Meningococcal disease – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, June 14, 2018 by Janine Acero

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial form of meningitis. It is a serious infection of the meninges, which consist of layers of protective tissue surrounding the brain. Meningococcal disease affects the brain membrane, and can cause severe brain damage. It is fatal in 50 percent of cases if left untreated.

Meningococcal disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Twelve types of N. meningitides, called serogroups, have been identified, and half of these can cause epidemics.

The disease most often affects infants, preschool children and young people, but may affect a person at any age.

The bacteria are transmitted through person-to-person contact with secretions from the throat of carriers. The infection can spread through smoking, close proximity to (sneezing or coughing on someone), and prolonged contact (kissing) with a carrier.

Other less common forms of meningococcal disease include pneumonia, arthritis, epiglottitis, pericarditis and conjunctivitis.

Known symptoms, risk factors for meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease most commonly affects babies and young children. The most common symptoms include:

Convulsions or twitching
Diarrhea
Dislike of being handled
Drowsiness
Extreme tiredness or floppiness
Fever
Irritability, fretfulness
Grunting or moaning
Nausea or vomiting
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Red or purple pinprick rash or larger bruises
Refusing to feed

Older children and adults can also be affected. Symptoms may include:

Appetite loss
Collapse
Confusion
Diarrhea
Difficulty walking
Drowsiness
Fever
General malaise
Headache
Muscle aches/soreness
Nausea and/or vomiting
Painful or swollen joints
Photophobia
Red or purple pinprick rash or larger bruises
Stiff neck
Unintelligible speech/Incoherence

The following risk factors increase the likelihood of contracting this disease:

Age
Living in close quarters
Certain medical conditions
Travel to areas where meningococcal disease is common

Body systems harmed by meningococcal disease

Complications from meningococcal disease may occur at the time of the acute disease or during the recovery period, and may sometimes be severe. These include:

Amputation
Arthritis
Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), which prevents blood clotting
Heart problems, such as pericarditis
Massive hemorrhage of the adrenal glands
Neurological problems, such as deafness
Permanent musculoskeletal problems

Food items or nutrients that may prevent meningococcal disease

The following are some effective home remedies for managing the symptoms of bacterial infections like meningococcal disease:

Plain yogurt contains probiotics which help prevent fungal infection.
Garlic helps treat bacterial and fungal infections with its natural antibiotic and antimicrobial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin that has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal action.
Honey has antimicrobial properties that help heal wounds and infections.
Ginger has antifungal action that helps prevent the growth of fungus on the skin.
Fenugreek seeds has antibacterial activity that inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Lemon juice has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and is a natural astringent. Orange juice has been found to be much stronger against fungal infections.
Green tea contains tannins, which effectively treat fungal infections. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cranberry juice was found to be very effective against Staphylococcus aureus. It also has antifungal properties and draws out harmful toxins from your system.
Tomato is a good remedy for bacterial infections as it contains succinic, tartaric, and citric acids that give it antibacterial properties.

Treatments, management plans for meningococcal disease

Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital. If you’re opting for the natural approach, here are some versatile and inexpensive remedies which can include meningococcal infection. They have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and/or anti-inflammatory properties that all help in preventing skin problems.

Aloe vera gel has anthraquinones, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties
Apple cider vinegar
Coconut oil
French clay
Olive oil
Rubbing alcohol
Tea tree oil
Witch hazel