Meninges are the three membranes that offer coverage on the spinal cord and brain, and the inflammation surrounding the areas of the meninges is called meningitis. Mostly common among adolescents and infants, meningitis can affect anyone at any age, and the lack of treatment is susceptible to cause a serious health problem.

Symptoms
There are three types of meningitis: fungal, bacterial and viral meningitis. However, it is important to note that the symptoms of meningitis vary from person to person, and age is one of the common factors creating the difference.

• Fungal
  Vomiting, confusing, headache and disorientation
• Bacterial
  Nausea, chills, sensitivity to light, change in mental condition and purple areas on skin resembling bruises
• Viral
  Fever, lethargy, decreased appetite and irritability

Every type of meningitis has different signs and it is important to seek medical help once the symptoms become visible.

Causes of meningitis
Viral meningitis is considered to be the most common type and 85% of cases are related to it. Nevertheless, there is non-infectious meningitis that is not caused due to infection. Cancer, brain surgery, lupus and specific medicines are the causes of this type of meningitis.

• Fungal
  Dirt and soil, bird dropping and polluted environment
• Bacterial
  Food-borne bacteria, inflammation of cellulite or windpipe and respiratory tract bacteria
• Viral
  Influenza, HIV, herpes, mumps, and West Nile Virus

The causes of meningitis are different in each case but in the end, every type of meningitis acts in the same way.

Treatment
When the signs and symptoms of meningitis are prominent, consultation with the medical professional becomes necessary and the professional generally advised to undertake few tests. If it is the bacterial one, the person has to stay in the hospital for weeks. Antibiotics and fluids administered directly vein, oxygen through the mask are common treatment methods followed by healthcare professionals. Viral meningitis can be treated at home with the help of sufficient anti-sickness medicines and painkillers to get relief from the symptoms. It can take 7-10 days to fully recover at home, and in the meantime, one must cling to a proper diet.

Prevention
Thanks to medical science, there are now several treatment procedures and immunizations to offer a speedy recovery to the patients. However, it is also essential to follow certain precautions beforehand to minimize the risks.

• Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing
• Focus on good hygiene and avoid used foods, lip balms or straws
• Consume fruits, whole grains and vegetables more
• Always wash hands to keep virus and bacteria at bay

You can learn about the disease with help of Mayo Clinic and Meningitis Foundation to be prepared for you and your family.