Meningitis: Causes and preventive measures

There are three meninges that cover the brain and the spinal cord. The meninges are used for protection, and they act as a barrier between the brain and the bloodstream. Once the bacteria that causes meningitis has managed to get to the brain, it can spread. When the body realizes that a problem has occurred, it starts to fight against the bacteria. This is when the problem begins and the inflammation occurs.

Who can contract meningitis and how does it spread?

• One can contract meningitis when someone who has the bacteria, which causes meningitis, sneezes, coughs, kisses, or comes in contact with them.
• According to research, children who are younger than 5 years old, teenagers, young adults, and senior citizens are more likely to contract meningitis.
• People who suffer from medical issues like immune system problems are more likely to be affected by meningitis.
• Meningitis can easily spread which is why it is most likely to be found where a lot of people are living close to each other. These places include offices, colleges, public transport systems, and movie halls.

How serious can meningitis get?

• The meningitis causes determine the seriousness of meningitis.
• Some meningitis conditions can heal within a matter of a few weeks without interference, others can cause complications. These complications include loss of vision, arthritis, hearing problems, fits, kidney failure, migraines, and brain damage.
• In some cases, meningitis can even cause death, which is why it is better to catch the symptoms early before the situation worsens.

Why is it important to understand the causes of meningitis?

• The cause of meningitis helps a doctor determine the course of the treatment.
• There are some home remedies for treating meningitis, but it is better if one gets treated by a doctor, as a medical professional is more likely to have a better chance at pinpointing the actual cause of meningitis.
• The right course of action will determine how quickly one recovers.

What are the common causes of meningitis?

The common causes of meningitis include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Viral Meningitis has the tendency to go away by itself and does not usually become severe. The cause of such a virus includes mumps. Fungal Meningitis can become serious and can cause death if not treated on time. This type of meningitis does not spread as easily as others. The most common cause of this disease is bacterial meningitis. This type of infection is when bacteria enter the blood, which then causes the area to be infected. The bacterial meningitis causes include the following types of bacteria:

• Neisseria meningitidis – This type of bacteria can cause meningococcal meningitis after entering the bloodstream. This bacteria is common in teenagers and adolescents.
• Listeria Monocytogenes- This bacteria type affects pregnant ladies, newborns, senior citizens, and people with immune disorders.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae- This type of bacteria causes meningitis in adults, children, and newborns. This bacteria is responsible for causing sinus infections among others.
• Haemophilus influenzae- This bacteria type was one of the topmost causes of meningitis in children due to bacteria. However, it is now rare because of vaccinations.

There are other causes of meningitis like cancer, medication, allergies, and reactions to certain chemicals.

Can meningitis be prevented?
Meningitis can be prevented when one follows some precautionary measures to ensure they are away from the causes of meningitis. One can follow some simple tips given below to avoid contracting a meningitis infection:

• When pregnant, one should carefully choose what and where to eat. One must avoid certain foods that can have listeria monocytogenes bacteria, such as unpasteurized milk and certain cheeses.
• One must build a strong immune system. This can be done by regularly taking care of one’s health by following a proper, healthy, and balanced diet and exercising.
• One must take care of hygiene. Always use clean cutlery and avoid sharing food with other people. This includes taking a bite of someone else’s burger.