Conjunctivitis in children

Conjunctivitis in children: Species

Distinguished three kinds of conjunctivitis in children: viral, bacterial and allergic. Each type of conjunctivitis in children is caused by various causes, has its own symptoms and specific treatment.



Viral conjunctivitis usually caused by the same pathogens asacute respiratory diseases and occurs against the background of acute respiratory infections. Viruses fall on the mucous membrane of the eye, causing inflammation. It is relatively rare.



Allergic conjunctivitis most often a manifestation of acuteallergic reaction. Typically, allergens are plant pollens, animal hair, house dust, mites, medicines and food. Allergic conjunctivitis can be accompanied by hay fever.



The most common bacterial conjunctivitis. Its pathogens are bacteria, in particular,pneumococci and staphylococci. Pathogens can get into the mucous membrane if the child rubs the eyes with dirty hands. Bacterial conjunctivitis of newborns occurs if bacteria from the maternal pathways of the mother get into the mucous membrane. Bacteria can be in the body for a while, without causing harm to it, and with weakening of immunity cause inflammation. The type of pathogen affects the degree of inflammation.

Conjunctivitis in children: symptoms

Common for all types symptoms of conjunctivitis in children - this is redness of the eyes, lachrymation and fear of light. When bacterial conjunctivitis usually immediately inflame both eyes, often happensso that first one becomes inflamed, and then the inflammation pass to the other. The upper and lower eyelids swell, and pus is released from the eyes. This is best seen in the morning, after sleep, when pus sticks together eyelids, and the child can not open his eyes.



Allergic conjunctivitis strikes at once both eyes. Eyelids swell, and the child can complain of itching. He constantly rubs his eyes and says that his eyelids are itching. Purulent discharge for allergic conjunctivitis is usually not.



Viral conjunctivitis most often affects only one eye, extending to the second, if it does not heal. Allocations are usually transparent, but if a bacterial infection joins the viral infection, they become purulent.

Conjunctivitis in children: treatment

Conjunctivitis in children is a serious disease whose self-medication can lead to sad consequences. At the slightest sign of inflammation of the mucosa follows immediately consult a doctor, who will prescribe the appropriate treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis treat with the help of antihistamines and eliminate allergen (if possible).



Viral conjunctivitis in children it passes itself in a few weeks. Some doctors advise using antiviral drops to treat viral conjunctivitis, but their effectiveness is not proven. To alleviate the condition of the child, you can use cold compresses and artificial tear.



For treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis the doctor usually prescribes special drops and ointments. They include wide-spectrum antibiotics. The dose of antibiotic in these medicines is not so significant that it negatively affects the baby's body, but is sufficient to cope with the inflammation. Often children do not like it when they dig in their eyes and tightly squeeze their eyelids. Then gently place your index finger on the very edge in the center of the lower eyelid, and the large one - in front of it, on the edge of the lower one. So you can open the child's eyelids without much effort. You can also put the child and drop a drop on the closed eye - sooner or later he will still open his eyes, and the medicine will get to the address. If the child is too resistant to digestion, it is better to use the ointment - it lasts longer to maintain the concentration of antibiotics in the eye gap.



Can Wipe the child's eyes with gauze tampons soaked with herbal decoction - this will help reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties are possessed by decoctions of nettle, chamomile or sage. The broth is done separately for each procedure. Wipe your eyes every two hours, from the outer corner - to the inner. This will help get rid of pus and remove the dried crust. Tampons can not be made from cotton wool - if the fibers stay on the mucosa, the inflammation can worsen. For each eye, a separate tampon is taken.

Conjunctivitis in children: prevention

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are infectious diseases. The child can become infected through the things of the patient,for example, other people's towels. The cause of conjunctivitis in children can be bathing in dirty water or contact with a sick person who coughs and sneezes. The patient with conjunctivitis of the child must be isolated so that he does not infect anyone, and he will recover at rest much faster.



For prevention of conjunctivitis in children it is necessary to teach them to wash their hands with soap and do not get into the eyes with unwashed hands. Teach your child to use only his things and not to use someone else's clothes, cosmetics, medicines and towels.



Necessary maintain cleanliness in the house, daily do wet cleaning with a vacuum cleaner andcarefully ventilate the room. If a child is prone to allergic conjunctivitis, during the flowering period it is better not to open the windows for a long time and try to protect it from possible allergens. Baby toys need to be washed every day with soap. It is also desirable to change the pillow and towel daily for the child.



Conjunctivitis in children is also prevented by strengthening immunity. Watch that the child receives a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, temper it, accustom it to the correct regime of the day - then conjunctivitis will not bother him.



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