Symptoms, treatment of conjunctivitis in children and adults

Conjunctivitis is a disease in which the mucous membrane of the eye, or conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. The disease is manifested by redness of the eyes, discharge, a feeling of pain, sand, and photophobia. Therefore, patients try to quickly get rid of discomfort, especially if their work involves stress on the organs of vision.

How to quickly cure conjunctivitis

Main classifications of the disease

Conjunctivitis is divided into types according to various criteria. Depending on the reasons that provoked it, viral, bacterial, allergic and so-called mechanical conjunctivitis are distinguished.

Chronic and acute forms of inflammation - this is how the type of course of the disease is determined, taking into account the duration of the disease.

In addition, conjunctivitis can be atopic, follicular and catarrhal - such differentiation occurs based on differences in the symptoms of the disease.

Viral conjunctivitis

One of the most common forms. Its appearance is caused by a viral infection of the eye mucosa. Factors predisposing to the development of viral inflammation are weakened immunity, childhood, seasonal colds.

Viral conjunctivitis occurs in different forms, and depending on the type of virus infecting the body, it can be adenoviral or herpetic. The adenoviral form develops against the background of an adenoviral infection, and takes the form of conjunctival fever. This type of disease is especially difficult for young children; hemorrhagic conjunctivitis can develop.

The epidemic form manifests itself after communicating with patients with manifestations of kerato-conjunctivitis, and most often spreads through contact, for example, in medical institutions. Risk factors that contribute to the spread of infection are unsterile hands of medical staff, reusable eye drops, devices and tools.

The herpetic viral type of inflammation often appears in children under 2 years of age, lasts a long time, and does not have pronounced symptoms. The cause of development is acute, less often chronic herpetic infection. The lesion begins in one eye, after which it spreads to the second, accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane and the release of exudate from the conjunctival sac. With the follicular herpetic form, small blisters appear on the mucous membrane.

Bacterial type

Infection occurs through direct contact with the separated exudate of an infected person, due to the activity of certain microorganisms:

• Chlamydia trachomatis;
• Staphylococcus aureus;
• Haemophilus sp.;
• Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Conjunctivitis caused by gonococcal infection is less common. The reason for its appearance is sexual contact with a person suffering from a urogenital form of infection.

Another form of the disease is the so-called ophthalmia of the newborn. Occurs in newborn babies who pass through an infected birth canal. Infectious lesions are caused by chlamydial or gonococcal infections.

The bacterial type is accompanied by a sharp redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes, a burning sensation and sand in the eyes. Cloudy contents are separated from the conjunctival sac. In the morning, after sleep, the eyelids are stuck together with exudate, which accumulates during the night. Typically, inflammation appears in both eyes, but does not always develop in both eyes at the same time. Lymph nodes do not enlarge. Redness of the eyeball appears if the eyes are intensively rubbed and scratched with hands.

Allergic form

It occurs as one of the manifestations of allergies, often together with allergic rhinitis. Some doctors differentiate this form by degree, dividing it into grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 conjunctivitis, from the mildest to the most severe form. Conjunctivitis in this case is a reaction of the immune system to an allergen entering the body. It can be seasonal or continuous, and occurs in acute, subacute or chronic form.

The most common forms of allergic conjunctivitis:

• medicinal (caused by taking medications);
• hay fever (reaction to flowering of plants, herbs);
• spring (worsens in summer and spring);
• atopic keratoconjunctivitis (inherited, associated with atopic dermatitis).

Acute conjunctivitis

Acute inflammation can be triggered by viruses and bacteria, allergic reactions. The disease lasts less than 4 weeks, otherwise we can talk about its transition to a chronic condition.

The following factors contribute to the development of the acute form:

• hypothermia or sudden overheating;
• being in crowded places, especially in hot weather;
• hypovitaminosis, vitamin deficiency;
• weakened immune system;
• prolonged exposure to irritating factors on the mucous membranes of the eye: dust, chemicals, smoke;
• refractive pathologies.

The acute course has characteristic signs that significantly worsen a person’s well-being:

• itching, burning;
• lacrimation;
• separation of exudate, especially after sleep;
• pain;
• photophobia;
• swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva.

Symptoms may vary slightly depending on the reasons that triggered the disease.

Chronic form

Stays stable for 4 weeks or longer. If the acute type of pathology is more typical for children, chronic conjunctivitis is a disease of adults and older people. The affected person constantly feels itching and burning in the eyes, fatigue, and is accompanied by a feeling as if there are foreign objects in the eyes. In this case, swelling of the mucous membrane and a stable separation of mucus and pus are observed. Often the pathology occurs against the background of keratitis, blepharitis, and dry eye syndrome.

Chronic conjunctivitis can be infectious and non-infectious, exogenous and endogenous.

Non-infectious exogenous chronic pathology is the result of prolonged exposure to chemicals, physical factors, for example, at work, the use of toxic cosmetics, and constant work under unsuitable lighting conditions.

The recurrent chronic type of the disease develops due to the lack of correction of refractive errors.

Endogenous factors provoking chronic conjunctivitis:

• diabetes;
• demodicosis;
• seborrhea;
• chronic diseases of the digestive tract;
• anemia;
• avitaminosis;
• allergic reactions.

Chronic cases are often caused by prolonged inflammatory processes in the eyes (blepharitis, meibomeitis), in the nasopharynx (sinusitis, tonsillitis).

Catarrhal type of disease

One of the most common forms of inflammatory eye pathologies.

Reasons for development:

• presence of a foreign object in the eye;
• exposure to bacteria or allergens;
• local use of inappropriate medications (eye drops);
• use of cosmetics applied to the eyelids, eyelashes, skin around the eyes;
• chemical effects on the mucous membranes of the eyes;
• ionizing radiation.

It is formed as a component of the symptoms of generalized diseases affecting the entire body - herpes infection, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis. The lesion usually affects only the mucous membrane of the eyeball.

Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by protozoan microorganisms, bacteria or viruses. Inflammation is initially noticeable only in one eye, gradually spreading to the second. The eyelids of the infected person constantly stick together due to the abundantly secreted purulent mucous contents. The sclera takes on a reddened appearance, the mucous membranes of the eyes and eyelids are severely hyperemic. The patient feels burning and itching in the eyes, increased sensitivity to light.

Follicular conjunctivitis

This term refers to the inflammatory process of the mucous membranes of the eye, due to which small bubbles appear on them - follicles. Most often caused by the activity of adenovirus in the body.

The development of the follicular form of the disease is promoted by:

• untreated catarrhal form, which, as it progresses, affects neighboring tissues;
• constant exposure to intense sunlight;
• polluted air with dust particles and smoke;
• foreign bodies getting into the eye;
• local disruption of metabolic processes in cells.

In addition, follicular conjunctivitis in cats and dogs can be contagious to humans through contact.

The disease often begins as an infection of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by elevated body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes.

The remaining symptoms are similar to other forms of inflammation:

• itching and burning appears in the corners of the eyes;
• the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, hyperemic and edematous;
• the sensitivity of the eye to light increases;
• the patient feels the presence of a foreign body in the eye;
• dry eye syndrome is noted;
• After sleep, slight or heavy discharge of pus and mucus appears.

Inflammation occurs against the background of deterioration in general health, weakness, and decreased ability to work.

Atopic conjunctivitis

It is formed due to problems in the functioning of the immune system and takes the form of a chronic or acute pathology. Acute atopic conjunctivitis is an infectious disease accompanied by the formation of nodules. In some cases, when seasonal external irritants (fluff, pollen) disappear, the disease goes away on its own. The nodules, when healing, turn into ulcers, which then also heal. Atopic type of inflammation usually occurs in children, less often in young people against the background of pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial asthma or diseases of the lymphatic system.

