nervous system;
• convulsions;
• paresis and paralysis;
• reducing or complete loss of learning ability;
• worsening hearing and vision;
• cluster of fluid in the brain;
• cerebrotic syndrome (increased fatigue);
• epileptic seizures.

This is not a complete list of pathologies, which I can expect a child with the meningitis. However, it should be noted that such terrible complications are noted only in 2% of cases. And early detection and competent treatment Will safely avoid this interest percent.

Prediction and warning of meningitis in pediatrics

The outcome of meningitis in childhood is determined by the pathogen, the severity of the state of a small patient, concomitant diseases, as well as the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. Clinical medicinethanks newest medicines and research technologies seek recovery in 95-99% of cases.

The vaccination is considered the basic measure of prevention.

Among the prevention measures aimed at reducing morbidity, there is a vaccination in the first place. When identifying a kid affected by meningitis in the children's institution, quarantine measures are established and the Bacapose is carried out. All contacts in obligatory The serum is introduced.

Grafting from meningitis to children although it does not give 100% protection, but is able to stop the spread of neuroinfection in a preschool institution.

In addition to vaccination to persons, closely in contact with the patient, the chemoprophylaxis is shown. It includes a short course of antibacterial drugs of universal action.

Non-specific brain inflammation is to strengthen the child's immunity and following the rules:

• Timely I. full therapy All sorts of infectious diseases.
• Use for drinking only boiled water.
• Teaching children to comply with personal hygiene norms.
• Careful washing of vegetables and fruits.
• Exception from places of recreation of water bodies with polluted water.

One of the best ways to protect the child from meningitis is to strengthen its health. Hardening, walking and playing outdoors, sports, water treatments - All this will help protect the baby from infection.

Despite the seriousness of the disease, the consequences of brain inflammation at a competent approach can be minimized. Here the main load falls on the parents. It is very important to carefully follow the health of the child, take care of contacts with infected people, and at the first symptoms of ailment, urgently show the kid by a specialist.

Meningitis is a severe pathological process, which is characterized by the edema of the brain and the defeat of its shells. The infectious disease is found in all groups of people. Most often, the disease is manifested in children due to insufficiently developed immunity, the absence of a hematorecephalic barrier. When meningitis develops, the symptoms of children are manifested in different ways. It all depends on the age of the child. The disease also leads to severe complications, regardless of the speed and professionalness of the assistance provided.

When meningitis in children, infection contributes to the most part of the disruption of the soft brain shell of the spine and brain. The brain cells themselves in the inflammatory process are not retracted. The disease proceeds with the formation of infectious, brain, meningadeal signs and inflammatory disorders in the cerebrospinal fluid.

In pediatrics and children's infectious disease, meningitis is given special attention, which is explained by the multiple defeat of the central nervous system, high indicator Mortality from this disease, as well as serious consequences.

The incidence rate among children under the age of 14 is represented by 10 cases per 100,000 thousand population. At the same time, approximately 80% are sick children under 5 years. The threat of a deadly outcome in meningitis is due to the age of the child. The less years, the baby, the higher the risk of mortality.

Classification of the disease

Meningitis outbreaks are most often observed in the winter or spring period. Healthy child may become infected as follows:

• domestic path: through infected items;
• alimentary method: when receiving infected food;
• airborne path: through coughing and runny nose of the patient;
• transissive path: when the bite of a mosquito.

An infection that causes meningitis in a child is capable of penetrating into children's organism vertical way through the placenta in maternal womb Or break through the lymphatic system of the body.

Based on which brain shells are affected, 4 types of pathology are distinguished.

1. Arachnoiditis is a more rare species, which is due to the inflammation of the shells, called "web".
2. Pakh Xemingitim implies the inflammatory process of brain solid shells.
3. Lepominengitis is the most common view, the disease is striking both web and the main soft shells.

