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| The lecturer of the Faculty of Health Science of UMM. (Photo: Istimewa) |
Meningitis is one of the frightening scourges. Several well-known celebrities also died due to this disease, such as Olga Syaputra and Glenn Fredly. So there needs to be a good understanding of the symptoms. A lecturer of the Faculty of Health Sciences University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Ns. Anis Ika Nur Rohmah, M.Kep. Sp. Kep. MB. says that many things can cause this disease.
Meningitis, as she says, is an inflammatory disease of the brain's lining caused by infection from viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. The symptoms begin with an excruciating and persistent headache. The public rarely notices it because the symptoms are considered relatively common as a regular headache. Additionally, people feel it is unnecessary to consult a health worker, which often makes meningitis treat late.
"The reasons vary. Decreased body immunity is one of them. When a person feels tired, their body's immunity will decrease and at the same time it will accidentally be around a place where there is a virus or bacteria that causes meningitis. The disease can directly attack the individual concerned," explained Anis.
Then, people should know the early symptoms of the disease, such as sudden high fever, headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting, difficulty concentrating, cold sweats, and a stiff neck. The later it is realized and detected, the longer the healing process will be because the disease virus has been widespread.
“The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis will easily spread through the bloodstream and then move from the spinal cord to the brain. Many co-factors can cause meningitis, not only based on decreased immunity. For example, a tooth infection that is not treated immediately can spread to the brain," she continues.
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Meningitis can cause death due to inflammation that causes swelling. Then it will increase brain mass. When one part of the brain experiences an increase in volume, it will cause an increase in pressure on the brain, or it is called intracranial pressure.
“The brain is the center of everything for the body. If infection with a disease spreads, of course it will impact the coordination center," she says.
Anis also appeals that if you feel that there are unusual and persistent symptoms, people should immediately get themselves checked. This is an attempt to detect diseases that may be dangerous. "Take care of your health and immediately contact the health worker if you feel pain continuously," she concludes. (imh/*/nia/wil)
