Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the tissue that lines the brain and spine.Symptoms in an infant may include a bulging fontanelle, a rash, rapid breathing, lifelessness, and crying.If you don't know if a baby is affected by these or any other symptoms, you should head to the emergency room.
Step 1: Look for symptoms.
The earliest symptoms of the disease are nausea, vomiting, and headaches.The signs and symptoms of Meningitis are different with babies since they can't communicate with you.It can take between 3 and 5 days for symptoms to progress.
Step 2: Look at your baby's head.
Feel around the baby's head for bulging and tense soft spots.There are soft spots on the sides of the baby's head, which are gaps in the skull as their cranium continues to develop.A bulging fontanelle is always an emergency and you must take your baby to the emergency room immediately.Encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain, is a condition that can cause a bulging fontanelle.It's caused by fluid in the brain.The narrowing of the ventricles can cause this.A build-up of fluid causes increased intracranial pressure.This can affect the flow of blood to the brain.
Step 3: Take the baby's temperature.
If you have a rectal or oral thermometer, use it to check your temperature.The baby may have a high temperature.Under 3 months of age, always seek medical attention for a temperature over 38C (100.4F).For 3 to 6 months, always seek attention for a high temperature.If you are older than 6 months, always seek attention for a high temperature.Do not rely on a high temperature to tell you that the baby needs to be taken to the emergency room.Babies younger than three months have no symptoms of the disease.
Step 4: Listen to the baby cry.
If your baby is sick, she will cry or moan.This can happen when you pick her up because of achy muscles and joints.She will cry loudly when she is picked up.There are changes in the baby's crying that may indicate pain.The baby's cries may be higher than normal in pitch.The baby might cry when you cradle her or touch her neck.There is a chance that bright light will cause crying due to photophobia.
Step 5: The baby's body can be stiff.
If you suspect the baby is sick, look for signs of weakness in her neck.The baby might not be able to touch her chest with her chin.
Step 6: The baby's skin can be discolored.
The baby's skin tone and complexion should be looked at.You can see skin that is pale or bluish.Look for a rash that is pink, purple-red, or brown and has clusters of pin-prick dots.If you don't know if the spots on the baby are a rash, you can use the tumbler/glass test.This is done by gently pressing a clear drinking glass to the affected area of the skin.The baby most likely has a rash because of the glass being pressed against the skin.A rash can be hard to see if the baby has a darker complexion.In this case, look at the hands, soles of the feet, stomach, and eyelid.The areas may have something similar to red dots or pinpricks.
Step 7: Take notice of the baby's appetite.
Your baby may not be as hungry as usual.She may refuse to eat if you try to feed them.
Step 8: The baby has energy and activity levels.
There are signs of weakness.The baby may appear limp, lifeless, and tired regardless of the rest they have received.The infections spread throughout the meninges.
Step 9: The baby has breathing patterns.
The baby should be observed for irregular breathing patterns.The baby may have breathing difficulties.
Step 10: The baby's body is cold.
The baby seems to have coldness on her hands and feet.
Step 11: Know what the disease is.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the tissue that lines your brain and spine.The baby's system is usually the cause of the infection.The number one cause of Meningitis in the world is Viral, and it may resolve on its own.The baby needs to be seen by a medical professional because the effects of the infection can be deadly if supportive care isn't provided.It is important for the parent or guardian to follow all immunization protocols.If the mother has active genitals, she can transmit the herpes simplex virus to her baby.AIDS patients as well as others who have compromised immune systems are usually affected by this type of meningitis.Patients and transplant recipients are receiving treatment.Chemical, drug, inflammatory and cancer are some of the types of meningitis.
Step 12: Tell the doctor about all the symptoms.
Sneezing or coughing are minor symptoms that should be reported to your doctor.Your doctor will be able to distinguish between different types of Meningitis with this.Tell the doctor about the severe symptoms as they may require emergency treatment.
Step 13: Tell your doctor if your baby has been exposed to something.
Meningitis is caused by several strains ofbacteria.If your baby has been exposed to people with a stomach illness or respiratory illness, he or she may have beenexposed to any of these categories ofbacteria.Pneumoniae Haemophilus Influenzae is a species of E Coli.
Step 14: A complete physical examination is needed for your baby.
Your baby's vitals and medical history will be taken by the doctor.The doctor will take the baby's vital signs.
Step 15: The doctor can draw blood.
In order to do a complete blood count, the doctor will have to draw blood from the baby.The doctor will take blood from the baby.The red and white blood cell counts will be looked at in the complete blood count.The doctor will check for coliform in the blood.
Step 16: Ask the doctor about the exam.
A cranialCT scans the density of the brain to see if soft tissues are swollen or if there is any hemorrhaging.If a patient has had a seizure or a trauma, a CT can be used to find out if the patient can have the next test, which is a lumbar puncture.If the patient has any indication of high intracranial pressure, a puncture won't be initiated until the pressure drops.
Step 17: If a puncture is necessary, ask.
The baby's lower back is the subject of this test.There are certain tests that need the fluid to be administered.The test is painful.The doctor will use a large needle to pull the fluid out of the patient's back.The doctor won't perform a puncture if there are certain conditions.Coma Abnormalities of the spine and increased intracranial pressure are examples of conditions that may include.Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is a test that analyzes the fluid sample for cells.This can help the doctor differentiate between the different types of Meningitis.
Step 18: The baby should be treated for viral meningitis.
Meningitis can be treated based on the type.Depending on the cause of the disease, it is treated.If the mother has genitals that are active, she may transmit the disease to the baby.If a newborn is diagnosed with herpes encephalitis, they should be treated with an IV drug.
Step 19: Follow the treatment plan for the disease.
Based on the cause of the disease, it is also treated.Your doctor will give your child the appropriate treatment for this cause.Follow your doctor's instructions.Ampicillin and Cefotaxime are both recommended to be taken every 6 hours.
Step 20: Discuss with the doctor how long the treatment will last.
The length of treatment depends on the cause of the disease.Strep pneumonia: 10 to 14 days Group B, and N meningitides: 7 days H.It can be 21 days or more.
Step 21: The baby should be given additional supportive care.
Ensure that your baby receives her proper dosages of medication throughout the course of treatment by giving her care.She should be encouraged to drink lots of fluids.Due to her young age, it is likely that an IV fluid will be provided.She should not have contact with other family members.
Step 22: Your baby's hearing will be evaluated.
Hearing loss is one of the most common causes of Meningitis.Babies must have their hearing evaluated after treatment.
Step 23: You can check your baby's intracranial pressure with an MRI.
Post-treatment can cause problems.There is a build-up of fluid between different parts of the brain.After treatment for Meningitis ends, all babies must have a follow up MRI.
Step 24: Take care of your child.
It is important to make sure your child has had all the vaccinations.There is a risk of children getting Meningitis.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant and have genital infections.
Step 25: Contact with sick or contagious individuals is forbidden.
There are some forms of disease that can be spread.Young children and babies should be kept away from sick people.
Step 26: Know the risk factors.
Some people are at higher risk for contracting the disease.Some of these include children under five years old.Adults over the age of 20 may be at higher risk.People who live in close quarters may be at an increased risk of contracting Meningitis.People with compromised immune systems have a higher risk of contracting the disease.Immune systems can be compromised by AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, and use of immunosuppressant drugs.