How effective is dexamethasone for meningitis?

Dexamethasone for meningitis can prevent complications with certain strains of bacteria that cause disease to release inflammation and swelling in the brain. Some studies show that the timing of the use of dexamethasone for meningitis is important for its efficiency. Anti -inflammatory drugs should be administered before or with antibacterial drugs used to treat the disorder. Dexamethasone research results are mixed for meningitis; It depends a lot on the stage of the disease, the type of bacteria and the patient's age.

There is little evidence of dexamethasone benefits for meningitis caused by viruses, fungi or parasites. Although the use of the drug remains controversial, it may reduce the risk of hearing loss associated with some infections, such as bacteria that cause the flu and strepe in the throat. Doctors of treating meningitis usually consider the root cause of the disorder along with other health factors before they prescribe dexamethasone for meningitis.

meningitis focuses on the central nervous system,When the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord are infected. These membranes protect the brain from attacking the body's immune system. When the infection penetrates these protective layers, it can spread to the brain and cause swelling and inflammation.

swelling could exert pressure on the skull nerves and reduce the flow of brain fluid in the spine, causing permanent damage such as hearing loss, blindness, mental retardation or paralysis. Dexamethasone for meningitis can alleviate part of pressure by reducing inflammation. As a corticosteroid drug mimics hormones produced naturally in the body in the adrenal glands. Dexamethasone is commonly prescribed to reduce pain and swelling caused by arthritis, thyroid problems, some cancer and other disorders.

The side effects of dexamethasone include nausea that can be eased if the drug is taken with food. Some patients report depression, restlessness or insomnia when taking this summerku. As a synthetic hormonal drug, it can cause excessive hair growth or affect women's menstrual cycles.

Children under five years of age and adults over 60 are facing a higher risk of infection that cause meningitis. Symptoms of the disease include confusion, delirium and drowsiness. Some patients may consider clear irritating lights. Acute meningitis may be life -threatening and requires emergency medical treatment, but most cases of bacterial meningitis develop within a few days. The severity of the disease depends on the degree of penetration into the brain by attacking bacteria.