Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges ( a collective name for the three membranes that envelope the brain and spinal cord). The meninges' main function, alongside the cerebrospinal fluid, is to protect the central nervous system.
Causes of Meningitis
The most common cause of meningitis is a virus, followed by bacteria, and rarely fungi, and other certain organisms.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is generally a serious infection.
Several strains of bacteria can cause meningitis, most commonly are Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus), Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus), Listeria monocytogenes (listeria), and Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus) bacteria.
People become infected when they are in close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of a person who is infected.
Viral meningitis
Although viral meningitis is the most common, it is rarely a serious infection. It is usually mild and often clears on its own. Most cases are caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses.
There is no specific treatment for this type of meningitis. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps, West Nile virus and others also can cause viral meningitis.
Chronic meningitis
Slow-growing organisms (such as fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that invade the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain cause chronic meningitis.
Chronic meningitis develops over two weeks or more. The symptoms includes headaches, fever, vomiting and mental cloudiness.
Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis is relatively uncommon and causes chronic meningitis. It may mimic acute bacterial meningitis. Fungal meningitis isn't contagious from person to person.
Other Causes
Other causes of meningitis include drug allergies, chemical reactions, certain cancers, and some inflammatory disorders.
Symptoms/Signs of Meningitis
(These include symptoms for babies)
• Fever (can also have cold hands and feet)
• Reluctance to feed
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Irritability/dislike being handled
• Floppy/difficult to wake/unresponsive
• Difficulties breathing or grunting
• Faster or slower than normal breathing rate
• Pale/blotchy skin
• Red/purple spots/rash that do not fade under pressure
• High pitched cry/moaning/whimpering
• Bulging fontanelle (soft spot)
• Convulsions/seizures
• Arched back
• Swollen abdomen
• Dry nappies
How to Prevent Meningitis
Antibiotics can be given to help prevent meningitis
Antibiotics are typically given three times a day for 7 to 21 days, depending on the type of bacteria organism causing the meningitis and the type of antibiotic chosen.
Patients are often in an intensive care unit of a hospital during meningitis treatment so that they can be watched carefully to be sure the antibiotic treatment is effective.
Try to avoid any contact with fluid secrets from the victim's mouth and nose (for example, kissing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, sharing drinks or utensils)
Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated against meningitis is considered as the most popular and effective way to prevent the disease.
There are two main types of vaccines that are commonly used to protect you from meningitis. It is recommended that you should take a vaccine at age 11 or 12 and then have the second one when you are 16 or 18 years old.
Don't Share Personal Items
Meningitis can be contracted when you come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions such as saliva, sputum, nasal mucus of someone who is infected, either through kissing or sharing personal items.
Strengthen your immune system
It is very important to protect from inside by strengthening your immune system.
Eating healthy is very necessary for a system to work effectively. Also, combine healthy eating with regular exercise and sleeping enough will bring more good results.
Take supplements that contains vitamins A, C, E and D which are very helpful in maintaining good health and decreasing the possibility of developing inflammation around the brain and spinal cord.
Home Remedies/Home Cure for Meningitis
Some of the most important home remedies for meningitis include reishi mushrooms, astragalus, olive leaf extract, chlorella, ginseng, cat’s claw and garlic, as well as behavioral remedies like proper bed rest, using ice packs, and taking neutral baths in the evening.
1). Astragalus
This often overlooked herb is able to rapidly bring the immune system back to normal and clear up many of the most uncomfortable symptoms of meningitis.
The root of Astragalus membranaceus is used medicinally. The extract of Astragalus contains the active ingredients that possess antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredients deliver these benefits by boosting the immune system. It can be taken as tea, tincture, or capsules.
The dose is 250-500 mg thrice daily or 20-60 drops of its tincture thrice daily. It is by and large safe, though enough is not known about its side effects.
2). Chlorella
It is a small plant that contains more quantity of chlorophyll, which carries oxygen around the blood and prepares the red blood cell count. The blood streams will be purified and cleaned by this process. More than 20 vitamins and minerals are available in chlorophyll, and all are in highly bio-available form. For the recovery of the meningitis, it is used as a supernatural remedy.
3.) Reishi Mushroom
These mushrooms that have a bright red color and varnished “finish” could benefit meningitis patients. The triterpenes and polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms help make your immune system stronger and decrease inflammation caused by the illness.
The mycelium and fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum are used to make the extract. The extract contains many bioactive compounds that boost your immune system and help fight infection and inflammation. These include polysaccharides and triterpenoids.
