What common sign may indicate meningitis in children?

A bulging fontanelle is commonly recognized as a sign of increased intracranial pressure, which can occur in pediatric patients with meningitis. In infants and young children, the fontanelles, or soft spots on the skull, are not yet fully fused, allowing for expansion in response to swelling or fluid accumulation in the brain. When meningitis causes inflammation or an increase in cerebrospinal fluid, the pressure can lead to a noticeable bulging of the fontanelle.

Understanding this sign is crucial for early detection and management of meningitis, as prompt intervention can significantly impact outcomes. High fever, while also a common symptom of meningitis, can be seen in various other illnesses and does not specifically indicate meningitis alone. Similarly, shortness of breath can arise from multiple conditions and is not uniquely associated with meningitis. A skin rash may suggest certain types of meningitis, such as those caused by meningococcal infection, but it is not a universal sign and does not specifically indicate meningitis in children. The bulging fontanelle, therefore, serves as a more direct and distinct indicator of potential meningitis in young children.