Characteristic symptoms:

• the appearance of dry crusts on the edges of the eyelids;
• increased lacrimation;
• itching of the skin in the orbital area;
• swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva.

During the course of the acute form, bubbles and yellow nodules sometimes appear on the cornea and conjunctiva, causing photophobia. Because of this, the patient is unable to open his eyes, he constantly blinks.

Chronic atopic conjunctivitis can last for several years. Pain in the eyes is accompanied by tingling, a feeling of the constant presence of a foreign body in the eye. Bright light provokes pain and lacrimation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in adults are less pronounced than in children. In childhood and adolescence, catarrhal manifestations are pronounced: redness, swelling of the mucous membrane, clear discharge from the nasal cavity and general weakness. In adolescents and middle-aged children, predominantly viral inflammation of the conjunctiva occurs, which appears a few days after the development of ARVI. In most cases, the body temperature rises.

In adults, the first symptoms of conjunctivitis are usually not associated with a respiratory viral disease. Inflammation of the conjunctiva occurs on its own. At an advanced stage, the eyes become red and severe itching appears. Swelling from conjunctivitis usually affects one affected eye. It itches and hurts a lot. A few days after the onset of the disease, photophobia and mucopurulent discharge appear.

In the viral form of inflammation, follicles can form on the mucous membrane of the eyes with the development of follicular conjunctivitis, as well as pseudomembranes (pseudomembrane form of the disease). At the same time, the lymph nodes located in the neck and behind-the-ear area are enlarged. A specific sign of the bacterial form of the disease is the appearance of purulent, viscous yellow or green discharge from the eyes. In this case, the pain syndrome is pronounced, the mucous membrane is dry, and the skin around the eyeball is very swollen.

Many people do not know what to do if their eyes are swollen and red. People start using medications that are in their home medicine cabinet, but this is not recommended. Only a qualified specialist can determine which conjunctivitis is developing in a particular patient after receiving diagnostic results.

Conjunctivitis and related diseases

The inflammatory process in the mucous tissues of the eyes is in some cases combined with other inflammatory diseases.

Blepharitis is a chronic bilateral inflammation of the ciliary margin on the eyelids. In combination with conjunctivitis, it manifests itself as damage to the tissues of the orbital and paraorbital area, along with the inflammatory process of the edges of the eyelids. The disease affects both the mucous tissues of the eye and the ciliary edge.

Blepharoconjunctivitis is an acquired pathology; it appears in children if infection occurs during childbirth, but more often in adults. Factors contributing to its development:

• the presence of infectious and viral diseases (rubella, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea);
• damage to the facial skin by Demodex mites;
• allergic reactions;
• injuries and mechanical damage;
• fungal diseases.

The features of the development process are determined by the reasons that provoked the disease. Demodex infection is accompanied by a toxic-allergic effect of the parasite on the anterior pole structures of the eye. The vessels of the conjunctiva become infected, which causes increased mucus secretion.

Bacterial inflammation is usually provoked by previous pathologies in the nasopharynx, inflammation of the middle ear, and colds. Tissues are damaged by bacterial toxins - products of the decay and activity of bacteria. First of all, the conjunctiva is exposed.

Fungal infections of the eyes are caused by contact infection, for example, if other areas of the skin are affected by mycosis.

Injuries cause the development of blepharoconjunctivitis if they are accompanied by mechanical introduction of bacteria into the wound.

The disease is manifested by itching, burning in the area of ​​the eye sockets, increased photophobia, and a feeling of the presence of a foreign body under the eyelid. When looking at the light, intense tearing appears. The conjunctiva appears red and swollen. Sometimes visual acuity may decrease. Bacterial blepharoconjunctivitis is characterized by the discharge of purulent contents from the eye sockets, which has an unpleasant odor and strongly sticks the eyelids together. The viral etiology of the disease determines the watery or mucous consistency of the exudate. In addition, the affected person complains of severe pain in the eyes, and there is an increase in the lymph nodes in the neck.

The most typical sign of allergic blepharoconjuntivitis is almost simultaneous bilateral eye damage with severe blepharospasm. The discharged contents have a mucous viscous texture.

Keratitis is an inflammatory process in the cornea of ​​the eye, due to which it becomes cloudy and vision deteriorates. If this disease is associated with inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye, the affected person is diagnosed with “keratoconjunctivitis.” The disease can occur in acute or chronic form.

The main reasons causing it:

• entry into the body of viruses, fungi, bacteria;
• parasitic infections;
• allergic diseases;
• foreign bodies getting into the eye;
• lack of vitamins in the body;
• use of corticosteroids;
• Constantly wearing contact lenses.

If a person has Sjögren's syndrome, rubella, influenza, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus, the disease can progress rapidly, especially in the absence of adequate treatment.

Classification of keratoconjunctivitis:

• herpetic;
• hydrogen sulfide (occurs due to prolonged exposure of the chemical element to the conjunctiva and cornea);
• tuberculosis-allergic;
• epidemic;
• adenoviral;
• dry (with the formation of threads of degenerated corneal epithelial cells on the front surface of the eye);
• chlamydial;
• spring;
• atopic.

For all types, characteristic manifestations are burning and itching, intense lacrimation, hyperemia of the cornea and mucous tissues, looseness and swelling of the conjunctiva, and the appearance of mucopurulent discharge.

The primary process affects the conjunctiva, and after 10-15 days inflammation of the cornea develops. Its cloudiness is shaped like a coin.

What is conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the eye. The main symptoms that combine different types of pathology are swelling and redness. The causes of this disease can be different and microorganisms from different groups can become the causative agent of the inflammatory process.

Conjunctivitis accounts for about 30% of all eye pathologies. It develops in both men and women. This disease is diagnosed more often in children than in adults. The disease can be epidemiological in nature, especially in children's groups against the background of colds.

The disease can be cured and with modern responses it is quite simple to do so. Unpleasant consequences can only occur in the advanced stages of the disease. Conjunctivitis is dangerous because it is very easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person, so outbreaks within close groups are not uncommon.

Causes of conjunctivitis, routes of infection

The appearance of inflammation in the mucous tissues of the eye is provoked by various factors.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is the result of infection through contact. Bacteria, which may normally be present in the eye in minimal quantities, combine with the introduced flora and begin to reproduce. The inflammatory process develops as a reaction of the mucous membrane to secreted toxins.

Causative agents of conjunctivitis:

• pneumococci;
• coli;
• staphylococci;
• streptococci;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• Proteus;
• corynebacterium;
• treponema pallidum;
• gonococcus

Viral conjunctivitis is transmitted by airborne droplets or household contact. This form is highly contagious and sometimes becomes epidemic. It is caused by adenoviruses 3, 4, 7, 8 or 19 types. In addition, viral pathology develops with herpes simplex and herpes zoster, chicken pox, measles, and enterovirus infection.

In children, conjunctivitis often appears against the background of otitis media, nasopharyngeal diseases, and sinusitis. Pathology in adults is formed due to dry eye syndrome and chronic blepharitis.

Conjunctivitis in newborns develops as a result of infection during passage through the birth canal.

Another etiological factor is fungi:

• actinomycetes;
• yeast-like;
• moldy.

Allergic conjunctivitis is the result of a hypersensitive reaction of the body to a specific antigen. In most cases, this is a local manifestation of a general allergic reaction. It is caused by food, medications, helminths, plant pollen, demodex mite activity, and household dust.