It can be taken as capsules or tincture. The dose is 150-300 mg 2-3 times daily or 30-60 drops of its tincture twice or thrice daily. Its side effects can include dry throat and mouth, allergic reactions in some people, and lowering of blood pressure.
4). Garlic
Garlic is used both medicinally and as a food spice. A very accessible and inexpensive superfood, garlic was shown to be effective against multiple diseases (meningitis included) because of allicin, its active ingredient.
Allicin and other organic compounds in garlic are loaded with antioxidants that have antiviral and antibacterial capabilities. Meningitis patients will surely gain the health benefit of garlic, since it can support the elimination and prevention of infections.
Its dose is 600-1200 mg of standardized extract thrice daily. Some of its side effects include burning sensation in stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Garlic increases the risk of bleeding. Some people may have allergic reactions to it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women would do well to avoid it.
5). Coconut oil
If fungi are responsible for a case of meningitis, then you can count on coconut oil to help eliminate them. Coconut oil and its recipes has worked as an effective alternative to antifungal drugs and may aid in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, or yeast that normally live in your digestive tract.
Unlike vegetable oils that have unhealthy long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) present in coconut oil are known to help your body absorb nutrients, enhance your body’s metabolism and promote weight loss. These fatty acids are also converted to energy instead of being stored as fat.
Aside from beneficial antifungal properties and the fact that Coconut oil can treat Alzheimer's disease, coconut oil also contains antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-viral properties, making this oil an all-around health booster.
6). Cat’s Claw
The root and bark of Uncaria tomentosa are used to make the cat’s claw extract. The extract has many chemicals that fight inflammation and viral infections, such as tannins, sterols, glycosides, and quinovic acid.
It can be taken as tea or capsules. Its dose is 100-350 mg daily. It is generally safe and causes very few side effects. Some of the side effects are nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take it.
7). Ginseng
As another of the cure-all substances frequently turned to in home remedies, ginseng once again makes an appearance in the treatment of meningitis.
The active ingredients of ginseng which is ginsenosides, are believed to directly act on the affected membranes to eliminate the infection and speed the recovery process.
Ginseng can be eaten directly or boiled in a tea to enjoy the effects and have this ancient Chinese remedy get you back to normal health.
8). Cold Packs
The body temperature of the meningitis patient remains very high due to fever. So, cold packs should be applied to the body if the body temperature is above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
9). Neutral Bath
When suffering from meningitis, the body experiences a wide temperature array.
When you slide into a neutral temperature bath, your blood will respond accordingly and redistribute properly throughout your body, thereby easing the inflammation and discomfort in the brain and spinal cord.
10). Olive Leaf Extract
olive leaf extract is praised for its antiviral and antioxidant properties, in addition to its proven anti-inflammatory abilities.
When it comes to meningitis, you can take olive leaf extracts in any number of forms to reduce inflammation, lower fever, and ease pain and discomfort associated with this serious condition.
The extract has several active compounds that boost the immune system and fight infection and inflammation.
They include polyphenols, flavonoids, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein. Its dose is 250-500 mg twice or thrice daily. It is generally safe to use. Some of its side effects are headache and stomach pain. Pregnant and breastfeeding women would do well to avoid it.
11). Bed rest
This is actually one of the best remedies for meningitis. By making sure to get plenty of rest and improved quality of sleep, the patient allows his or her immune system to recuperate from the damage caused by the illness, as well as lessen exposure to other pathogens and viruses.
Aside from bed rest, unnecessary exposure to temperature changes and germ-heavy environments is also advised.
Because some cases of meningitis can be either contagious or extremely painful, there are patients who may require hospitalization, which can last up to a few days or even weeks, especially if complications arise.
12). Maintain a healthy diet
Aside from getting enough rest, a healthy diet composed of real food can assist in treating meningitis and building up your immune system.
This means that your diet should have virtually unlimited amounts of organic vegetables, substantial quantities of healthy fats and moderation portions of grass-fed meats.
Don’t forget to be hydrated with water as well, so that excess waste, bacteria and proteins are flushed from your body and do not build up in your kidneys and bladder. Here are the signs that you don't drink enough water.
If you want a refreshing flavor to your drink, add lemon or cucumber slices, or even lime juice.
If you want a refreshing flavor to your drink, add lemon or cucumber slices, or even lime juice.
Fruit juice is also another option, but consume it fresh and in moderation, know when to eat fruits, and do not buy any grocer's processed varieties. Fruits in general contain fructose, which can be disastrous to your health if consumed excessively.
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