Does encephalitis cause a runny nose?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Encephalitis can potentially cause a runny nose, as it is mainly caused by viral infections. These infections not only invade brain cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and even seizures related to the nervous system, but can also affect the respiratory tract. If these viruses accumulate in the respiratory tract, particularly in the nasal mucosa, they will definitely cause symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, expectoration, and sore throat. Therefore, it is evident that patients with encephalitis can exhibit symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Moreover, some patients initially present with respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, before the viruses enter and infect the brain cells. Patients with encephalitis must receive timely treatment, primarily symptomatic treatment to prevent complications, along with antiviral medication for targeted treatment. Most patients have a good prognosis.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to prevent encephalitis

Most cases of encephalitis are transmitted through close contact, such as children playing with toys together. It is possible for them to ingest viruses through their hands, which then enter the bloodstream from the stomach and attack the brain. Some cases of encephalitis are also transmitted through the respiratory tract, mainly through droplets. Therefore, in order to prevent encephalitis, it is crucial to maintain hand hygiene, wash hands frequently, and avoid crowded places to prevent respiratory transmission. In addition, to prevent encephalitis, it is important to improve one's physical condition and exercise regularly, as a strong body is less susceptible to viral infections. Finally, it is essential to ensure adequate nutrition for encephalitis prevention, including sufficient daily intake of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, as well as vitamins C and folate, which are crucial for enhancing the body's resistance.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How to check for encephalitis?

To check for encephalitis, the main aspects of examination include the following. First, a complete blood count is necessary, which helps to determine if there is an increase in white blood cells and to assess the proportion of various types of white blood cells; this is a basic test. The second examination is an electroencephalogram (EEG), if the EEG shows abnormalities, it may suggest a diagnosis of encephalitis. The third examination involves cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If the encephalitis is severe, the MRI can reveal lesions, which also suggests a diagnosis of encephalitis. The fourth examination is invasive, involving a lumbar puncture. This test allows for the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, assessing whether there is an increase in white blood cells and proteins in the fluid, which plays an important role in the diagnosis of encephalitis. In summary, diagnosing encephalitis necessitates a complete blood count, cranial MRI, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, and a comprehensive EEG examination.

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Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
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Is the blood count high in encephalitis?

Not all cases of encephalitis show an increase in blood counts. Elevated blood counts in encephalitis generally occur in bacterial infections, such as the most common pyogenic meningitis. This can cause a significant increase in blood counts, predominantly with neutrophils. Tuberculous meningitis can also show elevated blood counts, but not as prominently as pyogenic meningitis. In cases of viral infection, such as the common herpes simplex virus infection, patients might experience a decrease in blood counts. This is characterized by a reduction in the total number of white blood cells, a lower proportion of neutrophils, and a possible increase in lymphocyte proportion. If the patient has a concurrent lung infection or other bacterial infections at different sites, there might be an increase in blood counts, which can mask the blood abnormalities originally caused by the viral infection.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Encephalitis belongs to which department?

Encephalitis is primarily a neurological disorder and is an infectious disease of the central nervous system, mainly diagnosed and treated in neurology. There are many causes of encephalitis, with viral encephalitis being the most common. For example, herpes simplex encephalitis is a typical type seen clinically. Patients may experience fever, even with very high temperatures exceeding 40°C, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. If the condition worsens, seizures, coma, and cognitive impairment may occur. These clinical manifestations require further investigations like electroencephalography, cranial MRI, and lumbar puncture. Additionally, there is a specific type of epidemic, known as Japanese encephalitis, which falls under the category of infectious diseases due to its contagious nature.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of baby encephalitis

Generally speaking, the symptoms of encephalitis in babies usually start with fever. Encephalitis is an infectious disease, and the majority of cases present with fever, which could be either high or low. Next is vomiting. Since small infants cannot express headache, they usually manifest symptoms through crying, irritability, and restlessness. Additionally, there might be lethargy and malaise. Some may experience seizures, and others might have stiff neck, characterized by rigidity of the neck and changes in muscle tone of the limbs, among other symptoms. These are all symptoms of encephalitis.