The non-infectious type of the disease provokes eye irritation by physical and chemical factors, smoke, ultraviolet rays, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and refractive errors. This form of conjunctivitis may not be contagious.

Complications

Advanced infectious conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia can lead to deformation of the eyelids and pathology of eyelash growth.

A disease caused by another type of bacteria can be complicated by meningitis, sepsis, or otitis media. In newborn babies, eye diseases may progress after conjunctivitis.

After an adenovirus infection, corneal opacities and tear film disturbances are rarely possible. The most common complication of allergic conjunctivitis is the chronic form. After repeated herpesvirus conjunctivitis, scars remain.

Infectious conjunctivitis can cause keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).

General symptoms of various forms of the disease

The specific manifestations of the disease may vary, as well as the reasons for its development. However, any form of conjunctivitis is accompanied by a number of typical symptoms:

• swelling of mucous tissues;
• tissue hyperemia;
• a feeling of burning and itching in the eyes;
• increased lacrimation and photophobia;
• blepharospasms;
• discharge of pus and mucus from the eyes.

In the morning, the affected person cannot open his eyes freely, since during the night the eyelids are stuck together with drying secretions. Ulcerative and adenoviral keratitis against the background of conjunctivitis is accompanied by a decrease in visual acuity.

The lesion usually affects both eyes and can develop in them simultaneously or alternately, with varying severity and intensity.

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis

With a bilateral type of disease, symptoms in each eye may manifest differently.

General manifestations of all forms:

• severe lacrimation, cutting pain and redness of the eyes;
• sensation of a foreign object in the eye, increased photosensitivity, blurred vision;
• dryness of the mucous membrane and skin of the eyelids, clouding of the cornea;
• swelling, burning and itching, increased lacrimation;
• sticking of eyelids, discharge of pus.

Important!

Fever, cough, severe fatigue, drowsiness, loss of appetite, headache and muscle pain are accompanying symptoms that help accurately determine the cause of conjunctivitis.

You can study in detail what the symptoms of each form of conjunctivitis look like in the photo.

Increased photosensitivity is not always a sign of conjunctivitis, but it is better to visit a doctor

Clouding of the cornea is a clear sign of conjunctivitis

Cutting pain and red eyes are some of the main symptoms of the disease.

Gluing of eyelids with conjunctivitis

Features of the course of the disease

Like any inflammatory process, the development of conjunctivitis occurs in several stages - from the moment the provoking factor appears until recovery.

The first period (incubation) is the time between the entry of the pathogen and the first manifestations. Has different duration for different infections

Viral conjunctivitis is divided into two types: isolated (provoked by adenoviruses, herpes virus types 1 and 2, enteroviruses); hospital (develops against the background of mumps, influenza, measles).

The incubation period of the adenoviral form lasts from 4 to 12 days. In this case, the affected person does not feel pronounced symptoms. The first signs appear at the beginning without changes in the eyes. There is a general deterioration in health - drowsiness, headache, and possibly decreased visual acuity. There are no typical manifestations of conjunctivitis at this time.

Other viral types of the disease almost immediately take a typical course - within 24-48 hours after the pathogen enters the body, the patient develops burning and itching in the eyes, cutting pain. Lacrimation increases, and mucous secretion appears.

Bacterial conjunctivitis develops as a result of the penetration of bacteria into the mucous membrane. Usually it appears first in one eye, and after a while it moves to the second. The disease occurs along with symptoms of bacterial intoxication. The incubation period passes quickly - literally in 8-12 hours.

The allergic and mechanical type of conjunctivitis can develop from several days to a month, depending on the intensity of exposure to the irritating factor.

Alteration stage. Alteration is the process of destruction of conjunctival cells. After the completion of the incubation period, the accumulated negative impact factors begin to actively destroy the cells of the mucous tissue. Essentially, this is the stage at which overt inflammation begins, with cell damage and subsequent necrosis. Enzymes are released from lysosomes that affect metabolic processes in the tissues surrounding the site of inflammation. The metabolic rate at the site of inflammation decreases, the release of carbon dioxide and oxygen consumption increase. Due to the dilation of blood vessels, blood flow increases and its outflow decreases, resulting in a local increase in temperature and redness. Duration, on average, ranges from 4-5 days (acute form) to several years (chronic conjunctivitis).

Exudation stage. During this period, immune cells accumulate in the affected area of ​​the mucous membrane and secrete certain compounds, whose function is to recognize the pathogen and provoke the death of the microbe. At this time, tissue swelling and redness are clearly visible in the infected person. Pain syndrome is noted. Mucous, watery or purulent contents are separated from the conjunctival sac, depending on the form of the disease.

Proliferation and recovery. The last stage is accompanied by cell restoration and attenuation of the inflammatory process. The source of inflammation is, as it were, limited to healthy tissues. The cellular composition of the discharge changes; monocytes and lymphocytes dominate in it. Proliferation occurs as the focus of the inflammatory process is cleared of pathogenic microorganisms. During this period, replacement of destroyed tissues and cells occurs.

Duration of illness. In newborns under one month of age, infants and children of primary school age, the disease develops more rapidly than in adults. The incubation period of viral and bacterial forms usually lasts from 4 to 8 hours, and the first signs become visible already on the first day of infection. This is explained by the fact that the immunity of children, especially newborns, is more vulnerable. Mild forms appear in children 2-3 days after infection.

Staphylococcal conjunctivitis lasts up to 5-6 days, pneumococcal infection is somewhat longer - about 2 weeks. Recovery from gonococcal infection occurs 2-3 months after the onset of inflammation. Chlamydial infection goes away in 13-15 days. Viral conjunctivitis in acute form lasts from 3-5 days to several months. An exacerbation of the allergic type of disease lasts up to three weeks, after which relief occurs.

The duration of the disease directly depends on age, the strength of the immune system, the type of pathogen and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Features of the course in children. The course of the disease in children has some features that determine the nature of the symptoms, duration and severity of inflammation. Any type in babies develops with the presence of specific manifestations, by which a mother can recognize conjunctivitis in her child:

• photophobia;
• lacrimation;
• swelling of the eyelids and mucous tissues of the eyes;
• redness of the edges of the eyelashes and conjunctiva.

These symptoms appear with varying degrees of intensity, depending on the severity of the lesion, but accompany all forms of conjunctivitis. At the beginning of the disease, the child becomes capricious and complains that his eyes hurt. However, to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the cause of the disease, you need to study more typical symptoms.

The etiological form of the disease determines its duration. For example, viral conjunctivitis in a child over 2-3 years old lasts up to 7 days. Babies under one year old get sick longer – up to 2 weeks. Severe infection of newborns usually lasts more than 3 weeks.

Herpetic conjunctivitis often develops in the youngest - newborns and one-year-old children due to the fact that their immunity is not able to quickly cope with the onslaught of the virus. This disease is endured by children for a long time and is difficult, accompanied by rashes in the throat and body. The adenoviral type is milder and usually goes away in 10-12 days.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the most difficult for a child; it can last up to 3 months, recur, and manifest itself in repeated attacks after apparent recovery. Gonococcal, meningococcal and diphtheria bacterial forms take the longest to develop – recovery from them takes from 2 to 4 months.

The disease caused by chlamydia infection lasts about 3 weeks - the duration greatly depends on the child’s immunity. Infection occurs when the mother passes through an infected birth canal.

The longest lasting type is allergic. It can last for years, with periods of exacerbation alternating with remission.

