How to Recognize Meningitis in Children
How to Recognize Meningitis in Children
Some children are brought to daycare and are feeling ill, but the parents feel pressured to work to help with bills and other necessities. There are two types of meningitis. Bacterial and viral. Bacterial meningitis it more severe than the viral meningitis. Medical professionals should consider a PALS course to increase their knowledge about providing advanced care to pediatric patients that may require emergency care quickly.
Viral meningitis can sometimes go undiagnosed because the symptoms resemble the flu. Bacterial meningitis causes the meninges in the brain to become inflamed and causing severe headache, fever and neck stiffness. Meningitis can be caused by infection such as an ear infection, sinus infection, etc. The bacteria crosses the blood brain barrier and is now in the fluid of the brain. A PALS course can provide life saving techniques to medical professionals that may be involved in the care of the pediatric population.
If a child becomes infected with meningitis it may take 1-4 days. But if it is a severe case of meningitis a child can be healthy one day and the next day they are severely ill. In some of these cases that are severe, a child may die. It is imperative to call 911 immediately for loss of consciousness. The paramedics have taken a PALS course and are well qualified to handle the emergency of pediatrics. If the child has had a decrease in fluid intake, vomiting, nausea, headache, neck stiffness or pain, sensitivity to light call the child's physician immediately and take him/her to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.
To diagnose meningitis the physician will take a thorough history of symptoms, physical exam, blood tests, and a lumbar puncture/spinal tap. The fluid from the spinal tap is sent to the lab to be tested for bacteria. The physician may take x-rays, CT scans or urine tests to determine if any infection is present. The physicians and nurses in the emergency department usually are required to have a PALS course to become certified to provide advanced level of care to children and are knowledgeable in providing efficient medical care. Remember that Bacterial Meningitis is a life threatening illness and requires immediate treatment to save a child's life.
The Georgia Medical Academy is in the Atlanta Metropolitan area for your convenience. OurPALS certification course is available 7 days a week. Please feel free to contact us or visit our website for further information. We also haveACLS certification available for those who wish to expand their knowledge. Saving Space With Childrens Bunk Beds and Bedroom Furnishings Enhance Your Child's Creative Thinking with Writing Lessons These enjoyable birthday present boxes are ideal for kids, women and men The Most Effective Teenage Acne Treatments Five General Causes Behind Teenage Pregnancy Eating Disorders Affect Our Children Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program Locating Quality Tuition Center for Your Child Money Lessons For Young Children Article 401: The Surprise (Who Hates Kids!):A Short Story It's Time to Choose a Cell Phone for Kids Can I Change My Ovulation Day If I Want A Girl Or Boy Baby? Easy and Simple Money Making Ideas for Teens