The disease quickly disperse in children's teams. Therefore it is very important to identify the first symptoms of meningitis, its form, predicting the possibility of transition of infection.

Incompute or incorrect therapy leads to difficult consequences. It may be:

• brain molding;
• an increase in pressure inside the skull;
• the accumulation of pus inside the skull;
• long inflammation processes.

As a result, the inhibition of intellectual development of children occurs. Extremely launched cases are characterized by fatal.

For the disease, 2 zones of lesion are separated:

1. Spinal area: infected spinal cord.
2. Cerebral region: hit the brain.

The character of inflammation is divided into meningitis purulent and serous. These species are often found in children.

In most cases, the serous form of meningitis is observed in the newborns. For this ailment The process of inflammation has a serous flow with less severe signs than with purulent varieties. Serous meningitis is diagnosed in the presence of lymphocytes in the lumbal fluid. However, this species is often caused by viruses. Bacteria also contribute to the occurrence of purulent meningitis, the conclusion of which is due to the presence of neutrophils in a luminous liquid.

Without timely therapy, serous and purulent meningitis negatively affect health and can lead to the death of the patient.

Classification on the causative agent of the disease is represented by 2 species:

1. Bacterial.
2. Viral.

While viral infection is observed much more often.

These forms of illness have subspecies that are due to the direct causative agent of meningitis:

1. Meningococcal: Diplococcus infection causative agent, which is distributed by air-droplet. Perhaps the complication represented by the accumulation of purulent formations.
2. Pneumococcal: Streptococcus pathogen. Often the disease is preceded by inflammation of the lungs or its complications. The edema of the brain is developing.
3. Hemophilic meningitis manifests itself when a gram-negative wand penetrates into a weakened organism. Often the disease are subject to small children under 1 year and 1.5 years.
4. Staphylococcal meningitis occurs in a child passing chemotherapy, long treatment with antibacterial agents, and with a weakened protective function of the body. The risk group includes children under 3 months.
5. Escherichiomic ailments arises due to the presence of the virus of the same name, hitting the babies. Approaches the body quickly, can lead to a child's death.
6. Salmonellic illness passes contact through household items. Arises in winter. The disease is affected by infant to 6 months. This type of meningitis is rare.
7. Listeriosis meningitis applies to the damage to the nervous system, manifest acute poisoning organism.

Causes of meningitis in children

Meningococcal infection moves from patient to healthy person airborne droplet. Therefore, in pre-school institutions and schools, a wave of meningococcal infection may occur, since children contact each other, which allows bacteria and viruses to actively spread.

Children often infect:

• from infected people or bacteria carriers;
• from animals;
• through contaminated household items.

During the studies, several pathogens were discovered, which lead to the occurrence of the disease:

1. Viruses: rubella, influenza, cortex.
2. Bacteria: Meningokok, Staphylococcus, Salmonellosis.
3. Fungus: Candida.
4. The simplest microorganisms: amoeba, toxoplasm.

Based on statistical data, in 60 - 70% of cases of the pathogen of this infectious disease Patients with children are considered meningococcus. The negligence carrier can be both a person and an animal.

After penetration into the body of meningococcus the air-droplet by the development of brain shells. Therefore, it is classified as meningitis.

Children of such groups are subject to infection:

• prematurely born;
• born due to the abnormal flow of pregnancy or its complications;
• children, in infancy sick inflammations of purulent nature (tonsillitis, endocarditis).

Meningitis is able to occur in a child who has acquired an injury open or closed type Head and spinal cord during childbirth, or being a baby. Also, there may also face children suffering from a nervous system disorder.

Symptoms of meningitis in children

The occurrence of the disease is always fast and sudden. However, many brighter are the signs of illness from the older children, while the disease in infants at the stage of development is manifested by weakly expressed symptoms.

