Symptom 6: Irritability and Constant Crying – The Heartrending Cry for Help
The symphony of a baby’s cry is an essential part of their communication. It’s their way of saying they’re hungry, tired, or need a diaper change. But when this cry becomes incessant, more intense, or different in tone, it can signal something more serious – like neonatal meningitis.
Irritability and constant crying in a newborn are signs of discomfort or distress. A baby with meningitis is in pain and discomfort due to the inflammation of the meninges – the protective layers of the brain. This pain manifests as increased fussiness and an altered cry.
Unlike the typical baby cries you might be familiar with, the cry of a baby with meningitis is often high-pitched and shrill. It’s a heartbreaking sound that tugs at your heartstrings, echoing the discomfort the little one is going through.
Yet, this change in cry is not always easy to detect. It requires keen observation and familiarity with the baby’s usual crying patterns. Any alteration, no matter how slight, can be a clue indicating something is amiss.
The irritability extends beyond just crying. The baby might be harder to soothe, may not want to be held, and could show other signs of distress. These changes in behavior serve as subtle clues, whispering the possibility of neonatal meningitis. (6)
