Warning signs of meningitis in infants

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi My Linh - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Meningitis in infants is a rare but dangerous disease, threatening the life of children. It is very dangerous if an infant has meningitis without early detection and proper treatment. How to detect children with signs of meningitis as early as possible?

Neonatal meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal nervous system. The main cause of meningitis is bacteria and viruses from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream and into the cerebrospinal fluid. A few causes are caused by fungi, parasites or reactions to chemicals, autoimmune diseases...

High fever with convulsions: is the most recognizable sign, at first the child may have only a mild fever and gradually turn the fever to an alarming level. Many children with fever and convulsions are life-threatening if not treated immediately. Anorexia, vomiting: children vomit, spit up due to bloating, anorexia, stop eating, stop sucking, lazy to eat, fussy. Along with a fever, this is most likely a sign that the child has meningitis. To improve this situation, parents should try to divide meals for children, make sure the meals are full of nutrients and monitor the children more.

The child is not awake, in a dream state: there are signs of sleeping more than usual, difficult to wake up, daydreaming, dreaming when awake. Parents will find that the child is less alert, listless, less sensitive, or irritable, the body movement will make the child feel pain, do not want to be held... Difficulty moving the neck area, stiff neck is a sign. characteristic of neonatal meningitis. The child has difficulty turning the head, pain when moving the neck. The fontanelle is larger than normal. The immune system is reduced, the resistance is weak, making the child weak and lifeless. There are signs of nosebleeds, bleeding gums, ear infections, choking occurring at the same time or just before the other symptoms mentioned above. Meningitis in children is a very serious disease, pregnant women need to learn carefully before having children, as well as understand the signs of disease in babies for early detection. When you notice the above symptoms from your child, you should bring your child to the hospital immediately to be examined, diagnosed and given the most appropriate, timely and effective treatment.