Symptoms of Purulent Meningitis

Purulent meningitis presents with a wide range of symptoms, which can be classified into early and late stages. Early symptoms include fever and headache, while late symptoms primarily manifest as increased intracranial pressure.

I. Early Symptoms

1. Fever: Due to the inflammatory response caused by bacterial infection, patients experience an elevation in body temperature.

2. Headache: Inflammation irritates the meninges, causing patients to feel a dull or throbbing pain in the head, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

3. Others: In severe cases, patients may also exhibit consciousness disturbances, convulsions, and coma.

II. Late Symptoms

As the disease progresses, it can lead to increased intracranial pressure, manifesting in a series of symptoms:

1. Optic Papilledema: Elevated intracranial pressure compresses the optic nerve, resulting in decreased vision and visual field defects.

2. Projectile Vomiting: Further increase in intracranial pressure affects the digestive tract, causing stomach contents to reflux into the mouth, leading to projectile vomiting.

3. Respiratory Distress: Sustained intracranial pressure can impair normal respiratory function, causing dyspnea.

In addition to the above symptoms, patients may also experience seizures. It is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly and undergo treatment under the guidance of a doctor to avoid disease progression. In daily life, it is essential to rest adequately, avoid overexertion, and maintain a positive mindset, which can aid in the recovery process.