Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, a fairly common ailment that quickly develops and affects both children and adults. The causes of its occurrence can be different, therefore, the doctor should diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment.
Depending on the type of pathogen, it can be:
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
Common symptoms suggesting conjunctivitis in children (or adults) are eye redness, photophobia, and increased lacrimation.
In addition to this, there are signs that identify the type of disease.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis in children is manifested in response to exposure to an allergen. It is characterized by moderate lacrimation, affecting both eyes, and, as a rule, a feeling of severe itching (the child constantly scratches his eyes). Often allergic conjunctivitis is accompanied by a runny nose and sneezing.
Before starting treatment of conjunctivitis in children in this case, it is necessary to eliminate the cause, that is, identify the allergen and stop its effects. Then you need to take a course of anti-allergic drugs and “support” the eyes by instillation of eye drops containing cortecosteroid hormones.
It should be borne in mind that such eye drops quickly relieve inflammation, but weaken the body's ability to resist bacterial infections , so only a doctor can give the correct answer to the question “how to treat conjunctivitis in children”.
Viral conjunctivitis
Various viruses can become causative agents of viral conjunctivitis: adenoviruses, influenza viruses, herpes. In this case, conjunctivitis in children can occur against the background of 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 methodology for influencing viruses. In addition, a bacterial infection can easily join a viral infection, due to weakening of the body.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Streptococci, gonococci, staphylococci and pneumococci cause the development of bacterial conjunctivitis, which is characterized by perhaps the most severe manifestations. It is accompanied by the accumulation of purulent discharge at the corners of the eyes and on the eyelashes. Both eyes are affected, eyelids swell, the child is anxious, naughty, often rubs his eyes with his hands. In more severe cases, the temperature may rise slightly. Older children complain of a burning sensation, or "feeling of sand" in their eyes.
The 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.
You will also need special eye treatment with a solution of herbs or tea. It must be produced with gauze (but not cotton) tampons, cleansing the child’s eyes of mucus by moving from the outer corner to the inner one. A separate swab should be used for each eye.
Prevention of conjunctivitis in children
If a child is susceptible to allergic conjunctivitis, the cause that causes it must be eliminated. 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. Frequent airing and regular cleaning of the room give a good effect.
It is necessary to teach the child the simplest rules of personal hygiene and to wean touch his eyes with his hands.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is a highly contagious disease. Therefore, a sick child should be isolated from healthy children.
Conjunctivitis in children lends itself to treatment the easier the earlier it is diagnosed, so the condition of the child’s eyes should be treated with attention.