Traditional medicine recipes

Traditional medicine recipes are effective in treating conjunctivitis. But it should be remembered that these drugs are allowed as auxiliaries and only after consultation with a doctor.

Important! If conjunctivitis is caused by allergens, you should carefully use the following recipes, especially those that involve bee products.

To quickly get rid of inflammation of the conjunctiva, use the products internally and externally - in the form of lotions and compresses (the duration of the procedure is 10-20 minutes), rinsing.

Video - How to treat conjunctivitis in children and adults

Colloidal silver

For treatment, especially when the disease is of bacterial origin, colloidal silver is used. This is a liquid solution with silver nanoparticles. This remedy was used by obstetrician-gynecologist Karl Crede to prevent blenorrhea in newborns.

Important: the smaller the size of the colloidal particles, the more pronounced the therapeutic effect.

The drug is poured into the conjunctival sac 1-2 drops 2 to 4 times a day. If the patient wears contact lenses, they are removed, the procedure is performed, and the optical elements are put back in place. Drops are used until complete recovery.

Carrot

To eliminate the lack of vitamin A, it is enough to consume 167 g of red carrots every day. However, it should be remembered that fats are needed for normal absorption of retinol, so salads are seasoned with vegetable oil, sour cream, and yogurt.

Freshly squeezed juices are prepared from carrots (4 parts) and greens - parsley, celery, lettuce (1 part each). Take 100 ml of the drink on an empty stomach, half an hour before meals, 1-3 times a day, through a straw. If headaches occur with a high dosage, then the number of doses is reduced. The course is one month. If necessary, after a month's break the treatment is repeated.

Tea brewing

Tea contains antioxidants that protect against germs when rinsing the eye

Probably the most common recipe for conjunctivitis is rinsing the eyes with tea leaves. The healing effect of tea is due to the content of antioxidants that protect against microbes. The variety is taken black or green and brewed as usual.

Important! Tea must be fresh, of high quality, without aromatic additives, admixtures of other herbs, sugar, or lemon. The temperature of the liquid is close to room temperature.

After general washing, take a piece of sterile cotton wool and soak it in brewed tea. The procedure is carried out like this. Bend over the washbasin and run a cotton swab over the closed eye, from the outer corner to the inner one. The manipulation is repeated several times with a fresh swab.

After washing, carefully dry the eyelid skin with a clean towel (preferably disposable). Do not wipe your eyelids dry, as the skin on them is delicate and can be easily damaged. The procedure is carried out up to five times a day until the disease subsides.

The recipe is even used to treat infants, but only after the doctor’s permission. Brewing black tea will also help in everyday life with redness due to eye fatigue, for example, after working at the computer for a long time.

Bay leaf

Bay leaf is distinguished by its antiseptic properties

Bay leaf has antiseptic properties, improves immunity, and contains vitamins A and C.

Take four large bay leaves, wash with clean water and chop. Dry raw materials are poured with one glass of boiling water and allowed to brew for half an hour, cooled to room temperature. Use the infusion for rinsing (twice a day) or lotions (the bandage is soaked in the product and applied to the eyes for 20 minutes). Eyes are washed with laurel infusion as described above. Apply lotions until the symptoms of conjunctivitis disappear.

Rose petals

Rose has long been used to treat skin and eye diseases. Carotene, vitamin C and the entire periodic system were found in its petals.

To prepare a remedy for conjunctivitis, take a tablespoon of the plant’s petals, wash it, and pour a glass of boiling water. The infusion is ready in 30 minutes. Wash your eyes with it up to 5 times a day, make 30-minute compresses before bed. Rose water eliminates burning and pain. It is also used after work to relieve fatigue. Treatment is continued until the condition improves.

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root helps with inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs

Marshmallow root is used primarily for inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs. But the water infusion is also useful for conjunctivitis. This is how they prepare it. Boil water, cool to room temperature. Four tablespoons of marshmallow root are poured into a glass of cold water and left for eight hours. Lotions and rinses are made from the infusion (the procedure is carried out as with tea leaves) 3-4 times a day until complete recovery.

Bee products

For old conjunctivitis, bee glue (propolis) is effective. For eye treatment, an aqueous solution (20%) is prepared from it. Water is taken after boiling, cooled to 50 °C, since at higher temperatures beneficial substances are destroyed. The solution is strained to remove solid particles. This infusion is instilled into the eyes every three hours (dosage - 2-3 drops in each eye). Treatment is continued as long as symptoms persist. Propolis has pronounced bactericidal and cleansing properties.

Propolis is effective for old conjunctivitis

Royal jelly is used for treatment. An aqueous solution of this bee product (2% concentration, based on distilled water) is passed through filter paper or a sterile bandage folded in 2-3 layers. The solution is instilled into the eyes for various forms of conjunctivitis (with the exception of allergic) 2-3 drops into each eye 5-6 times a day or lotions are made with the same frequency. The course of treatment is 10-20 days. Royal jelly improves tissue regeneration, blood circulation, and also fights pathogenic bacteria, inhibits the growth of microbes, and is effective against staphylococci and tubercle bacilli. For conjunctivitis, it is no less useful to take medications based on royal jelly orally to strengthen the immune system and saturate the body with vitamins and minerals, essential acids.

With reduced immunity, take pollen internally - half or one teaspoon up to 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3–4 weeks.

Video: How to quickly cure conjunctivitis at home

Diagnosis of the disease: basic methods

Detecting conjunctivitis in the affected person usually does not pose a problem for doctors - it is enough to conduct an examination and confirm the diagnosis after examination with a special slit lamp. However, this is not enough to develop a treatment regimen - you need to clearly determine the cause that provoked the development of inflammation.

To do this, the doctor interviews the patient and finds out what events preceded his appearance - colds and viral diseases, allergic reactions, trauma. It is important to establish in what sequence specific symptoms appeared.

Prescribing a treatment regimen requires identifying the causative agent of the disease, if it is of a viral and, especially, bacterial nature. To do this, a scraping, smear or culture is taken from the patient's conjunctiva. If the affected person has concomitant manifestations from other organs, he is prescribed additional tests, for example, PCR for a specific virus, blood test, fluorography and other examinations.

Diagnostics

Rarely does a doctor ask a patient to undergo tests to make a diagnosis of conjunctivitis. As a rule, an in-person examination is sufficient. If there is doubt about the nature of the pathogen, the doctor may prescribe a bacteriological culture of the mucus discharged from the eye.

Note! Sometimes such a study helps to choose the right antibiotics for the eyes.

To detect the presence of viruses in the human body, a blood test may be proposed to measure the content of antibodies to certain pathogens.

Treatment of different types of conjunctivitis

After the etiology of the disease has been established, the attending physician selects appropriate therapy aimed at eliminating the causative agent of inflammation. For each form, specific treatment is developed.

Bacterial conjunctivitis requires the prescription of antibiotics, most often in the form of topical medications - drops and ointments. Preferably tetracycline or erythromycin ointments, drops containing gentamicin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin are prescribed. Local antibiotics are used only after removing purulent discharge from the eyes - at home this can be done with a cotton swab dipped in strongly brewed tea or chamomile infusion.

Viral conjunctivitis must be treated by direct action on the pathogen - on a specific virus. For adenovirus, eye drops with deoxyribonuclease or sodium sulfacyl are prescribed. Anti-herpes immune drugs fight the herpes virus, thereby reducing the symptoms of conjunctivitis. For viral conjunctivitis, drops of ophthalmoferon, poludanum, and ophthalmix are used. If the disease is accompanied by respiratory diseases, treatment should be aimed at eliminating them. Relief of the general condition is achieved by using drops - “artificial tears” against dryness, as well as warm compresses.

