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By Darrell Miller
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, which are the three membranes that lie between the brain and the skull. Additionally, the thin membranes that cover the spinal cord may also be involved. This disorder occurs more commonly in children than in adults, with the most common type of meningitis being viral meningitis. Viral meningitis causes comparatively mild symptoms, such as headache and malaise, and it usually improves on its own in about a week or two. Viral meningitis is also referred to as aseptic meningitis, occurring in conjunction with other diseases. It has been found that almost fifty percent of cases of viral meningitis infections are caused by intestinal viruses. Additionally, this condition can be accompanied by mumps or a herpes outbreak, and can be carried by mosquitoes. Early symptoms of viral meningitis include sore throat, fever, headache, stiff neck, fatigue, and possibly, a rash and vomiting.
On the other hand, bacterial meningitis is the more serious infection that requires prompt, aggressive medical treatment. Neisseria meningitides, streptococcus pneumonia, hemophilus influenza, group B streptoccus are the bacteria responsible for most outbreaks of bacterial meningitis. In the case of neisseria meningitids, it is known that about 5 to 20 percent of the population carry this bacteria in their salvia without feeling any ill effects, but it can be transmitted to other people through saliva. The streptoccus pneumonia bacteria are most often found in the throat and are not contagious.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include stiff neck, headache, irritability, high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, delirium, and sensitivity to light. It is possible that a blotchy, red skin rash can appear. Symptoms found in infants include fever, vomiting, poor muscle tone, difficulty feeding, irritability, a high-pitched cry, and a bulging fontanel. Additionally, changes in temperament and extreme sleepiness give a s signal of dangerous changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. It should be known that meningitis kills about 10 to 15 percent of those affected, with 10 to 15 percent of its survivors suffering from hearing loss, diminished intellect, or need to have limbs amputated because of blood poisoning.
Those children with cochlear implants to treat hearing loss have a greater risk of developing bacterial meningitis than those children in the general population. One study found that children with a specific type of cochlear implant that had an extra piece called a positioned had 4.5 times the risk of developing meningitis compared with those who had other types of implants. It is even possible that those children who are candidates for implants may also have factors that increase their risk of meningitis.
The following nutrients are found to be helpful in dealing with and preventing meningitis: acidophilus, colloidal silver, DMG, a free-form amino acid complex, garlic, maitake extract, reishi extract, shitake extract, a multivitamin and mineral complex, raw thymus glandular, vitamin A, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and zinc lozenges. Additionally, the following herbs are beneficial in cases of meningitis: catnip tea to treat fever; Echinacea is good for boosting the immune system; goldenseal acts as a natural antibiotic, olive leaf extract is great for helping to fight viral infections, and St. Johns wort is good for treating viral infections.
By all means contact your doctor if you suspect you have meningitis. It is highly contagious and needs immediate attention. Natural remedies can help strengthen the body and immune system giving the body a boost against disease.
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