There are a number of things that can kill you in under an hour. These are just a few of them. Some of the worst include meningitis and choking. Other more common ailments include heart attack and stroke.
1. Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain. In severe cases, it can be accompanied by hallucinations, loss of consciousness, and muscle weakness. If not treated promptly, it can cause brain damage and even death.
In general, people who have weak immune systems are at a higher risk of getting meningitis. Vaccines are the only way to prevent all forms of this disease. Those who are at risk include pregnant women, infants, college students, and other people who are under one year old.
Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections, including viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Certain drugs can also cause it. Symptoms can range from a mild fever to hallucinations, and in some cases can be fatal.
Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form of this disease. It is caused by bacteria that live in the nose and throat, and it can kill within an hour if not treated. However, it is very rare.
Viral meningitis is less deadly and is usually caused by a virus. It can be caused by enteroviruses, herpes simplex types I and II, and mumps. Some vaccines can protect against viral meningitis, but it’s always better to be tested for the infection.
In order to diagnose meningitis, a health care provider may perform a lumbar puncture, which involves injecting a contrast dye into the bloodstream. This dye highlights different tissues in the brain, and it can detect signs of inflammation of the meninges.
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include irritability, agitation, drowsiness, and reduced consciousness. The disease may lead to shock, kidney failure, and adrenal gland failure.
In addition, it can cause permanent brain damage, and it may cause hearing problems and speech problems. Severe complications can also cause memory problems, recurring headaches, and mood swings.
2. Bambi
It took a while for Bambi to get his bearings. Eventually, he was able to see what he was looking for.
He was greeted by a strange smell in the air. He also saw a squirrel on a tree branch. This was not the first time he had seen something unusual.
The strange-smelling creatures made it all the more puzzling. Several times Bambi was left to his own devices and was forced to go it alone. His mother often disappeared without even a hello.
On the other hand, Bambi was also surprised to learn that he could survive on his own. For example, he had learned to identify the sweet scent of clover and to appreciate the tender buds of leaves. In the end, he was able to find his way back to the safety of his secluded thicket.
However, in the long run, Bambi’s experience was mediocre. Although it was a good sign of things to come, it was a slog.
One thing he did not see was the big one. The aforementioned tawny owl was not on his radar.
That tawny owl’s signature song is a bit of a mystery. Unlike the thrush’s oh-so-similar song, the tawny owl’s version is a bit more dignified.
Similarly, the tawny aw-shucks owl is a bit of a mystery. Though the name of the tawny aw-shucks may be in doubt, the fact that it chirped a bit is not.
There are other minor miracles as well. For instance, the “Bambi” was not the only fawn born that day. And it is not just Bambi, though he is by far the smallest.
However, the most impressive of these miracles has to be the birth of Bambi itself.
3. Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency that can leave you incapacitated for hours, or even days. It happens to people of all ages, and is caused by a sudden interruption in the blood flow to the brain. In some cases, it can be fatal. Symptoms depend on the location of the blockage, but can include weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking.
There are two types of stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is caused by a blocked artery in the brain, while hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured artery. A blocked artery causes a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain.
To detect a stroke, doctors use imaging tests. These tests can help determine the type of stroke and whether or not it is ischemic or hemorrhagic. Some centers are starting to use a special type of MRI called a perfusion MRI.
Using a perfusion MRI can reveal how much brain tissue is damaged, and the status of the damaged tissues. The perfusion MRI also indicates how much blood is being delivered to the brain.
If a blood clot is blocking an artery, a drug called tPA can break the clot. Although it can only be administered within a certain window of time, it can dramatically improve your chances of recovering from a stroke.
Other than tPA, some stroke centers are using a special type of MRI called fMRI, which can show more detailed information on brain tissue. This type of MRI is especially useful for patients who have a difficult time standing up and moving around, because it can show how quickly the brain responds to pressure changes.
If you think you have a stroke, call 911. Even if you don’t, go to the hospital immediately.
4. Meningitis can kill within 24 hours
If you or someone you know has meningitis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. This is to avoid a serious illness that can lead to death.
Meningitis occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can happen to anyone at any age. Viral meningitis is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be fatal. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis may include a headache, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. When meningitis is diagnosed, you should visit the hospital as quickly as possible.
In addition to killing you, bacterial meningitis can cause permanent damage to your brain. Survivors often have long-term problems.
You can prevent meningitis by getting vaccinated. Vaccines against measles, mumps, and chickenpox are available. There are also vaccines for meningococcal group B disease.
Your doctor will perform a variety of tests to diagnose meningitis. He or she may take a sample of fluids from around your brain. Another option is to inject a dye into your bloodstream. The dye highlights the different tissue types in your brain.
Your doctor might ask you to use an intravenous tube to get medicine to kill the bacteria. They can also prescribe antibiotics for a few days.
During your hospital stay, you might be given fluids by IV or artificial respiration. Anticonvulsants and corticosteroids can help stop seizures.
Depending on the type of meningitis, you could have a few weeks or a lifetime to recover. In severe cases, a neurologic ICU can help you monitor your neurological condition.
If you or someone you love has meningitis, you should call triple zero (000). Get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
5. Choking
The five most popular causes of death among US citizens are drowning, poisoning, suicide and unintentional homicide. Interestingly, choking is the fourth most common cause of death among children aged five and under. In the United States, the number of choking incidents increased from 2000 to 2015, despite the advent of child safety legislation in those years. There are a few reasons for this. Many coroners are not equipped to recognize the myriad of Choking Game related deaths and some schools shy away from raising awareness about a topic of interest to their students.
As is usually the case, the best approach is to educate oneself in the matter of the many. Some people have gone so far as to devise a plan of action to ensure their families remain happy and healthy in the years to come. This includes ensuring that your family is aware of the risks of choking, which is not only preventable but a good way to reduce the risk of the more serious ailment of unintentional homicide.
For the sake of a few dollars, a few dozen minutes and a good snorting partner, you can do something about it. Having said that, the biggest hurdle to overcome is not the lack of knowledge about the issue, but rather a lack of action on the part of those that should be doing the right thing. A few nudges and suggestions and you’ll have a choking-free household in no time at all. If you’re lucky, your family may even have a few new friends.