The incubation period of meningitis takes from 2 to 10 days and depends on the state of the patient's protective function. For such a long time, the causative agent penetrates the brain shell by generating inflammation into them. When the latent period ends, the first signs of meningitis in children wearing common-inxication character are manifested:

1. The rapid increase in temperature up to 40 degrees.
2. Strong head pain with possible loss of reason.
3. Pain in the stomach of acute form.
4. Vomiting, nausea.
5. Muscle pain.
6. Fear of light.

When children arise meningitis, symptoms and treatment may be different. The cause of the age and individual course of the disease.

Signs of illness in patients until the year of life appear weakly, therefore assistance often occurs in the inadvertence. This happens due to the fact that the symptoms are easy to confuse with a conventional cold.

The infants also have fuzzy signs. They are manifested by a towel and nervousness, the seal of the peal area, which acquires a light bulge. There are such symptoms of the disease:

• rapid increase in temperature;
• the profile of muscles head;
• vomiting;
• cramps.

It is very important in the first months of life to hold the baby ultrasound brain. With this study, you can define various pathology, as well as the infection of the shell of the brain.

Meningitis in children from 2 years and is more characterized by the following signs:

• increased temperature up to 40 degrees of a stable nature;
• chills;
• depletion;
• sleepy state;
• pale skin cover;
• there is no reaction when referring to the patient;
• strong headaches;
• vomiting;
• fire cramps and spasms.

A 5-year-old child (and older) meningitis can be recognized not only to increase the temperature and universal well-being, but also on important details:

1. The condition of the eyes and mucosa of the oral cavity.
2. The ability to swallow food.

The signs of the disease in adolescents and children aged 7 - 11 years old include:

• sharp increase in temperature;
• shiver;
• strong painfulness in the abdomen;
• vomiting;
• nausea;
• numbness of hand and legs;
• spasms;
• reddened, slightly subwinished face;
• castle eye protein with a yellowish tint;
• red throat.

Meningitis in children manifest themselves in non-standard positions (lying on the side with curved feet, which are chained to the torso, when the head is tracked). Also, the patient is afraid of light or sound, the body can be covered with a rash.

Diagnosis of meningitis in children

In the process of determining the disease for the attending physician and infectiousness, it is important to take into account epidanamnes, clinical data, meningeal symptoms. In order to correctly appreciate the status of the patient, it must be examined by the neurologist, an ophthalmologist and, if necessary, at a neurosurgeon with a otolaryngologist.

If the development of the disease is suspected, the diagnostic process does not do without carrying out lumbal puncture and obtaining a liquor for such studies as:

• biochemical;
• bacteriological;
• virological;
• cytological.

Thanks to the results of the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, meningitis and meningism can be distinguished, reveal the cause of serous or purulent education.

With the help of serological methods, the presence and increase in specific antibodies in the blood determine. Also spend bacteriological crops blood, smears from the nose and pharynx.

An extensive inspection may be required:

1. Neurosonography across the spring.
2. X-ray skull.
3. MRI brain.

Treatment of meningitis in children

Therapy of the disease passes only in hospital conditions. Children prescribe bed and lightweight milk-protein food. To eliminate intoxication, use infusion treatment (dropper).

Therapeutic process does not pass without antibacterial agents. The medication is selected, given that the drug should pass through the blood-brain-brained accumulation in the spinal curtain fluid:

1. "Ceftriaxone".
2. "Cefotoxime".
3. "Chloramphenicol".
4. "Merreon."

At the beginning of the development of a disease, drugs are combined to influence the entire spectrum of existing pathogens.

If the cause of meningitis are viruses, the attending physician appoints a number of events:

1. Dehydration treatment.
2. Desensitizing therapy.
3. Admission of anticonvulsants.

In order to get rid of viral disease, treat the disease Necessary medications:

• "Interferon";
• DNA Aza;
• RNA AZA;
• lithic mixture.

During treatment, it is not necessary to do without painkillers and removing the heat of drugs.

If the therapy is started on time, the forecast will be favorable, which will avoid a number of complications.