Meningitis - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis, which you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can block blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke and brain damage. It can also harm other organs.While there are no specific drugs for the treatment of viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Since the symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are often identical however, it is important to contact your doctor immediately if you think you or your child may have either form of the disease.CausesMeningitis may be caused by many viruses meningitis and bacteria meningitis. Bacterial meningitis affects the a little bit people in the world than the viral form, but it often results in more serious health consequences. Bacterial meningitis is present in 1 in 10 cases and leaves 1 in 7 survivors with a severe disability caused by brain injury.The main causes of Meningitis named streptococcus pneumoniae.Million cases of ear infection reported each year.Viral meningitis is caused by viruses. Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria. Meningitis can also be caused by other organisms and some medicines, but this is rare. Meningitis is contagious. The germs that cause it can be passed from one person to another through coughing and sneezing and through close contact. SymptomsSevere headache is the most common symptom of meningitis (87 percent) followed by nuchal rigidity (”neck stiffness”, found in 83%). The classic triad of diagnostic signs consists of nuchal rigidity (being unable to flex the neck forward), sudden high fever and altered mental status. All three features are present in only 44% of all cases of infectious meningitis. Other signs commonly associated with meningitis are photophobia (inability to tolerate bright light), phonophobia (inability to tolerate loud noises), irritability and delirium (in small children) and seizures (in 20-40% of cases). In infants (0-6 months), swelling of the fontanelle (soft spot) may be present.PreventionPeople who have been in contact with a confirmed case of meningitis will be offered treatment, to protect them. This will mean antibiotic tablets, possibly with the addition of an injection if the infection is the sort for which there is a vaccine. It is likely that the public health doctors will arrange this, but if you are in doubt, ask your doctor. TreatmentViral meningitis doesn’t respond to antibiotics though doctors may prescribe painkillers for relief. Treatment is based on rest, good nutrition, plenty of fluids and good nursing care. It often clears up quickly after running its course, though headaches, tiredness, and depression can last for some time.If you or your child has bacterial meningitis, your doctor may recommend treatments for brain swelling, shock, convulsions or dehydration. Infected sinuses or mastoids — the bones behind the outer ear that connect to the middle ear — may need to be drained. Any fluid that has accumulated between the brain and the membranes that surround it may also need to be drained or surgically removed.

An Introduction to Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare, highly aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, which is a thin tissue lining covering the thoractic cavity (the pleura), the heart sac (the pericardium) and the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). The function of the mesothelium is to support, protect and lubricate organs and body cavities.There is concrete evidence linking the principal cause of mesothelioma to asbestos exposure. Indeed, between 70-80 percent of all mesothelioma cases are linked to excessive exposure to asbestos at work. Thus, it is typically classified as an “Industrial Disease”. Asbestos is a natural, fibrous mineral with exceptional fire-retardant properties, which led to its widespread use in fireproofing buildings.Unknown at the time of Asbestos’ introduction to building materials, when disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres are released, easily inhaled and can become permanently lodged in the lungs. Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos, meaning that the next decade at least will surely see continuing mesothelioma diagnoses. According to The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, mesothelioma in Western Europe is expected to peak between 2010 and 2020. This is due to mesothelioma taking between 20 and 30 years to develop.The two main types of mesothelioma diagnoses are for pleural (thorax) and peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include: pain in the lower back or the side of the chest, persistent coughing, developing a husky voice, weight loss and shortness of breath. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: abdominal pain and swelling, diarrhoea or constipation, poor appetite and sickness. The problem is that these symptoms can be applied to many different illnesses, but it are particularly important to consider if the person developing symptoms has a history of absestos exposure.Asbestos was banned in the United Kingdom in 1999, with several lobbying organisations working towards a worldwide ban. Typically, high risk professions include: metal plate workers, vehicle body builders, carpenters, plasterers, construction workers and other construction trade-based professions. Tony Whitston of Greater Manchester’s Asbestos Support Group has said: “Many believe that asbestos is a problem which was faced by shipyard workers and laggers decades ago. But asbestos is still a danger for our tradesmen today. [...] If we do not act now a whole new generation of people will develop mesothelioma in 30 years time.”Unfortunately, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed when the disease is in the advanced stages, due to a lack of symptoms, people don’t go to the doctors early on. This is one of the main reasons why patients diagnosed with the cancer are often told they only have a year to live. According to Cancer Research, 10% of diagnosed patients will be alive three years later, going down to 5% survival rate after 5 years.Surgery will not cure mesothelioma, but can help control the disease and keep the victim healthy for as long as possible. Like most cancers, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in conjunction with fluid drainage (Palliative Care) programmes. Even major surgery involving removing entire lungs and the surrounding mesothelial layers cannot cure the disease. Whilst mesothelioma is terminal, many victims choose to seek action against their employers for negligence and seek to make a mesothelioma claim. This is usually successful if the victim was owed a duty of care, there was a breach of duty or workplace exposure to asbestos can be directly attributed to causing mesothelioma.