Allergic conjunctivitis is eliminated, first of all, by prescribing antihistamines, for example, Loratadine, Erius. Having determined the source of the allergy, the patient must be restricted from contact with it. In particularly severe cases, steroid eye drops are prescribed.

Treatment with folk remedies for different types of conjunctivitis

Is it possible to cure conjunctivitis using traditional medicine?
This question is always relevant. Experts believe that folk remedies can only be used when the eye does not hurt too much and the inflammation is not pronounced. Herbal remedies can be used as an addition to the main therapy. It is important to understand that traditional medicine alone cannot cure the disease completely - this requires serious antiviral and antibacterial drugs, effective antiseptics that will stop the spread of the infectious inflammatory process and prevent complications. Common home methods for the main forms of conjunctivitis (bacterial, viral, traumatic, allergic):

• pharmaceutical chamomile for preparing infusions and decoctions that can be used to wipe the eyes and remove mucopurulent discharge;
• tea leaves as a local antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent;
• a decoction of bay leaves for antiseptic treatment of an inflamed eye;
• calendula tincture, which is added to water for wiping and rinsing the mucous membranes of the eyes (5 drops per glass of boiled water).

Preventive measures against conjunctivitis

The basic rule for preventing infection is maintaining personal hygiene. Naturally, this only works against viral and bacterial forms of the disease.

There are several general rules about this.

You should not touch your eyes with dirty hands, this is especially true for children. Hand hygiene is a requirement that should become a habit.

You should not use other people's personal hygiene items, cosmetics, other people's towels and pillowcases, especially if someone in the family suffers from conjunctivitis.

It is especially important for women to have their own mascara and makeup remover wipes.

In some cases, conjunctivitis is epidemic in nature, so if there is a danger of infection, it is better to temporarily avoid visiting crowded places, especially if these are periods of seasonal exacerbation of colds and ARVI. Contact with infected people should be limited, especially for children and infants.

Prevention of childhood conjunctivitis involves limiting communication with sick peers in kindergarten or school, as well as teaching the habit of observing personal hygiene rules.

As a preventive medication, in consultation with the therapist, you can take vitamin complexes and medications to generally strengthen the immune system.

Which doctor treats conjunctivitis?

Which doctor should I contact if I have inflammation of the conjunctiva? An ophthalmologist can correctly identify the disease and get rid of the main symptoms of the pathology and provide first aid for eye diseases. This specialist has the necessary knowledge, skills and capabilities to carry out diagnostics, select effective medications taking into account contraindications and develop preventive measures to prevent frequent relapses of the underlying pathology.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding during illness

During pregnancy, women's body's defenses (immunity) are significantly reduced, causing pregnant women to become more sensitive to the effects of viruses and bacteria. Viral conjunctivitis can often be detected when viruses “inhabit” the outer membrane of the eye, provoking an inflammatory process. This happens especially often if chronic viruses were previously present in the body - herpes viruses, adenoviruses or enteroviruses.

Bacterial forms are caused by untreated chlamydia, cocci and rod flora. Ignoring personal hygiene rules, wearing contact lenses, using cosmetics, lack of vitamins and poor nutrition have a provoking effect on the development of the disease.

Symptoms in pregnant women are the same as in other people:

• tearing and cutting pain in the eyes;
• itching, burning, feeling of sand in the eyes;
• redness, swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids;
• discharge of purulent or mucous exudate.

As such, conjunctivitis does not cause significant complications for the fetus, since it is only one of the external manifestations of the work of bacteria or viruses. Various forms of the disease in pregnant women last from several days to a month or two. The bacteria or viruses themselves pose a danger, as they can infect the fetus or affect its development.

As for the lactation period, of course, the infection negatively affects the health and well-being of the young mother. What is especially important is that during breastfeeding, milk is the main source of all useful and nutritious substances for the baby, and its quality is greatly influenced by the woman’s health status.

During the period of breastfeeding, a woman’s immunity, as during pregnancy, has a reduced ability to suppress pathogenic flora, so any negative impact, colds, the influence of allergens, smoke, chemicals, and even wearing contact lenses can become a factor causing the development of conjunctivitis.

Signs of conjunctivitis in nursing mothers:

• malaise and general weakness;
• increased body temperature;
• headache;
• swelling and redness of the eyelids and mucous membranes of the eyes;
• itching and burning;
• feeling of a foreign body in the eye;
• accumulation of mucus or pus in the eye area;
• tearfulness and increased sensitivity to light.

Since the child is in constant contact with the affected mother, she can infect him. Pathogenic microorganisms can spread to the baby’s mucous membranes, eyes, and mouth. If the infection enters the child's blood, it can lead to the development of sepsis, meningitis, and not just conjunctivitis.

During illness and for the period of its treatment, breastfeeding must be excluded, and in general, contact with the infected mother should be kept to a minimum for the baby.

Classification

Depending on the nature of the course, conjunctivitis can be acute and chronic, as well as sluggish. If you do not seek help from professionals at the first signs of the disease, the inflammatory process may subside after some time without treatment. With weakened immunity, conjunctivitis can quickly turn into an infectious form, giving purulent complications.

Experts have also identified a separate classification related to the etiology of the disease.

The main types of conjunctivitis depending on the cause of the inflammatory process:

• bacterial (angular, purulent, papillary, gonococcal, diphtheria, gonorrheal, pneumococcal);
• chlamydial;
• viral (herpesvirus, adenovirus, catarrhal);
• allergic;
• fungal (candidiasis, coccidosis);
• traumatic (chemical, thermal, cold).

To determine the exact type of disease, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination. Without diagnostics, it is difficult to select local drugs that should be effective against certain viruses, bacteria or fungi.

How to behave with conjunctivitis

In order to speed up the moment of recovery, you must follow several rules on how to behave during illness.

You cannot blindfold yourself or apply any kind of bandages. Accumulating pus and mucus must be removed with a cotton swab with furatsilin solution or strong tea leaves. Each eye is washed with a separate clean swab. Before and after the procedure, hands should be washed with soap.

In order not to provoke increased inflammation, you need to temporarily exclude marinades, smoked snacks, hot and spicy foods from your diet.

Acute conjunctivitis is a contagious disease that is dangerous to others. To avoid infecting loved ones, you need to take appropriate precautions: maintain hand hygiene, use only personal hygiene items, bed linen, and dishes.

The room should be regularly thoroughly cleaned with wet cleaning and, if possible, quartzed. Ideally, you need to reduce your social circle altogether. Children should not attend kindergarten and school; young people and adults should not go to school or work.

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Hands should be treated with an antiseptic solution as often as possible.

Decorative eye cosmetics are completely excluded during treatment. After recovery, it is forbidden to lend it to anyone. You also need to take a break from wearing contact lenses.

It is impossible to say for sure whether it is possible to walk with conjunctivitis, especially for children. So, for example, if the disease began as a result of an allergy, and it is spring outside, and the period of flowering of trees and grasses, then during the active stage of the disease it is better not to walk with the child. You should also postpone walks if your baby has contagious viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, and while the disease is acute.

Is it possible to bathe a child with conjunctivitis? If, apart from the symptoms of inflammation in the eyes, the baby has no other manifestations of the disease, the body temperature and general health are relatively normal, then water procedures can be carried out, while avoiding contact with water on the face and eyes in order to prevent the infection from spreading further along the skin. If the affected person feels unwell, has a fever and symptoms of intoxication, bathing should be postponed until his condition returns to normal.

