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Baby Meningitis Symptoms

Symptoms of meningitis in babies are typically the same as in older children, but there are others that are only found in infants. It can be difficult to diagnose meningitis in a baby because of their inability to express their symptoms. It is critical for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and watch their baby carefully for meningitis symptoms after a cold or ear infection.

  1. First Signs

    • A baby who has a meningitis infection is often irritable and lethargic. He may have a fever as well and be difficult to comfort. Meningitis infections can also cause jaundice in babies. Jaundice is a medical condition that shows up as a yellowish tinge to the skin.

    Key Symptoms

    • There are more severe symptoms that indicate the potential presence of meningitis in a baby. A baby who is only able to suck weakly or who has a lower than normal temperature could be exhibiting meningitis symptoms. The soft spot, or fontanel, on top of a baby's head may bulge when he has meningitis. A high-pitched cry and a stiff or rigid neck are also symptoms of meningitis in a baby.

    Dehydration

    • Because of the lethargy that comes with a meningitis infection, babies can have trouble drinking milk or formula. In addition, fever and sweating can rob the baby's body of much-needed fluids. Because of this, meningitis in babies can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration. Dehydration in infants must be treated with IV fluids.

    Convulsions

    • Babies suffering from meningitis may experience convulsions. These convulsions can be dangerous as well as alarming to parents and caregivers. A doctor will prescribe anticonvulsant medication to eliminate or reduce convulsions. Ensuring that nothing is in the baby's mouth and turning the baby to one side can reduce the danger during convulsions while waiting for medical care.

    Considerations

    • Medical professionals should be contacted immediately to evaluate symptoms of meningitis in babies because meningitis can be fatal. Many of the symptoms of meningitis can be alleviated by medical intervention. In addition, swift application of antibiotic therapy can speed recovery for babies with meningitis.

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