MENINGITIS

While I was researching online about anti-inflammation I came across Meningitis on the kids health website, a bacterial or viral disease. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. Meninges cover the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is very rare and can lead to death. Viral meningitis is less serious and more commonly seen. I have witnessed this disease twice in my life and have seen the viral and bacterial side affects. Meningitis is extremely serious with symptoms varying depending on the infection and the age of the person. The common symptoms include skin rashes, seizures, headache, photophobia, stiff neck, headache, irritability, lethargy, and fever. Viral meningitis being less serious can be treated at home by resting, getting enough fluids and over the counter pain medication. Bacterial meningitis being very serious is diagnosed by first giving an IV with antibiotics as soon as possible. Fluids may also be given. For inflammation reduction corticosteroids may be given depending on the cause. Wanting to know more about corticosteroids I proceeded to look them up on the mayo clinic website. These steroid hormones act as the hormones in the adrenal gland and are involved in many systems such as inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, immune response and stress response. The inflamed tissue around the brain can cause pressure within in the brain. Steroids reduce the inflammation causing the pressure to decrease. The sooner they are administered the faster they can work to reduce inflammation and improve chances of survival.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html#
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/steroids/HQ01431