Prevention

Due to the fact that some types of conjunctivitis are contagious, you should carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene, especially when a sick person appears in your environment.

1. Maintain personal hygiene.
2. Use only your own hygiene items, bedding, etc.
3. Avoid frequent touching of your eyes, especially with unwashed hands.
4. After visiting the pool, rinse your eyes thoroughly with running, or preferably boiled, chilled water.
5. Increase immunity, especially during transitional seasons: take vitamin and mineral complexes, switch to a healthy diet, and harden yourself.
6. If a child is sick, explain to him that he should not touch his eyes, monitor the cleanliness of the baby’s hands, and the cleanliness and humidity of the air in the room.
7. If signs of conjunctivitis develop, visit public places as little as possible, in polluted air, and do not swim in the pool: these measures are necessary to prevent the penetration of a new infection into the body, onto the mucous membrane of the eye.

For children, good prevention skills include: do not rub your eyes with your hands, wash your hands after they get dirty with anything, eat only after washing your hands.

Causes of conjunctivitis

The main cause of viral conjunctivitis is viruses, most often adeno- and rhinoviruses, which cause colds. Less commonly, it can be a hepatitis virus or other similar infections. Conjunctivitis can appear when infected with chickenpox and measles viruses.

Quite common are bacterial inflammations that occur when the conjunctiva is damaged by staphylococci or streptococci, as well as pneumococci. Unlike viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis is more often contracted during warm or windy times.

Fungal conjunctivitis is less common. The disease develops when spores of yeast or mold get into the eyes. This type of disease is more common in newborns (if the mother has fungal diseases), and in adults in combination with inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system.

Some inflammations are non-infectious in nature. They may be caused by the following reasons:

• contact with the eyes of allergens: animal hair, pollen, dust, etc.;
• exposure to aerosols;
• exposure to vapors of paints, varnishes, powders and other household chemicals;
• use of low-quality care and decorative cosmetics;
• use of contact lenses;
• the use of medications to treat various eye diseases.

In rare cases, atypical conjunctivitis occurs, the cause of which cannot be determined. This happens in people prone to dermatitis, irritation of the skin and mucous membranes and other atopic allergic reactions.

Pediatric conjunctivitis

Children also become patients of the ophthalmologist. If a doctor has diagnosed eye conjunctivitis, treatment in children with folk remedies usually involves the regular use of a few simple recipes.

The child’s body easily copes with the disease, but it needs a little support in the form of general strengthening procedures and local rubbing.

Tea

Many people brew tea every day, but few people realize the healing properties of the drink to relieve inflammation and destroy infection. Herbalists allow the method to be used even in infants, and for preparation they use both black and green leaf tea:

1. 1 tbsp. raw materials pour 1 tbsp. boiling water
2. Leave for 40 minutes.
3. Wet the gauze and wipe the eyes 5 times a day.

Bay leaf

This culinary ingredient is used as a medicine to relieve swelling from the eyes. If adults need lotions for half an hour, then children should simply rinse their inflamed organs of vision.

1. 2-3 large leaves are poured with boiling water.
2. Leave for 30 minutes.
3. Apply 2-3 times a day.

Apple tree bath

Although finding an apple orchard in the city is quite problematic, in the village this issue is quickly resolved. You will need 5 small branches of a tree that bears sweet apples (required!):

1. Pour the raw material with 3 liters of water.
2. Boil and simmer until the liquid turns burgundy.
3. Leave for 2 hours.
4. Add to a bath of warm water and bathe your child.
5. Perform the procedure every other day.

Causes of conjunctivitis

Before starting treatment, it is important to find out the causes of inflammation. The disease develops due to the fact that the conjunctiva ceases to perform its main function - secreting tear secretion, protecting the eye from bacteria, viruses, allergens, fungi, and becomes inflamed.

The main reasons leading to development are:

• bacteria – streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, chlamydia;
• viruses – measles, adenovirus, herpes virus, influenza virus;
• allergic pathogens - medications, cosmetics, household chemicals, contact lenses;
• parasitic fungi – actinomycetes, candida, aspergillus.

There are other predisposing factors that can lead to the development of the disease. These include: harmful substances, paint, dust, dusty air, exposure to low temperatures on the body, acute respiratory, infectious, otolaryngological diseases, swimming in a dirty pond, washing the face with still water, infrequent hand washing.

Based on the causes of occurrence, the following forms are distinguished: Bacterial, Viral, Allergic, Fungal. Allergic and viral infections can be easily transmitted through airborne droplets; bacterial infections are transmitted directly through human contact with each other.

You can easily become infected if you have a weak immune system, eye problems, poor vision, or chronic diseases of the lacrimal glands. It is very important to observe the rules of personal hygiene. It is also important to remember that the method of therapy depends on the cause of the disease.

First signs and symptoms

Symptoms of conjunctivitis can have both common features and distinctive ones, depending individually on the cause and form of the disease. Knowing the characteristics of the symptoms, you can easily qualify the disease that has arisen on your own. Characteristic symptoms are: photophobia, excessive lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, conjunctiva, redness of the eyes, eyelids.

There are two forms of the disease - acute and chronic. Each of them has individual symptoms, the manifestation of which should alert a person and force him to consult an ophthalmologist for qualified medical care.

Signs in the acute form are characterized by the following sensations: photophobia, redness of the eye, increased body temperature, profuse lacrimation, discharge of purulent masses, swelling of the eyelids, burning sensation. It is impossible not to notice these symptoms. The patient's condition is so bad that it is worth visiting a doctor immediately.

How the chronic form of the disease manifests itself - slight discomfort at the beginning of the disease and only exacerbation is characterized by the following symptoms: slight lacrimation, redness of the eyes, clouding of the cornea, a feeling of heaviness in the eyelids, a feeling of discomfort.

Symptoms of the viral type: redness, irritation of the eyes, excessive release of tear fluid. Appears as a result of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It can also occur with a sore throat or colds. Common form. May have an epidemic outbreak.

Adenovirus symptoms have the following: swollen lymph nodes, mucous discharge, inflammation of the mucous membranes, high fever, chills, a feeling of general weakness, headaches, runny nose. Transmitted by airborne droplets. Prevails in autumn and spring. One eye gets sick, then the other.

Herpes has the following symptoms: the appearance of blisters on the eyelids, swelling of the eyelids, profuse lacrimation, redness of the eyelids. Occurs as a result of contact with the mucous membrane of the herpes virus. There are follicular and catarrhal.

The epidemic form is distinguished by: a feeling of decreased vision, enlarged lymph nodes, film formation, redness of the mucous membrane, swelling of the eyelids, excessive lacrimation, discharge, a feeling of sand in the eyes, problems sleeping, weakness, headaches. A contagious form of the disease, transmitted directly through contact.

Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms: discharge of pus or mucus, photophobia, burning, itching, redness of the eyes, eyelids, swelling. The chlamydial form is asymptomatic. Redness, slight discharge of tears, and photophobia may occur. First one eye becomes inflamed, then the other.

Basic Precautions

The doctor will tell you what to do. But you need to take care of a comfortable recovery yourself. At home, of course, it is more comfortable, but it is important that you do not infect your family. To prevent this from happening, there must be an individual set of personal items that the patient’s environment will not come into contact with.

These are, first of all, bed linen, scarves, and towels. It is recommended to change them daily, treat used ones with boiling water, and steam them with an iron. Your main friend is soap, but you cannot touch your eyes even with clean hands, only during medical procedures.

