Sooner or later, but almost all adults and children suffer from various eye diseases. Conjunctivitis is a fairly common and unpleasant disease. Many are frightened when they see reddened and swollen eyes in the morning. But there is nothing wrong with that. If you notice symptoms in time and take preventive measures, then this trouble can easily be bypassed. How is conjunctivitis transmitted? What are its symptoms and treatment? This is what will be discussed in the article.
What is conjunctivitis and its symptoms?
Conjunctivitis is a disease and redness of a colorless, thin layer of the lining of the eye (or conjunctiva). It is a transparent shell that protects the protein of the eye and covers the inner surface of the eyelids. The main task of the conjunctiva is to protect the eyes from dust and foreign bodies, moisturize and facilitate eye movement. It contains a large number of nerve endings, so as soon as she is irritated, her eyes turn red.
How is conjunctivitis transmitted? What causes it? Any, even the slightest damage to the eyes (ingestion of dust or sand), weakening of the body by various diseases, weakening of the immune system, various allergic diseases or infections - all these components can provoke the occurrence of conjunctivitis in humans.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this eye disease are quite different. The disease can appear against the background of a starting allergy. It can also be caused by various infections or bacteria. Exposure to the eyes of various physical or chemical factors can also trigger the onset of conjunctivitis. Often the disease affects people with dry eye syndrome due to insufficient production of tear fluid. Just a strong redness of the eyes is the first symptom of the development of conjunctivitis. All blood vessels against the background of a white eyeball become clearly visible.
Another symptom is swelling of the eyelids and their redness, a feeling of sand in the eyes. Purulent discharge also begins to appear. Very often, children can have a fever, a sore throat. There is a decrease in appetite, poor sleep, after sleep, the eyelids are difficult to rise and glued. Abundant tear secretion is observed, eyes are “afraid” of light.
Conjunctivitis: how is it transmitted? How long does the disease last?
Conjunctivitis is usually transmitted by contact. Viruses and bacteria enter the organs of vision through various sources. This dirty hands, swimming in public pools, saunas and baths. Girls may become infected using low-quality or expired cosmetics.
How is conjunctivitis transmitted in children? They can become infected during colds, ARI, measles, etc. The presence of microscopic injuries on the mucous membrane of the eye also gives access to microbes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or too bright lighting can also trigger the development of the disease. You can also get sick using household items, where bacteria can persist for a long time.
How is conjunctivitis transmitted in children? It is very simple to get infected in childhood: they walked on the street and rubbed their eyes with unwashed dusty hands. As a consequence - conjunctivitis.
The duration of the disease depends on the type of conjunctivitis. It is worth noting that there is no exact term for recovery, and no doctor can guarantee that it will be completely cured in 10 days. The disease can last from 5 days or more. Do not delay the treatment, as soon as the first symptoms begin to appear, it is better to immediately consult a doctor, and then the disease will be much less worried.
Conjunctivitis: types
Today, modern medicine distinguishes many types of this disease: infectious conjunctivitis, which includes bacterial and viral. Allergic, chronic, purulent conjunctivitis also occurs. Let's consider each of them separately.
How conjunctivitis is transmitted in general cases - we have already found out. Now consider some of its types in more detail.
How is infectious conjunctivitis transmitted?
An eye disease that is caused by viruses or bacteria is called infectious conjunctivitis. How is it transmitted and what are its symptoms? What are the differences between the viral and bacterial variants - we will consider all this below.
It is impossible to say unequivocally what exactly caused the infectious conjunctivitis. Symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis do not differ from everyone else: it is blurry vision, eye irritation, discomfort from bright light, discharge from the eyes appears, which leads to eyelid clumping. If untreated, infectious conjunctivitis can last for many months, causing discomfort. In the treatment, cold compresses are usually used, the eyes are wiped with a damp cloth. Do not touch dirty eyes with unwashed hands, otherwise the treatment may take a long time. Be sure to contact a specialist.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Both adults and children may have bacterial conjunctivitis. How is it transmitted? What are its symptoms and treatment? Bacteria, such as staphylococci and pneumococci, cause disease. Usually the disease is transmitted through dirty hands, with the general use of household items (towels, etc.). It can also be transmitted through air or water. Like other types of conjunctivitis, bacterial has its own symptoms, according to which it is easy to calculate the onset of the disease. Firstly, it is a yellowish or cloudy discharge from the eyes; secondly, the skin around the eyes and the conjunctiva itself will be dry; thirdly, a foreign body sensation in the eyes and pain. The same is not necessarily an infection of two eyes, very often the disease affects only one eye, and later the second. When treating, doctors usually prescribe ointments or drops that will help restore.
