The paper differentiates endocarditis from meningitis. Besides, it offers a description of transmission, signs, symptoms, at risk groups, treatments, as well as prognosis of these two diseases. Endocarditis denotes a disease of the heart’s valves or chambers inner lining (Chan, & Embil, 2006). On the contrary, meningitis denotes meninges’ inflammation (Shmaefsky & Babcock, 2010). Meninges is a collective term for pia mater, dura mater, as well as arachnoid mater, which are membranes covering the brain as well as spinal cord (Shmaefsky & Babcock, 2010).
Transmission of Endocarditis and Meningitis
Endocarditis results when fungi, bacteria, or other pathogens invade the bloodstream and infect abnormal regions of the heart. Such pathogens normally enter the blood through the mouth as an individual carries out daily activities, for example, brushing the teeth, and chewing food. Additionally, bacteria may be transmitted from a pre-existing area of infection. Transmission of endocarditis can also occur through medical procedures, which entails placing contaminated tubes or needles in the body (Chan, & Embil, 2006). Meningitis can be spread from one individual to another. The bacteria causing meningitis can be spread through the exchange of throat or respiratory secretions during contact, particularly if individuals dwell within same household (Shmaefsky & Babcock, 2010).
Signs as well as Symptoms of Endocarditis
The common signs or symptoms of this infection involve a fever, night sweats, nausea, fever, pains in the joints, chills, poor appetite, as well as loss of weight. Other symptoms of severe endocarditis include swollen legs, feet, and stomach. A cough, enlarged spleen, breathing difficulties, bloody urine, as well as a heart murmur, are other symptoms. Meningitis disease is not normally easy to identify. The common signs or symptoms include muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, cold feet or hands, fever, as well as a headache (Shmaefsky & Babcock, 2010).
Targeted Populations
Endocarditis disease occurs globally, although the most at risk population for endocarditis are those having cardiac conditions. The treatment for endocarditis includes a prolonged use of antimicrobial therapy. In cases of resistant organisms or mechanical complication, surgery is recommended for endocarditis (Chan, & Embil, 2006). On the other hand, meningitis occurs among individuals of all age cohorts, although infants, children, as well as elderly are at higher risk of meningitis. Treatment of meningitis involves supportive treatment (for example, antipyretics, fluids, antiemetics), causative organism treatment, as well as treatment of complications.
Severe meningitis can need hospitalization where antibiotics are administered intravenously. The temperature of patients can be brought down by acetaminophen. Breathing difficulties can be managed by oxygen therapy. This entails a hood, face mask, tent, or nasal cannula. Besides, an insertion of a tube can be done via mouth or trachea. Because meningitis causes dehydration, patients can be given adequate fluids. Blood tests can be done to determine the content of sodium, blood sugar, as well as other significant chemicals in the body. If a patient suffering from meningitis is restless or irritable, sedatives are given or recommended.
General Prognosis
Untreated endocarditis is normally fatal. Death is most probable even with treatment of endocarditis, and its prognosis is poor among older individuals, persons suffering from resistant organisms, delay of treatment, or underlying disorder (Chan, & Embil, 2006). The prognosis of meningitis relies on the disease-causing organism, the age of a patient, an individual's condition, or the disease severity (Shmaefsky & Babcock, 2010). The mortality rate of patients having neurological impairment is fifty to ninety percent. The viral meningitis prognosis is normally excellent, having a complete resolution in ten days.
References
Chan, K.-L., & Embil, J. M. (2006). Endocarditis: Diagnosis and Management. London: Springer.
Shmaefsky, B., & Babcock, H. (2010). Meningitis. New York: Chelsea House.