Discomfort may occur even after treatment. You can get rid of them. Drugs are recommended that restore damaged eye mucosa. The most effective remedy is Solcoseryl gel. It awakens metabolic processes in the cells, thereby encouraging the mucosal tissues to recover faster.

Uniform formation of tissue of the mucous membrane of the eye using the gel occurs within three weeks. You can start therapy with this drug after consulting your doctor.

Conjunctivitis during pregnancy

The gestation period is a time when a woman becomes especially vulnerable to viral and bacterial attack. Any weakening of the immune system threatens the development of infectious diseases, including conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis during pregnancy is a phenomenon provoked by a weak immune response of the body. Threatens the development of complications and harms the unborn child.

Treatment is difficult. Many widely marketed drugs are prohibited for use during pregnancy. Using medications without a doctor’s prescription and following the principle of “eating a pill and you’ll be fine” lead to the birth of a sick child. Bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis are treated faster and do not leave any consequences with proper use of medicinal drugs.

The threat is posed by a viral form of the disease that requires serious medical intervention. Diagnosis by an ophthalmologist is carried out on an outpatient basis. A life history and medical history are compiled. Based on preliminary data and blood and eye discharge tests, a course of treatment is prescribed.

Ophthalmologists claim that the disease itself, if properly treated, will not cause harm to either the expectant mother or the fetus. Uncontrolled medication use is dangerous. Many of them have side effects; they are carried through the bloodstream through the vital systems of the body, having a negative effect on the fetus.

Infection of a child is possible when it is born through the birth canal of a sick mother. Infectious ophthalmological pathologies threaten the loss of vision of a newborn. The most dangerous variant of bacterial conjunctivitis is chlamydial, the symptoms of which appear 5-10 days after the birth of the child; threatens the development of paratrachoma and the formation of scars on the mucous membrane of the eye.

The nature of treatment for conjunctivitis in a pregnant woman depends on the type of disease.

The use of antibiotics in tablet form is indicated if topical drugs do not bring a positive result. Treatment of chlamydial conjunctivitis requires taking medications by both partners. Medicines containing hormones and highly toxic antibiotics are not used.

In both the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, drops containing zinc sulfate and resorcinol are prescribed in proportions of 0.2% and 1%, respectively.

For the viral form, Interferon is prescribed in the form of drops, drugs containing tebophen and oxoline. For illness caused by the herpes virus, Acyclovir eye ointment is prescribed.

The bacterial form requires the use of Tobrex drops and mandatory eye rinsing with Furacilin or a 2% solution of bolic acid.

When allergic conjunctivitis is diagnosed, the root cause is eliminated, local antihistamines are prescribed - Hydrocortisone ointment, Zyrtec or Suprastin.

Treatment of allergic forms

Allergy, according to doctors, has become the most fashionable disease of the twentieth century. Excessive sensitivity to irritants has become not just a brand of the whole century. Allergies began to be studied from new progressive positions. Therefore, an allergic trace was found in the etiology of conjunctivitis. By the way, allergic conjunctivitis affects absolutely everyone – it is registered in both children and adults.

The difference between allergic conjunctivitis and viral conjunctivitis is that there are accompanying symptoms - swelling and redness of the eyelids, runny nose

Fortunately, the allergic form of the disease is easier to treat than others. How does a doctor treat a disease? He recommends eliminating the allergen and prescribing medications for symptomatic therapy. That's all the tricks in ridding the patient of the allergic form of conjunctivitis. To relieve unpleasant sensations, several names of drops are shown - Naphthyzin, Antazolin, Lacrisifi and others.

They relieve itching and significantly reduce redness of the eyes, as they have a vasoconstrictor effect. Drops can also eliminate other unpleasant symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as headache, rhinitis, insomnia, etc. For people who are allergic to pollen, animal dander, seafood and other irritants, it is important to always have antiallergic drops on hand in order to treat an exacerbation of conjunctivitis, because the irritant can be encountered anywhere.

How to treat conjunctivitis at home

Without drug treatment for inflammation of the ocular mucosa, various complications can develop. To achieve a quick recovery, the best therapy is complex. In addition to the medications prescribed by the doctor, the patient is advised to limit physical activity and emotional stress, go on a gentle diet, and try to touch his eyes less often. How to treat conjunctivitis at home yourself? Gently rinse eyes with antimicrobial agents. The following are especially effective:

• fresh aloe juice;
• propolis solution 2%;
• Royal jelly 2%.

When to see a doctor

It is imperative to consult a doctor in case of bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis. In this case, treatment is carried out by an ophthalmologist. In case of severe disease, additional consultation and examination with an infectious disease specialist and allergist is necessary.

In most cases of viral conjunctivitis, treatment is carried out by a general practitioner. This is because inflammation is associated with the onset of a cold or other viral illness. Treatment of conjunctivitis in adults in most cases is carried out on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is necessary only in case of severe eye damage and complications.

Conjunctivitis in a child

Conjunctivitis in children occupies a leading position in eye diseases in children. Children of the first four years of age are most susceptible to conjunctival eye lesions. With age, the indicator decreases, with refractive errors taking first place.

The prevalence of conjunctivitis in children leads, on the one hand, to an abundance of medications in pharmacies, and on the other, to the inattentive attitude of parents.

Consultation with a doctor is seen as unnecessary and unimportant; the choice of drug is left to the pharmacist based on oral history. Neglect of the disease and self-medication leads to decreased vision, dacryocystitis, and phlegmon of the lacrimal sac.

The acute form is manifested by a sharp and rapid increase in symptoms and reactive development. In the morning, the child cannot unstick the eyelashes glued together with pus.

Already at the initial examination it becomes obvious:

• Redness of the whites and swelling of the eyelids;
• Fear of bright light;
• Yellow lumps of dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes;
• Sticky eyelashes;
• Uncontrollable tearing;
• Discharge and accumulation of pus or mucus in the corners of the eye;
• A slight increase in temperature, the presence of cold symptoms;
• Deterioration of general condition.

All of the above symptoms apply to babies who cannot yet speak. Older children complain that:

• Seeing worse, the picture becomes blurry
• Sand or a foreign object has gotten into your eyes
• The “eyes are hot” and they itch.

Any conjunctivitis is manifested by itching and burning, forcing the child to rub his sore eyes with his hands, which multiplies the risk of bacteria entering and the development of complications.

Such manifestations are inherent in any type of process - bacterial, allergic or viral. In addition, signs characteristic of a particular species are observed. With measles conjunctivitis, a measles rash appears; with chlamydial infection, drooping of the eyelid and infiltration of the cornea develop.

Treatment begins with eliminating the root cause. Accurate diagnosis is carried out in a medical institution. It is impossible to make a diagnosis at home. You can carry out several simple procedures to relieve pain and fever and remove mucus.

To prevent transmission of the disease, home quarantine is introduced. A few drops of boric acid or Albucid are added to cool water. The eyes are washed with the mixture. This is where the use of home remedies ends.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

. It is sequential and moves from one eye to the other over several days. A characteristic symptom is the release of mucus or viscous pus and its accumulation in the corners of the eye; sticky eyelashes and eyelids; the formation of crusts of dried pus.

The color of the discharge varies from yellowish to green-yellow. The most dangerous forms of bacterial ocular processes for children are gonoblennorrhea, chlamydia and diphtheria.

Viral conjunctivitis

often act as companions of respiratory diseases. A specific symptom is copious watery discharge, creating the impression of constant lacrimation.

