How to Cure Meningitis in a Newborn
You’ve just had a newborn baby and you bring her home from the hospital and find that your baby is coughing a lot and seems to have a fever. Other symptoms of meningitis may be gasping or rapid breathing, refusing to eat, vomiting, rash, a pale coloring, sleeping too much, being overly fussy, aversion to being touched or throwing a fit when being moved, hard to wake, a cry or high pitched moan, contortion or arching of the back. Meningitis is an infection in the membrane that lines the spinal cord and covers the brain.
Newborn Immunity and Vaccines
When a baby is born, its immune system is at its lowest. A newborn is very susceptible to viruses, infections and other diseases that a baby even just 3 months old would be able to begin to fight. A newborn should never receive a vaccine before 2 months of age and only then if it meets strict criteria. The only exception to this rule is the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Time is of the Essence
If you begin to notice any of these signs or symptoms, consult a physician immediately or make a trip to the emergency room. In cases of meningitis, time is of the utmost importance. The longer it goes untreated, the greater chance of permanent damage, or even death. Virtually all of the time a doctor will prescribe antibiotics as a means to cure meningitis, but there are also things that you can do to help your baby recover faster.
Types of Meningitis
There are two types of meningitis, viral and bacterial. In the case of viral meningitis, antibiotics are ineffective and you will just have to ride it out until the baby’s natural immunities take hold. With bacterial meningitis, antibiotics are the key. In either instance, a proper diagnosis must be received and tests should be run to determine what is going on.
Caring for Your Baby Once Meningitis Has Been Diagnosed
Once your baby has been properly diagnosed, you may be allowed to take her home. In severe cases, the hospital may keep the baby until signs of recovery occur. Once you get your baby home, be sure to start out with fever reduction techniques. Cold wash cloths on the forehead work very well for this. Your baby may not want to eat, but keep offering food often, maybe every 30 minutes to an hour. Dry air can worsen congestion so you should run a humidifier in your babies’ room. Ask your doctor what is appropriate to give your baby, like Infant Tylenol or other drugs that may help to alleviate symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.
Most importantly, baby your baby. Keep her close to you and cradle her. Once a fever has broken you can once again wrap her up and cuddle her closely. The bond and love that you give will actually speed recovery.
Resources:
- The Meningitis Center in Australia, Frequently Asked Questions – http://www.meningitis.com.au/disease_information/frequently_asked_questions.phtml
- Childhood Immunization (Vaccination) Schedule – http://www.medicinenet.com/childhood_vaccination_schedule/article.htm
- Baby Meningitis – http://www.baby-names.tv/Baby-health/Meningitis.php
