Meningitis is the infection of meninges, which is a thick layer that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. If the causes of meningitis are not treated properly, it can cause swelling to the brain leading to permanent damage of the organ and even death in some cases.

The causes of meningitis include bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection, and even reaction to medications. There are some cases where some people suffered from meningitis due to consumption of heavy metal and other environmental toxins. Following are some causes of meningitis that usually require extended hospitalization.

Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis is limited to people with an impaired immune system.

Bacterial meningitis
It is one of the most serious causes of meningitis. It is caused by two forms of bacteria namely Streptococcus pneumoniae, which also causes sinus infections and pneumonia and Neisseria meningitidis, which is present in the throat. The bacteria might not even cause bacterial infection. These bacteria cause serious illness when passed on to others. The infection can be passed through infected saliva or mucus.

Viral meningitis
The most common and least dangerous type of meningitis is viral meningitis.

Haemophilus influenzae
This type of meningitis usually occurs in children. It usually happens due to upper respiratory infection such as sinus.

Following are some of the factors that cause meningitis to spread
During birth
Even if the mother does not have symptoms of meningitis, it can pass the germs of meningitis to the baby. Delivering a baby through cesarean section instead of the birth canal does not always protect the baby from getting infected with meningitis.

Eating certain foods
Contaminated food is usually contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women and people with weakened immune system usually stand a greater risk of suffering from meningitis.

Through coughing and sneezing
Bacterial meningitis spreads through coughing or sneezing as the bacteria is found in mucus and saliva of the infected person.

Contact with infected blood
Viral meningitis can be passed from an infected person’s blood to another person through kissing or sexual contact.

Leptospirosis
It is a type of disease that eventually results in meningitis. This disease is spread through the urine of infected rodents, mites, hamsters, and insects.

The doctors may look for causes of meningitis through a number of diagnostic tests. Some of them are as follows:

Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Computerized tomography (CT) will help in showing swelling or inflammation if any in the head caused by bacterial or fungal infection. X-rays or CT scans help in showing if infection might have spread to other areas.

Blood culture
Samples of blood are taken in a dish to check if the blood culture grows microorganisms. The blood culture is taken on a slide, stained (with Gram’s stain) and studied under the microscope to find if there is any bacterial or fungal growth in the blood culture.

Lumbar puncture
Lumbar puncture or spinal tap is a definitive form to diagnose causes of meningitis. A spinal tap is used to collect CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). If a person suffers from meningitis, the CSF will have a low glucose level with increased protein and blood count.

The treatment of meningitis depends on its type. Here are some treatment options that your doctor might recommend:
Viral meningitis
It might take several weeks but most cases of viral meningitis improve on their own. Mild cases of viral meningitis can be cured with bed rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications that help reduce fever and body aches. Your doctor might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the brain and anticonvulsants to control seizures. An antiviral medication is prescribed in case meningitis is due to the herpes virus.

Bacterial meningitis
Since bacterial meningitis is one of the dangerous forms, it should be treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids and reduce the risk of complications like brain swelling and seizures. The treatment might also involve doctors draining out mastoids or sinuses.

Other types of meningitis
If other causes of meningitis are unclear, the doctor may then prescribe an antiviral or an antibiotic prescription until the cause is determined. Non-infectious meningitis is caused due to allergic reactions that can be treated with corticosteroids.

Meningitis can be a life-threatening infection. If you or a person you know is suffering from symptoms of meningitis, its best to consult a doctor and visit an emergency room at the earliest. Ensure to do this as soon as the causes and symptoms of meningitis are visible so the person suffering from it could be given effective and timely treatment.