Raising a child, so that his eye is never swollen, does not blush, it is very rare for which mom to get it. Therefore, it is not surprising that almost all parents sooner or later ask how to treat conjunctivitis in children. Let's take a closer look at this.
The child has conjunctivitis. What to do?
This is a common disease in which the conjunctival sac is inflamed - the external mucous tissue that protects the eye. However, before you think about how to treat conjunctivitis in children, you need to determine the cause. Itching, burning, redness of the eye can be caused by a virus, an allergic reaction, or a bacterial infection. The pediatrician will help you determine the exact cause. For example, how to treat conjunctivitis in children of an allergic nature? And whether to choose hormones or antihistamine drops for this? It is important to understand here that first of all you need to eliminate the allergen, and to deal with the symptoms in a complex way. And the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal drugs is often only in the time of their action - the first, of course, give a visible result faster. To reduce tearing, use cold compresses. Burning can be controlled by instilling anti-inflammatory drops in a child’s eyes.
Viral conjunctivitis can cause serious complications, develop into a herpetic or adenoviral form. This disease is treated with eye drops or ointments containing antiviral substances (Interferon, etc.), in severe cases, with antibiotics and antibacterial ointments. Swelling and burning help relieve warm compresses. If the disease is caused by bacteria, then it will be accompanied by a separation of pus. Such conjunctivitis can occur after a child rubs his eyes with dirty hands, walks on a dusty street. Bacteria are able to settle on the mucosa and after an eye injury. This type is treated with antibacterial ophthalmic drugs (drops, ointments). It is also important that the child does not touch his eyes, follows the rules of hygiene.
How much conjunctivitis is treated in children?
The standard duration of the course of the viral type of the disease is 3-4 weeks. If it is complicated by herpes or adenovirus, treatment may take more than a month. Allergic conjunctivitis (its therapy), as already mentioned, depends on the choice of drugs (hormonal or other), as well as how quickly the child will be isolated from the allergen. Bacterial irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye will disappear after 2 weeks.
When is medical assistance required?
It is needed if:
- a child under 12 months old;
- there is no improvement from the treatment;
- the child begins to be afraid of bright light, asks him to reduce or turn off (a symptom of photophobia);
- vision deteriorates;
- bubbles appear on the upper eyelid.
In these cases, you need to urgently consult a pediatric ophthalmologist to decide how to treat conjunctivitis in children further. Remember, some types of this disease can seriously reduce a child’s vision, leading to serious and dangerous eye diseases such as keratitis, abscesses in the tissues of the eye, and chronic form of conjunctivitis. Health to your children!