About Meningitis

Meningitis is a word you may have heard in the news since there have been a number of outbreaks reported in schools or colleges all over the country. It can be a serious illness, at times even fatal. Thankfully, with appropriate treatment, many kids recover completely from meningitis.

Introduction to meningitis

The central nervous system is surrounded by a fluid—called cerebrospinal fluid—that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord when the body is active. Even more protection is provided by the meninges, which are membranes that cover the central nervous system. When the meninges are attacked by bacteria or virus, it can become inflamed. This condition is called meningitis.

How is meningitis acquired?

Most of the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are very common and come with other regular illnesses. Bacteria and viruses that infect the skin, respiratory organs, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary system can enter the bloodstream, reach the cerebrospinal fluid, and then attack the meninges. In some cases of bacterial meningitis, the bacteria can come from a severe local infection such as an ear or nasal sinus infection.

Meningitis treatment

Meningitis is treated aggressively. Core treatment includes intravenous (IV) antibiotics and other medications that reduce inflammation. If you suspect meningitis in your child, seek medical care immediately.

A Westminster, CO Pediatrician's Tip: Protect Your Child Against Flu

As you prepare to cross items off your holiday shopping list, you also need to prepare your child against the winter flu season. Influenza, the name of the virus that causes flu, is one of the greatest villains of the medical world. It usually wreaks the greatest havoc between the months of October and May, infecting millions of American children and causing them to suffer a combination of cough, colds, fever, body aches, and weariness.

Pediatrics in Westminster, CO: Frequently Asked Questions About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic medical condition suffered by millions of Americans. Though it may occur at an early age, it most commonly develops during early childhood or mid-adulthood. Children who have asthma often develop their first symptoms before reaching the age of five. As with many medical conditions, genetics and environmental exposure play a role in the development of asthma.

Urinary Tract Infection in Kids

Urinary tract infections (UTI) in children can occur in the bladder or kidney. They are especially common in girls and uncircumcised boys. By age 5, about 8 percent of girls and 1 to 2 percent of boys will have had UTI. Possible kidney scarring is an important reason to prevent, detect, and treat UTI, as scarring can lead to serious kidney problems for a child down the road.

Causes of UTI

UTI occurs when the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra become infected. Infection is often caused by stool bacteria. Usually, these bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. However, there are cases in which the bacteria in the bloodstream enter the kidney, causing the infection. Aside from bacteria, viruses such as adenovirus can also cause UTI.

Symptoms of UTI

The most common symptoms of UTI are fever, vomiting, and flank pain. Diarrhea can sometimes accompany the condition. Infants with UTI may be jaundiced, irritable, and feeding poorly.

Is UTI contagious?

UTI is not directly contagious. The bacteria that causes it, however, can be spread by touch.

How long does UTI last?

UTI may persist until treated. Once treatment begins, improvements are often rapid. A UTI infection is usually cleared within 2 weeks or less of treatment.