There are many natural treatments for viral meningitis that can be used to soothe the symptoms associated with this condition at home, once a physician has been seen. Meningitis is a type of infection. When it occurs in an individual, it is found to affect the area of the spinal cord, as well as the brain. While individuals of all ages can be affected by this condition, it is most obvious in children and adults that are young, as well as those who have complications of weakening in the area of the immune system. There are two specific types. Viral is the most common, and bacterial is the type that can be fatal. It is important to note that while there are two distinct types, a doctor’s diagnosis is essential due to the fact that the symptoms of each are similar. Once the doctor has confirmed the diagnosis, you can use the natural treatments for viral meningitis mentioned in this guide to soothe the symptoms that you experience.
Common Symptoms Associated with Viral Meningitis
There are quite a few common symptoms associated with viral meningitis. One of the most noted symptoms is when an individual experiences a high amount of pain in the area of the neck. Normally, a physician will ask that the patient take their chin and push it towards the chest in an effort to touch it. If there is pain and there is a high level of stiffness in the area, the doctor will likely check for other symptoms that are associated with this type of infection. These symptoms include, but are not limited to the following:
It is quite common for an individual to have a fever when they have this type of infection. The body makes every effort to fight off the infection, and when a fever is present, it is obvious that there is some type of infection present.
Many patients claim that they experience mild to severe headaches when suffering from viral meningitis.
Nausea and vomiting is often experienced by those that suffer from this medical condition.
Many experience high levels of fatigue. These individuals often have trouble keeping their eyes open, and want to sleep consistently.
The infection is located around the spinal cord in the body, as well as the brain, so many individuals experience mild to severe seizures.
Many may show respiratory complications, such as coughing and appearing as if it is difficult to breathe easily.
Many will experience a general lack of appetite and may even show signs of extreme thirst.
If you or a loved one shows any or all of the above listed symptoms, it is absolutely essential that you make an appointment with your doctor, or visit your local emergency room. It takes medical tests to determine whether one has viral meningitis or bacterial meningitis. If necessary, you may be admitted to the hospital. This is most often the case when it comes to bacterial meningitis. Most that are diagnosed with viral meningitis are permitted to go home with medication. However, there are natural treatments that you or your loved one can engage in while at home to soothe the symptoms of the condition.
Natural Treatment Techniques
If you or your loved one has been sent home with a diagnosis of viral meningitis, there are many natural treatment techniques that can be used to overcome the condition. The following details these techniques:
First and foremost, one should engage in resting as much as possible. It is important to relieve the body of all types of physical strain so that it may heal itself. There are many things that can be done while you are resting, such as reading, in order to be comfortable and entertained at the same time.
Next, it is important to engage in a diet that consists of clear liquids. If vomiting is occurring, it is important to drink clear liquids in only small amounts. These liquids may include broths, popsicles, water, and even natural fruit juices. If vomiting is not present, one may indulge in Jell-O and similar items to soothe hunger.
While a fever being present shows that the body is fighting off the infection, it can also result in discomfort, such as headaches and body aches and pains. One may take lukewarm baths and showers, apply cool compresses to the forehead, wrists, and feet, and take over-the-counter medications that assist in relieving fever, such as Tylenol. It is important to avoid the temptation of covering the feet with socks, or covering the body with thick blankets.
Conclusion
There are many natural treatments for viral meningitis that can be done while at home, but it is important to obtain an official diagnosis from a doctor. The reason that this is so important is because there is another type of meningitis that is caused by bacteria that can be deadly. Viral and bacterial meningitis have similar symptoms. The only way to conclude that it is one or the other is by engaging in the tests that are issued by a medical doctor. If one is found to have the viral type, they will likely be sent home with a prescription. The natural treatments mentioned in this guide can be used to supplement that prescription in order to soothe the symptoms of the condition.
