Inflammatory lesions of the mucous membrane of the eyes can hardly be considered a rarity, since many people face similar problems. So what is a similar disease, and what are the main symptoms of conjunctivitis? Many people are interested in these questions, especially considering the fact that children are more prone to this disease.
Conjunctivitis: causes of the disease
In fact, the inflammatory process occurs under the influence of completely different factors of the external, and sometimes the internal environment. But it is worthwhile to understand that the reasons for which conjunctivitis arose, the symptoms and treatment of the disease are closely related. The clinical picture of each form of the disease has its own differences, and, of course, therapy depends primarily on the causes of its occurrence.
In most cases, inflammation is the result of infection activity. Moreover, pathogenic microorganisms can enter the mucous membrane both from the external environment (for example, in contact with an infected person), and from internal foci. In particular, some sexually transmitted infections are often accompanied by tonsillitis and conjunctivitis. The occurrence of the inflammatory process may be associated with a bacterial or fungal infection, as well as viruses.
There is also an allergic form of the disease, in which lesions of the mucous membrane occur upon contact with certain chemicals, fluff, animal protein products, plant pollen, cosmetics, etc.
The main symptoms of conjunctivitis
Such diseases are accompanied by very characteristic signs that cannot be overlooked. On the other hand, the symptoms of conjunctivitis directly depend on the nature of the pathogen:
- The bacterial form of the disease, as a rule, begins acutely and is often accompanied by fever, headache or fatigue. Patients complain of severe pain and burning in the eyes, as well as increased sensitivity to light. Often on the sclera of the eyes , spot hemorrhages can be seen, which are the cause of pain. Inflammation is accompanied by profuse purulent or mucopurulent discharge of a yellowish or greenish color.
- Viral inflammation is also associated with pain, burning, lacrimation, and minor hemorrhages . But in this case, the symptoms of conjunctivitis are slightly different: the discharge in this form of the disease is scarce and mucous.
Interestingly, most often only one eye is affected at first, and only after 1–4 days the infection passes to the adjacent mucous membrane.
But allergic conjunctivitis looks very different, and the intensity of its symptoms depends on the nature of the allergen. By the way, an allergic reaction is accompanied by a defeat of both visual analyzers at once, which is an important fact. Redness and swelling of the mucous membrane, burning, pain and pain in the eyes, constant lacrimation, photophobia are all symptoms of conjunctivitis caused by allergies.
In any case, if you have such problems, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist. Self-medication attempts or ignoring the symptoms can lead to negative consequences and affect visual acuity.
How to treat conjunctivitis?
Therapy in this case depends on the causes of inflammation. In the presence of a bacterial infection, eye drops containing antibiotics, for example, Levomycetin, are used for treatment. If the cause is an allergic reaction, it is necessary to determine the allergen, eliminate possible contacts with potentially dangerous substances and take antihistamines, in particular, Diazolin, Loratidine, and Claritin will be effective. Viral conjunctivitis requires vitamins and immunomodulators. In addition, it is necessary to cleanse the eyes of secretions. To do this, a strong brewing of black tea, a compress from a decoction of chamomile or ordinary boiled water is suitable.