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Show WEEKLY REFLEX-DA- NEWS JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 28, 1980 NORTH DAVIS LEADER, FEBRUARY 28, 1980 VIS isctera By RICHARD M. SAG, M.D. Prior to the introduction of antibiotics, bacterial meningitis was almost always a fatal disease. Today while the outlook is much improved, bacterial meningitis is still among the most serious pediatric infections. AS IN many bacterial infec- tions. early recognition and treatment are key to an improved outcome. A delay of as short as twenty minutes will allow the number of growing bacteria to double. The name meningitis refers to the inflammation of the meninges, or the delicate membrane coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis may occur throughout the year, however much more frequently occurs during the winter months. THERE IS another form of meningitis called viral or asceptic meningitis which is much more mild in nature. This form of meningitis may also occur throughout the year, but mainly occurs during the summer months. All forms of meningitis occur more frequently in children, than in adults. M ness of the infection is usually very low. DIAGNOSIS of bacterial meningitis is suspected upon the observation of various symptoms and physical signs of the disease. Because of the immaturity of the nervous system in a younger child, there are less symptoms, and an early diagnosis is much more difficult to make. Symptoms may occur sud- denly without warning, or more commonly occur a few days after the beginning of a common viral infection. Logic would tell us that the use of an antibiotic at the start of a viral illness would prevent the development of meningitis. THIS IS not so. The use of an antibiotic will modify the course of the illness so that its recognition is delayed. This delay in recognition leads to a delay in proper treatment, and a smoldering of the infection which may in turn lead to a higher rate of complications. The infant less than four months old poses a special problem. The nature of the infection tends to be severe making early diagnosis very important, yet the symptoms may be vague and few. THE PROBLEM of prevention of meningitis has not been SYMPTOMS to watch for at this age include elevated or work being done on the this temperature instability may be the only clear symptom of meningitis. Therefore, unexplained fever in such a young infant becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Signs of nervous system irritability may be present. Some of these signs include sleepiness, skipping of feed solved. There is currently de- velopment of vaccines, but there are many problems with this and I suspect that it will take several years before there is a safe and effective vaccine. At the present time it seems that the use of selective antibiotics in other family member contacts is sometimes indicated. The overall contagious subnormal temperature. Sometimes, staring, lethargy, difficulrouse, coma and convulsions. Be wary of the irritable infant at any age who would ings, ty to rather lie still than be held and comforted. At times the soft spot may be swollen. THERE MAY be generalized symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea or bruising type rashes. Sometimes the baby may just look sick. Of course, these are not all of the symptoms, and please note that the majority of babies with these symptoms do not have bacterial meningitis. The point is that awareness of these symptoms will lead to an awareness of the problem and to an earlier diagnosis. Between the ages from four months to two years, the di- agnosis becomes gradually more straight-forwarSymptoms are generally more consistent. Temperatures greater than 101 or less than 97 is almost always present. Nervous system irritability is usually present. THERE MAY be alternating periods of lethargy and well being. The child may be delirious, lethargic or even comatose. If the soft spot is still present, it is usually swollen. The first sign of meningitis may be a convulsion associated with a fever. Very often the child will have forceful vomiting. Because of pain and discomfort. appreciation. Docents are volunteers who meet for a ten week training session and then The following is a presentation of the permanent platform of the American Parly regarding domestic policy: The United States government is specifically prohibited from exercising any authority,, whatsoever except as authorized by the Constitution. Therefore, the position of the American Party is that government shall 1. not: a. Engage in or subsidize any activity involving producing, selling, transporting, or distributing of any goods or