Conjunctivitis in children. Diagnosis and prevention

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye mucosa, a fairly common ailment that develops rapidly and affects both children and adults. The reasons for its occurrence may be different, so a doctor should diagnose the illness and prescribe the treatment.

Depending on the type of pathogen, it can be:

• Allergic

• Viral

• Bacterial

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

Common symptoms suggesting conjunctivitis in children (or adults) are redness of the eyes, photophobia and increased lacrimation.

In addition, there are signs that allow you to identify the type of disease.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis in children is manifested in response to the effect of an allergen. It is characterized by mild tearing, which affects both eyes, and, as a rule, a sensation of severe itching (the child constantly scratches eyes). Often allergic conjunctivitis is accompanied by a runny nose and sneezing.

Before starting the treatment of conjunctivitis in children in this case, it is necessary to eliminate the cause, that is, to detect the allergen and stop its effect. Then you need to take a course of anti-allergic drugs and "support" the eyes by instilling eye drops containing cortecosteroid hormones.

It should be borne in mind that such drops for the eyes quickly remove inflammation, but weaken the ability of the body to resist bacterial infections , so the correct answer to the question "how to treat conjunctivitis in children" can only give a doctor.

Viral conjunctivitis

Various viruses can become causative agents of viral conjunctivitis: adenoviruses, influenza viruses, herpes. In this case, conjunctivitis in children may occur against the background of an acute respiratory disease, or immediately after it.

A characteristic feature is a very strong lacrimation, often affecting only one eye. Treatment should proceed under the supervision of a specialist, since there is no single technique for influencing viruses. In addition, due to the weakening of the organism, a bacterial infection can easily attach to a viral infection.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Streptococci, gonococci, staphylococci and pneumococci cause the development of bacterial conjunctivitis, which is characterized, perhaps, by the most severe manifestations. It is accompanied by the accumulation of purulent discharge at the corners of the eyes and eyelashes. Both eyes are affected, the eyelids swell, the child is anxious, capricious, often rubbing his eyes with his hands. In more severe cases, the temperature may rise somewhat. Older children complain of a burning sensation, or "a feeling of sand" in the eyes.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in children in this case should also be prescribed by a doctor. Usually, these are ointments and eye drops containing broad-spectrum antibiotics.

It will also require special eye treatment with a solution of herbs or tea. To produce it you need gauze (but not cotton) tampons, cleaning the child's eyes from the mucus from the outer corner to the inside. A separate tampon should be used for each eye.

Prevention of conjunctivitis in children

1. If a child is susceptible to allergic conjunctivitis, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that causes it. When there is no obvious allergen, you need to remove from the child's room all potential pathogens of allergies - carpets, heavy curtains, fleecy bedspreads, plants. A good effect is provided by frequent airing and regular cleaning of the room.

2. It is necessary to teach the child the simplest rules of personal hygiene and to wean him to touch his eyes with his hands.

3. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the most contagious diseases. Therefore, the sick child should be isolated from healthy children.

4. Conjunctivitis in children is amenable to treatment the easier it was before diagnosed, so the state of the child's eyes should be treated with attention.