Children's conjunctivitis - the causes of the appearance and the principle of treatment

Children's health is still quite fragile, so many problems arise with it. One of the problem areas is the eyes.Very frequent their disease is children's conjunctivitis, which is somewhat different from that of adults.Features of the course of the disease will be described below, as well as modern methods of treatment. The only thing, do not forget that self-treatment for babies can lead to serious consequences.

What it is

Conjunctivitis is a disease in which inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye occurs for one reason or another. Allergy, virus or bacteria can provoke the problem.

The name of the disease comes from the medical name of the mucosa - it is called the conjunctiva.

Causes

The reasons for the appearance of this disease can vary - and, depending on these reasons, different types of children's conjunctivitis can be distinguished. There are basically three main types:

Pediatric conjunctivitis with complication of the eyelid

• Viral.Usually caused by pathogens that cause at the same time and respiratory diseases. Such conjunctivitis is a concomitant disease in ARI. The virus gets on the mucous membrane of the child's eye and provokes a pronounced inflammatory process. Occurs infrequently.
• Allergic.Appears as a consequence of an allergy, taking place in a rather acute form. It can be caused by the hair of pets, flowering plants, house dust, medicines and some products. There may be a complication in the form of hay fever.
• Bacterial.This is the most common subspecies of the disease in children. Its pathogens, as is clear from the name, are various bacteria, such as pneumococci or staphylococci. The main reason for getting into the eyes is when the baby touched something and then rubs his eyes.

In newborns, infection occurs in a special way - the bacteria get on the mucosa straight from the birth canal. They may be present in the baby and not manifest in any way, but with the slightest weakening of the immune system, they immediately appear.

Symptoms

Almost with all manifestations of children's conjunctivitis, the common symptom is redness of the eyes, fear of light and lachrymation. If these signs began to manifest, then this is the first reason for concern and action.

Children's allergic conjunctivitis

Further, the symptoms will differ depending on which form of conjunctivitis the child is taking.

• The bacterial form is characterized by the fact that the inflammation is about both eyes, often starts on one, and then goes on to the other. The upper and lower eyelids swell, there are purulent discharge.The child can not open his eyes in the morning just because of the pus, which quite strongly glues the eyelids.
• The allergic form affects both eyes instantly.The eyelids also swell, a strong itch begins, which causes discomfort to the child. But purulent discharge with this form does not happen.
• The viral form usually affects only one eye.Only then, if you do not exercise, the second eye is also affected. Clear eyes come out of the eyes, if bacteria are attached to them, then they become purulent.

You can also select two more forms - acute and chronic. The first begins inoffensive, but quickly begins to spread.There is hyperemia of the mucosa, papillae and follicles may appear.The eyeball turns red. The chronic form develops more slowly, begins with a simple intensified lacrimation and a burning sensation in the eye area. Symptoms may worsen in the evening. In the corner of the eyes, the characteristic lumps of mucus begin to form. The conjunctiva of the eyes, when viewed, seem noticeably loosened, also hyperemic.

Children's bacterial conjunctivitis

Diagnostics

Diagnose conjunctivitis after a basic examination of the ophthalmologist and additional studies.

If there are suspicions of the manifestation of an allergic form, it is possible to resort to an allergist-immunologist.

To begin with, the doctor will review the complaints, check how sensitive the eye is to sunlight. It will be clarified whether the child could not contact the allergen.Then an external ophthalmologic examination is performed.Optionally, bacteriological, serological, cytological and immunological studies of scraping taken from the mucosa can be performed.If conjunctivitis is allergic, then allergic skin tests are taken, it is checked whether there are traces of dysbacteriosis, eggs of worms in feces, and a blood test is also performed.

Treatment

Do not engage in independent treatment of this disease, otherwise the situation can only worsen, you must immediately visit an ophthalmologist who will be able to take the necessary measures and help to promptly eliminate problem.The method of treatment directly depends on the form of the disease.

• Viral conjunctivitis passes several weeks after its onset.To speed up the process of treatment, antiviral drops are prescribed. Cold compresses can also be used to slightly ease a child's condition.
• Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamines, as well as by directly removing the allergen.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis can be cured with special drops and ointments, and also with the help of special antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action.

Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor in very small doses, because they can not negatively affect the child's body.

You can also use various additional methods to eliminate inflammation. For example, moistened gauze tampons in the broths of chamomile, nettle and sage, and then wipe your eyes about every two hours. This will help remove pus and remove the dried crust.

Be sure to change the tampon each time, otherwise you can only aggravate the situation.

Complications

If the disease is started and does not deal with its treatment, it can lead to various consequences. Among other things, they include:

• blepharitis;
• keratitis (inflammation of the cornea);
• corneal ulcers;
• endophthalmitis;
• a throat (usually a consequence of the course of the disease in infants);
• deterioration of vision up to displays of blindness;
• joining of other infections.

Prevention

Prevention of this disease is as follows:

• You must observe the most thorough personal hygiene.
• Patients should be isolated from healthy children.
• Disinfection of premises should become the norm.
• All items used to care for the newborn should be carefully handled.
• The immunity of the child must be constantly increased through various measures and exercises.

Do not forget that early conjunctivitis of newborns can be prevented if timely diagnose and eliminate infection in a pregnant mother. An antiseptic treatment of the birth canal is also a prerequisite, and after the birth of the baby's eyes, the baby's eyes must be treated in the ancestral hall.

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conclusions

Conjunctivitis in a child is quite common in children. Unfortunately, such diseases can not be avoided, even if all preventive measures are followed, the chance of their occurrence is very high. Therefore, it is very important to quickly identify the presence of a problem and take the necessary actions. Another no less dangerous disease in children is dacryocystitis.