performing any services not authorized by the constitution. b. Finance, subsidize or legislate with resjtect to charity, welfare, public works, or education, except that it may maintain academies in conjunction with the defense of the United States. e. Incur a budget deficit in any fiscal year, except in time of declared war, or operate a planned inflationary economy. OLDER THAN two years old, the child may be able to describe a severe headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, altered consciousness, and often forceful vomiting. Once the diagnosis is sus- pected, prompt medical atten-- J tion needs to be sought. If the physician Suspects meningitis, then a sample of spinal fluid along with other tests will be immediately taken and the institution of therapy will be started. SOMETIMES THE diagnosis of bacteria meningitis is elusive. and repeated examinations will be necessary to make the diagnosis. If an infant is seen early in the day for vague symptoms, and later in the day develops more severe symptoms, that infant needs to be seen again the very same day. By trying to keep on top of it. the earliest possible diagnosis will be made and the best possible outcome will be reached. VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED IF THERE are questions or comments about todays arti- , Davis North Medical Center volunteers receiving special recognition at the group's annual banquet were (from left) Jan Rhodes, Fostene Cordon, Doris Rhodes (president of the volunteer organization) and Nondas Stunner. Hospital administrator Dean I Iolman told members that their volunteer help was invaluable to the medical cle, please refer them to Richard M. Sag, M.D., North Davis Pediatrics, 2084 North 1700 West, Layton, 84041, telephone 773-933- Utah Art Docet Training Group Visits Gallery A number of ladies from the Salt Lake Art Center visited the LeConte Stewart Gallery of Art on Feb. 20. The group from the Art Center Docet Training program, emphasized an overview of art and an effort to assist in community art American the child may resist a forward nodding motion of the head making the neck stiff. A bruising rash may be noted. Plans Events continue meeting from time to time for other educational experiences. LECONTE Layton Civic Arts Assoc. STEWART talked and discussed art in general and Utah art. Told them briefly of the graphic arts, etching, lithography and linoleum block printing. He then took them on a gallery tour and talked briefly about the oil canvasses, pencil drawings and prints that are hanging there. Mrs. Stewart assisted her husband in the art discus: sion. Mrs. Roberta Walters, assistant director of education at the Salt Lake Art Center,'! was in charge of the group w ho spent most of the afternoon at the Stewart Gallery. The Layton Civic Arts Association met Tuesday, Feb. 19 to discuss plans for upcoming cultural events the association will sponsor for the people of Layton. ON JULY 4th, the Arts Association plans to provide live entertainment for two or three hours before the fireworks. Several local people will be invited to participate on this program. The possibility of having a concert put on by a military band is being explored. Next year, the Civic Arts Association will organize a series of 4 to 6 concerts. Top groups from the state will be invited to appear in Layton. Cost for the concert series will be very reasonable just enough to pay for the perforthe hall rent of the mers, and the advertising expenses. THE CIVIC Arts Association will meet the third Tuesday of each month at 8:30 p.m. Representation on this committee is needed. Anyone interested in becoming involved with the cultural affairs of Layton should contact Erma Whitesides. LCAA president, at 376-242- Good Deed Make someone happy today. Mind your own business! Record, Columbia, S.C. -- No Way Learn from the mistakes of others you dont live long enough to make them all yourself. -- Chest. Norfolk, Va. 2. The American Party asserts its eternal opposition to abortion and euthanasia. This election year, we invite you to learn more about the American Party and its candidates. For further information, please write: P.O. Box 405 CENTERVILLE, (.on ciums uheht) oi.) ro those uho TO IT AM) AHE AIM A 1 N HEAD) M) DEEE.M) IT. DAMEl. U EUSTEH 1.01 E A UTAH Cl AKD o l Layton o Kaysville o Clearfield WINDOW REPLACEMENT 1 i g f SPECIALISTS Change your windows to new insulated windows Patio Doors Any Kind Storm Windows Custom Made Any Kind Save Now on Winter Specials I 1 0 5 I I 20, , Free Estimates! Call Farmington j 867-71- 11 ALKAN f INSULATED WINDOWS 65 E. 1420 So. ( Farmington ALCOA ALASKAN FULLY INSULATED WINDOW jkMMHIQttMMMQHII |