Conjunctivitis in children – symptoms, causes and treatment

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The conjunctiva that protects the eye is very susceptible to irritation. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucosa, which is a very common condition in children. What are the symptoms and causes of conjunctivitis in children? How to effectively treat conjunctivitis in children?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in children

The symptoms of conjunctivitis in children are not clear-cut and it is often difficult to recognize the condition. One of the most characteristic symptoms that may indicate conjunctivitis in children is conjunctival redness, the so-called red eye. Symptoms that occur in conjunctivitis in children concern the eye and its surroundings. In addition to conjunctival redness, there is also lacrimation, hyperemia, eye swelling and often purulent discharge. During conjunctivitis in children, photophobia, burning and itching can be noticed, and sometimes the so-called eyelids may appear on the surface of the eyelids. disease membranes. The first sign of conjunctivitis in children is frequent rubbing of the eyes with hands and reddened conjunctiva. If you notice any disturbing symptoms in your child, consult a doctor as soon as possible. At Medonet Market you can now buy an ophthalmologist appointment without waiting in lines.

The causes of conjunctivitis in children

There are many causes of conjunctivitis in children. The most common cause of conjunctivitis is allergy, which occurs in children prone to atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis or in children with a family history of allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is most often seasonal, but it can also be perennial. In addition to specific symptoms, hay fever and swelling of the eyelids may also occur. Another cause of conjunctivitis in children is various types of infections that may be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. In the case of conjunctivitis in children caused by bacteria, the most common are staphylococci, streptococci, gonococci and pneumococci, which are activated by rubbing the eyes with dirty hands, dust, chemicals or cigarette smoke. In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis in children, it often occurs in one eye, and in addition to redness and tearing, mucopurulent discharge appears.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in children

Conjunctivitis in children usually does not require additional examinations and the doctor can determine the inflammation on the basis of observation and appearance of the conjunctiva as well as a detailed history. Depending on the causes and severity of symptoms, the doctor will select the appropriate treatment method. If the conjunctivitis in children is caused by bacteria, it is necessary to administer the antibiotic in the form of eye drops or ointments. For childhood conjunctivitis caused by an allergy, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antihistamines. An important issue in the treatment of conjunctivitis in children is proper eye hygiene.

It is very important to rinse the conjunctival sac well with saline when treating conjunctivitis to cleanse the eye of bacteria and debris. Although conjunctivitis in children is relatively easy to treat, it should not be taken lightly because, if left untreated and neglected, it can cause chronic conjunctivitis, which can result in corneal scarring and poor vision in a child.

Some also recommend chamomile infusion compresses for the eyes. You can buy a chamomile basket or a firefly herb at an attractive price on Medonet Market.

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