Meningitis infects the protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord and the brain. The swelling of the lining occurs mainly due to the entrance of germs into the body. It is a condition that can affect anyone. However, it is most commonly occurring in babies, in young children, and teens and in young adults.

According to PHE, about a fourth of those cases tagged in the Meningococcal group B occur during a child’s first year of life. About 60% of these cases occur in children that are below 5 years old. It is important to note that if the condition is not treated immediately, it is likely to end up becoming life-threatening. This is because it may lead to septicaemia or blood poisoning. This can easily lead to permanent damage to the nerves or the brain. People need to remember that this is a very serious disease. This is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection that can easily spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils, or kissing.

Getting to know the symptoms

It will help people to better deal with the problem more proactively, and long before it has escalated. This is why it is very helpful for one to know what are the symptoms that one needs to watch out for. Then, it would be easy to seek out the services of a medical practitioner to get the condition treated successfully.

Watch out for a rash that does not need to fade even when pressure is applied to it. This is a classic meningitis symptom. The rashes will likely appear as tiny pinpricks. These rashes can turn into purple bruising. One must re ember not to wait for the rash to appear though before getting medical attention. This is because there are instances when the rash might not even appear at all.

A high fever at 38C or over, along with headaches, being sick, a stiff neck, rashes, seizures, drowsiness, as well as being sensitive to bright light are among the most common symptoms of the condition. The disease is quite hard to spot this is why it is necessary for parents to be always on the lookout, be prepared, and to act as fast as they can if they have a sick child that gets worse rapidly.

Waiting for a rash to appear is not always the most sensible thing to do as there are times when they do not manifest at all. In most cases, the moment they do manifest often means that the child may already be in grave danger. This is why being able to recognise the symptoms early on and being able to seek medical assistance fast is key towards successfully getting the condition treated.

Anybody who is showing the symptoms of vomiting, headache, muscle pain, cold feet and hands, and fever should immediately seek medical assistance. There is a very good chance that the symptoms are signs of the disease or that it could also be a symptom of septicaemia.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Learn more about how to better recognise the symptoms of meningitis by reading about Dr Kaine Jerome Ikueke online. You can also connect with Dr Kaine Jerome Ikueke on LinkedIn here.

It is not all the time that you will be able to see your GP for every condition that you may be suffering from. Your schedule may prevent you from doing so. Also, securing an appointment for a specific date and time that is most convenient for you may not always be feasible. Besides, there is also a very good chance that the problem is most likely a minor one. You will be surprised how many common ailments can actually be remedied at home. Below are some of them.

Back pain

Most of the time, back pain can be treated through medicines that you can get over-the-counter. There are self care techniques and aids that can help ease the discomfort too. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are often most effective for pain relief. Cold or hot compression packs are quite helpful too.

Making sure that you will avoid straining yourself too much but at the same time, maintaining mobility are keys to recovery. If it has been more than two weeks though that you have been doing home treatment and you are still not getting any improvements, then you will need to have to see your doctor.

Dermatitis

Inflamed skin is a very common condition that one may suffer from at some point. It is usually caused by an allergy or an irritant. When caring for it at home, scratching should be avoided so as not to damage the skin.

To ease the flare-up emollients are most helpful. They can be purchased from the chemists and from supermarkets. Try to go for the unperfumed ones too. Only when the rash still hasn’t cleared up after trying these home remedies should you get a doctor’s appointment.

Indigestion and heartburn

Complaints about indigestion, bloating, and heartburn are quite common. Simple changes to your lifestyle can often help address the problem. There are over-the-counter remedies that can be availed of too.

If you are looking for a short-term relief, then over the counter medications that are meant to neutralise the acids in your stomach can be such huge help. If you are gunning for a long-term solution, then you might want to consider losing weight, stopping your alcohol consumption and smoking, and making sure that you will not eat anything three hours before you will go to bed. 

Blocked nose

Most of the time, a blocked nose can clear up after a few days even without treatment. The body just needs to fight off whatever infection has caused it. If it is a virus such as the flu or a cold, then going to the GP will not really do anything to resolve it. The most that you can do is find ways to ease the symptoms a bit. Decongestants can be bought over the counter which can help with the blocked nose. Also, inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water is most useful at clearing up the mucus build-up in your nose. Of course, if the symptoms ever persist, then it is best to see your GP.

Not every medical condition requires a visit to the GP. Learn more about effective ways to treat common medical conditions at home before seeing your GP by reading about Dr Kaine Jerome Ikwueke online. You can connect with Dr Kaine Jerome Ikwueke on LinkedIn here.

Dr Kaine Jerome Ikwueke

Dr Kaine Jerome Ikwueke is a general practitioner at Grove Road Surgery. Covering the Haringey area, the practice aims at providing family-friendly services within the NHS. It also aims to provide a variety of general medical services along with special clinic selections that are designed to foster better quality health care for their patients. A family-friendly practice, it aims to work hand in hand with its patients to

Find the best course of action in treating their medical concerns.

Grove Road Surgery

Grove Road Surgery is a practice dedicated towards improving the services that it extends to its patients within the NHS. As a family-friendly clinic, it provides a variety of services to help address many of the general, medical needs of its patients. A firm believer in the principle of treating patients as individuals, it aims at involving patients every step of the way on matters concerning their medical condition. The practice present covers the Haringey area. Learn more about Dr Kaine Jerome Ikwueke here.