Meningococcus I: the clinical picture
Infections with meningococci (bacteria that can cause dangerous meningitis, for example) are fortunately very rare and fortunately we can also do a lot to prevent them with vaccinations (more on this in Part II).
But the problem with meningococcal infections is that when they happen, they are often very severe. The children, the babies, often get worse very, very quickly. And there is still a high mortality rate of over 10 per cent. It is therefore all the more important to prevent this disease or, if it does occur, to recognise it at an early stage.
So what do we need to look out for?
We need to differentiate. In infants, these infections often occur without any major accompanying symptoms, sometimes they don't even have a fever. And that's why our mantra is: an infant who looks strange, i.e. pale, has poor circulation, doesn't drink well and doesn't move, kick or look much when awake, who is simply not very active and appears apathetic or lethargic, must be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
In children and adolescents, infections usually progress in such a way that they have a fever, headaches and vomiting and are simply not feeling well. And then there are two symptoms that are often mentioned and that you need to know a bit about.
One is so-called neck stiffness, which is often confused with aching limbs. There is a good test to recognise it: take a piece of paper and ask the child to pinch it under the chin so that it cannot be pulled out easily. If the child can do this, he or she certainly does not have neck stiffness.
The second point is the so-called petechiae. This is quite difficult to explain. They are small haemorrhages on the skin that differ from a rash in that they cannot be squeezed away. However, petechiae also often occur with harmless viral infections. They occur when children have to cough or spit a lot, in which case they may have petechiae on their face. This is why it is not suitable as the sole criterion. But one thing is clear: if they occur and the child is also in a poor general condition, then it should also be examined quickly. And if you are worried that the child has petechiae, it is also advisable to go to the paediatrician's practice. However, in a child who is otherwise in good general health, there is no reason to panic.
One more sentence about treatment: This is carried out with antibiotics, as soon as possible and initially always as an inpatient, so that intensive care measures are also possible.
Further interesting tips
Affirmations
Today we have a combined topic, so to speak: it's about something very important when dealing with children and at the same time it's a gift idea. The keyword is: affirmations.
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common reasons why parents come to the practice with their children. The good thing is that the problem is usually easy to solve and is rarely a symptom of an illness.
Fennel tea
There is a lot of excitement in many online forums and social media channels at the moment. A popular household remedy for stomach ache and flatulence, but also for coughs, toothache and sleep disorders, is under suspicion: Fennel tea. And now all of a sudden it's supposed to be poisonous? Cause for panic or pure scaremongering? The doctor explains.