An Introduction to Mesothelioma
by PPC and Affiliate Programs - Fast Feedback Loops

Mesothelioma is a rare, highly aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, which is a thin tissue lining covering the thoractic cavity (the pleura), the heart sac (the pericardium) and the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). The function of the mesothelium is to support, protect and lubricate organs and body cavities.

There is concrete evidence linking the principal cause of mesothelioma to asbestos exposure. Indeed, between 70-80 percent of all mesothelioma cases are linked to excessive exposure to asbestos at work. Thus, it is typically classified as an “Industrial Disease”. Asbestos is a natural, fibrous mineral with exceptional fire-retardant properties, which led to its widespread use in fireproofing buildings.

Unknown at the time of Asbestos’ introduction to building materials, when disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres are released, easily inhaled and can become permanently lodged in the lungs. Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos, meaning that the next decade at least will surely see continuing mesothelioma diagnoses. According to The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, mesothelioma in Western Europe is expected to peak between 2010 and 2020. This is due to mesothelioma taking between 20 and 30 years to develop.

The two main types of mesothelioma diagnoses are for pleural (thorax) and peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include: pain in the lower back or the side of the chest, persistent coughing, developing a husky voice, weight loss and shortness of breath. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: abdominal pain and swelling, diarrhoea or constipation, poor appetite and sickness. The problem is that these symptoms can be applied to many different illnesses, but it are particularly important to consider if the person developing symptoms has a history of absestos exposure.

Asbestos was banned in the United Kingdom in 1999, with several lobbying organisations working towards a worldwide ban. Typically, high risk professions include: metal plate workers, vehicle body builders, carpenters, plasterers, construction workers and other construction trade-based professions. Tony Whitston of Greater Manchester’s Asbestos Support Group has said: “Many believe that asbestos is a problem which was faced by shipyard workers and laggers decades ago. But asbestos is still a danger for our tradesmen today. [...] If we do not act now a whole new generation of people will develop mesothelioma in 30 years time.”

Unfortunately, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed when the disease is in the advanced stages, due to a lack of symptoms, people don’t go to the doctors early on. This is one of the main reasons why patients diagnosed with the cancer are often told they only have a year to live. According to Cancer Research, 10% of diagnosed patients will be alive three years later, going down to 5% survival rate after 5 years.

Surgery will not cure mesothelioma, but can help control the disease and keep the victim healthy for as long as possible. Like most cancers, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in conjunction with fluid drainage (Palliative Care) programmes. Even major surgery involving removing entire lungs and the surrounding mesothelial layers cannot cure the disease. Whilst mesothelioma is terminal, many victims choose to seek action against their employers for negligence and seek to make a mesothelioma claim. This is usually successful if the victim was owed a duty of care, there was a breach of duty or workplace exposure to asbestos can be directly attributed to causing mesothelioma.