Viral conjunctivitis
Various viruses cause viral conjunctivitis. How is it transmitted? What are the symptoms and course of the disease? Usually it accompanies a cold, SARS, so the first symptoms may be an increase in temperature, discomfort in the throat. Viral conjunctivitis first affects only one eye. Symptoms: strong tear secretion; swelling of the skin around the eyes. Of the eye diseases, the most common is viral conjunctivitis. How is it transmitted? Most often, it is transmitted from an infected person by airborne droplets, when sharing personal items. It is worth starting treatment immediately, antihistamine drops are usually prescribed, which reduce itching and reduce inflammation.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when a person interacts with various allergens. This can be house dust, poor-quality food, plant pollen, pet hair, or pungent odors. How is conjunctivitis caused by allergies transmitted? Unlike other types of this disease, an allergic one is not contagious. In the event of this type of conjunctivitis, the cause of the allergy should be established immediately and its sources eliminated. How to determine that a person has allergic conjunctivitis? Its symptoms are as follows: the swelling of the conjunctiva and eyes begins, an unpleasant burning sensation is felt, the sensitivity of the eyes in the light. Usually, allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes at once. Antihistamine drops are suitable for treatment to reduce itching, and an artificial tear is also used to reduce dry eyes.
Acute and chronic
The causative agents of the acute form of conjunctivitis, as a rule, are various microorganisms, viruses, etc. Most often, this form of conjunctivitis develops when personal hygiene is not observed and is usually distributed in kindergartens (kindergartens or preschool institutions). Acute infectious adenovirus infection can cause adenoviral conjunctivitis. How is this type of disease transmitted? You can get infected at any contact with the patient. In this case, it is urgent to contact an ophthalmologist.
With purulent discharge from the eyes, purulent conjunctivitis can be diagnosed. With such a disease, you should definitely consult a doctor, self-medication can be dangerous. How is purulent conjunctivitis transmitted? You can get infected at any contact with the patient, even after a handshake.
Chronic conjunctivitis develops when harmful substances, irritants or allergens affect the eyes for a long time. Also, chronic conjunctivitis is exacerbated in people with weakened immunity, lack of vitamins or with visual impairment.
Consequences of conjunctivitis
The consequences of this ailment can be different. Today, about 30% of patients who come to the ophthalmologist just suffer from this disease. If you turn in time and do not postpone going to the doctor, then conjunctivitis is successfully treated with ointments or drops under the supervision of a physician. However, if you start the disease, then it can lead to pretty sad consequences. Firstly, advanced conjunctivitis can lead to other severe inflammatory processes of the eyes, which are treated longer and the load on the eyes will increase significantly. Secondly, in some people, conjunctivitis can go into a chronic form. Thirdly, this disease can lead to partial or complete loss of vision, but this occurs in the absence of treatment.
Prevention
Such a common and such an unpleasant eye disease is conjunctivitis. Is it possible to somehow avoid it or reduce the chances of getting sick? Any disease is easier to prevent in time than to cure. Conjunctivitis was no exception. In order for the illness to bother adults and especially children as little as possible, it is worth observing some preventative measures. It is necessary to use only personal household items (face towels, etc.); When returning from the street, be sure to wash your hands or use an antibacterial agent. Strengthen immunity, taking vitamins, observe the daily regimen, do not abuse alcohol, eat right, exercise. Keep clean in the house, be sure to ventilate the room and do wet cleaning.
Prevention of conjunctivitis for children is especially important: it is worth protecting the child from sitting for many hours in front of a computer monitor or TV screen; provide him with proper lighting when writing or reading to reduce eye fatigue; From an early age, make sure that the child does not rub his eyes with dirty hands, and, of course, carefully monitor his allergic reactions. Such seemingly simple rules will help to avoid not only conjunctivitis, but also other diseases.
Traditional treatment
The treatment of conjunctivitis with folk remedies is in some cases quite effective, and today you can find as many methods as you like. It is best to use the recipes that our mothers and grandmothers tested on themselves.
The most common way is applying lotions from brewed tea to the sore eyes. This method is very effective. Relieving eye irritation. However, it is worth monitoring the concentration of the solution, as too “cool” tea can only do harm.
Another method is lotions from herbs and chamomiles. Brew with boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes, strain the solution thoroughly, as small particles can get into the sore eye. Apply forever for 10 minutes. This method will help calm your eyes and relieve swelling.
Another proven method in the fight against the disease is the use of potatoes. Grate raw potatoes, before turning into gruel, add an egg, mix. Stir until smooth and apply as a compress on sore eyes for 15 minutes. This procedure should be repeated 3-5 times.
Lotions from a solution of bay leaves, propolis, honey and rose hips are also excellent.
However, it is worth noting that folk remedies will not help if there is a strong redness of the eyes, then you should consult a doctor without delay.
So, conjunctivitis is a fairly common eye disease that occurs not only in children but also in adults. The causes of its occurrence are different, bacteria and viruses, non-observance of personal hygiene rules, allergies, etc. Fortunately, modern medicine today is able to cope with this scourge quickly and very effectively. Conjunctivitis is successfully treated at any age without health consequences.