How to Recognize and Treat Brain Fever in Children

Generally bacteria and viruses are the cause of meningitis in infants and children. Severe cases of meningitis in children are caused by bacteria, while viruses are the most common cause of this disease, but in most cases it does not cause serious conditions.

Bacterial Causes Of Meningitis In Children
Bacteria found in the vagina (group B streptococci) and bacteria in the digestive system (Escherichia coli) increase the chances of meningitis in premature babies and children born normally. Children who are a little older are infected with Neisseria meningitides and Streptococcus pneumonia, while children below the age of five are infected with Haemophilus influenza type B bacteria.

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Viral Causes Of Meningitis In Children
Meningitis can also be caused by viruses in children. Generally, herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus increase the chances of meningitis in children. Some types of viruses that damage the immune system also cause meningitis as a side effect. These include viruses of HIV and mumps etc.

When bacteria or viruses that cause meningitis enter the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid, it causes meningitis. These germs enter the body through fractures and nose. Apart from this, viruses that cause meningitis can also enter the body through blood flow. Viruses usually enter the body of infants through blood flow. 

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Despite being a serious disease, you can protect children from brain fever by adopting some measures. Know more about these preventive measures -

• Many health organizations recommend timely vaccination to protect the child from bacterial infection. To protect the child from brain fever, the child should be vaccinated against type b Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitides etc. 
• Teach children the habit of washing hands before eating food, after going to the toilet and playing outside.
• Do not eat food on the same plate with children. 
• Wash vegetables thoroughly before cooking and do not keep food raw.
• Keep the house clean. Exposure to dust contaminated with bird droppings etc. puts the child at risk of fungal meningitis.

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• The disease is treated based on the type of brain fever in children. There is no specific treatment available for viral meningitis and this infection gets cured on its own within ten days. In other brain fevers, children are given medicines.
• In bacterial meningitis, children are given many types of antibiotics. Doctors also give antibiotics through veins to some children in this treatment. In this, the doctor prescribes a certain treatment for the child, in which the child has to attend each session. 
• Highly effective medicines like antifungal and antiparasitic medicines are given to children in the treatment of fungal and parasitic meningitis. These medicines are delivered directly into the blood through veins. 
• When immunity is unable to cure meningitis caused by herpes virus and influenza virus in children, antiviral drugs are required. 
• Corticosteroids are recommended to reduce inflammation in the meninges. When a child starts having seizures due to meningitis, the doctor gives him diazepam.

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The symptoms of meningitis in children depend on their germs. However, in some cases, every child may experience different symptoms. Know the symptoms of meningitis in children in detail below.Symptoms of meningitis in babies

• Irritability
• Fever
• Sleeping more than usual
• Less drinking of milk
• Loud crying, etc.

Symptoms Of Meningitis In Children Above One Year

• Neck and back pain
• Headache
• Excessive sleepiness
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiffness in neck
• Purple and red rashes on the skin, etc.

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Meningitis in children is a serious problem, which needs to be identified and treated immediately. If the child is feeling high fever, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, or confusion, contact the doctor immediately. Do not ignore the initial symptoms as this infection can grow rapidly. To prevent infection, get children vaccinated on time, especially Haemophilus influenza B (Hib) and meningitis vaccines. Make children develop the habit of cleanliness and hand washing, so that the risk of infection is reduced. Also, ensure a balanced diet and adequate water intake, which will strengthen their immunity. Do not depend on home remedies, and seek medical help as soon as symptoms appear.