For adenoviral conjunctivitis

From the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs, it takes from several days to two weeks. In some cases, the child does not get sick, but remains a carrier of the infection. The rapid development of the disease is provoked by any weakening of the immune response. The viral conjunctival process is characterized by profuse tearing, heat and itching in the eyes, and blepharospasm. As accompanying signs, low-grade fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and inhibited reactions are noted.

For allergic

type of conjunctivitis, simultaneous damage to the eyes is noted. As characteristic manifestations, severe swelling of the eyelids and dilated capillaries with a pronounced vascular network develop. Any blinking of the eyes, attempts to raise and lower the eyelids are accompanied by severe pain.

Prevention of conjunctivitis

Prevention of conjunctivitis in most cases is based on proper visual hygiene.

To avoid bacterial conjunctivitis, you must:

• wash your hands thoroughly after going outside and interacting with other people and pets;
• Never rub your eyes with dirty hands;
• use only personal hygiene products, disposable ones if possible;
• Avoid close contact with people with conjunctivitis.

In windy and sunny weather, it is recommended to wear glasses to prevent dust particles and sand from damaging the delicate conjunctiva. This is especially recommended for people prone to allergies. Proper eye hygiene is especially important for those who wear contact lenses.

Even if these are lenses that can be left on at night, they must be taken out of the eyes in the evening and washed with a special solution , and then use special drops for moisturizing.

In rooms with low humidity and when working at a computer for a long time, ophthalmologists recommend using “artificial tear” drops to prevent chronic conjunctivitis. They moisturize well, wash away microscopic foreign objects and microorganisms from the eyeball, and increase local immune defense.

Recommendations for the use of folk remedies

You need to resort to home treatment at the first symptoms of the disease, in which case they can help prevent the severe development of the disease. Folk remedies will help you cope completely only if the illness is not protracted.

If the disease affects only one eye, then treatment should still be carried out on both eyes. In order not to transfer the infection from the patient to the healthy eye, it is necessary to use different cotton pads and not use the same gauze cloth.

Also, it is necessary to take into account the individual intolerance of the components, specifically by your body. After all, someone has an allergic reaction to honey, another to rose hips, everything is very individual, and here you need to select the treatment specifically for yourself.

If the symptoms of the disease make it clear that a visit to the doctor is necessary, then you should definitely do so. He will not only prescribe treatment, but will also be able to answer many questions, for example, is it possible to walk with conjunctivitis, what home treatment methods are right for you.

Features of treatment

Source: health.wild-mistress.ru
Of course, it is much better to treat conjunctivitis under the supervision of a specialist who will make the correct diagnosis, prescribe treatment taking into account individual characteristics, and monitor the progress of recovery.

Sometimes there are cases when you have to cope with the problem yourself, using folk or improvised means of treatment, and therefore it is extremely important to know the basic, basic skills, what conjunctivitis is, how to treat this highly contagious disease at home.

The first stage is the exclusion of other eye problems that have similar symptoms, for example, common eye irritation from mechanical damage or an allergen (pollen, smog, tobacco smoke, chlorine pool water, etc.).

In these cases, simple hygiene methods are sufficient and after a certain time the eyes will return to normal without treatment.

How to treat?

To choose the right treatment regimen and begin to treat conjunctivitis correctly, you need to remember exactly when the disease appeared, take into account whether there were relapses, and carefully study the symptoms.

It is important to correctly determine the type of inflammatory disease. The treatment regimen is drawn up by an ophthalmologist, having determined the type of eye disease, he prescribes: ointments; drops; taking medications; lotions, compresses.

During therapy, you must follow the rules of hygiene: use your own towel, handkerchief and napkin, wash your hands thoroughly before procedures, and treat your eyes with strong tea or furatsilin.

Conjunctivitis - treatment

All treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician. Self-medication is unacceptable and can cause irreparable harm to health.

The prescribed drugs depend on the type of inflammation:

• bacterial inflammation - antibacterial drops and ointments;
• viral inflammation - rinsing with disinfectant solutions, if necessary, antibacterial drops can be prescribed;
• dry conjunctivitis - drops with a moisturizing effect and vitamins;
• chlamydial inflammation - systemic antibacterial therapy, drops and ointments;
• gonococcal inflammation - treating the eyes with antibacterial and disinfectant solutions, drops and ointments, systemic antibacterial therapy;
• herpetic inflammation – antiherpetic eye drops, systemic immunomodulating, immunostimulating and antiherpetic therapy.

Prevention and complications

Conjunctivitis caused by adenoviruses is especially dangerous. In the absence of medical intervention, the risk of developing keratitis with a pronounced decrease in visual acuity increases. A long-term chronic inflammatory process can cause irreversible destructive changes in the mucous membrane. Quite often, conjunctivitis of any origin is accompanied by other ophthalmological pathologies:

• blepharitis;
• keratitis;
• dry eye syndrome;
• entropion;
• hypopyon.

If a patient with conjunctivitis does not seek medical help, then some areas of the mucous membrane may be replaced by fibrous tissue that lacks functional activity. Sometimes corneal perforation is also diagnosed.

The main prevention of inflammatory pathology is timely treatment of infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, gastrointestinal and urogenital tract. Ophthalmologists remind us of the need to observe hygiene rules and constantly strengthen the immune system.

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis

Treatment of conjunctivitis in adults can begin only after examination by a doctor, especially in primary cases of the disease. Conjunctivitis can be diagnosed when the first symptoms appear. Diagnosis begins with a survey and examination of a doctor.

The following must be installed:

• how damaged the conjunctiva is;
• area and amount of redness and swelling;
• presence or absence of discharge from the eyes;
• the presence of photophobia and its degree;
• degree of lacrimation;
• the presence of accompanying symptoms: rhinitis, fever, irritation of other areas of the skin and mucous membrane, rash, etc.

If bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected, a test is required to identify the causative agent:

• microflora smear;
• detection of antibodies to the contents of lacrimal gland secretions;
• cytological analysis of scrapings;
• examination for the presence of skin mites.

A smear is considered the most reliable and effective method for studying the causes of conjunctivitis. If allergic conjunctivitis occurs, additional allergy tests and studies of the separation of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx are carried out.

You can undergo an eye examination in any clinic or, in case of acute conjunctival injury, in the emergency department of a hospital.

In a private clinic, the cost of an examination differs depending on the number of diagnostic procedures and the qualifications of the doctor. On average it costs from 1600 to 4500 Russian rubles. There is also an additional cost for smears and cytological studies.

General rules for home treatment

When treating at home, you must know and follow the basic rules:

• When using folk remedies for conjunctivitis, it is prohibited to use a hot solution. The finished product should be warm, the optimal temperature is 37 degrees.
• Do not use aggressive ingredients: alcohol, garlic, acid.
• You should not carry out procedures lasting more than 20 minutes.
• Be careful when using herbal ingredients at home if you are prone to allergic reactions.
• Before the procedure, be sure to wash your hands and materials used thoroughly.
• To avoid spreading infection, use only separate cotton pads or wipes for each eye.
• Rubbing from the outer corner of the eye to the inner.
• Do not peel off existing crusts, but soak them.
• Be sure to filter the prepared solutions through several layers of gauze. Trapped small particles can worsen the inflammatory process.
• If you plan to use the solution or infusion several times, then it should be stored in the refrigerator and heated before use.
• Do not compromise the purity of the solution: pour the required amount into a separate container, and dispose of it after use.

Herbs for conjunctivitis are of auxiliary value. It is recommended to combine them with medications. If you do not see the effect of home treatment, and the inflammatory manifestations intensify, new symptoms appear, then consult an ophthalmologist. Self-medication at home can lead to worsening of the condition.

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