Why does a baby have red eyes and what to do?

Red eyes in a child are a symptom of a change in the color of the mucous membrane of the eye, which occurs due to many reasons and may indicate a serious illness. Even simple redness of the eyes in a child can be the beginning of a serious infection or simply a reaction to eye irritation. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly differentiate infectious diseases and eye pathologies that are accompanied by such redness.

Epidemiology

The epidemiology of the spread of red eyes in a child indicates that most cases of this pathology are caused by an infectious disease. More than 55% of cases of the appearance of such a symptom are caused by a viral pathology - in first place is adenovirus infection, and in second place is measles. More than 87% of cases of allergic reactions are accompanied by redness of the eyes upon initial contact with the allergen, and only after some time do other symptoms appear. This can be used not only for statistical analysis of clinical manifestations of allergies, but also to prevent the development of the same attack of bronchial asthma. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between an infectious and allergic disease by one symptom.

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Causes red eyes in a baby

There can be many reasons for reddening of the sclera in a child, and this does not only indicate local inflammation or reaction of the sclera. The greatest number of reasons are infectious diseases that are accompanied by such a symptom.

Most often, children have acute respiratory diseases, which can be accompanied by injection and redness of the sclera. Any viral infection is accompanied by manifestations from the upper respiratory tract, which correspond to the largest place of localization of the pathogen. For example, rhinovirus is localized mainly on the mucous membrane of the nose, which causes symptoms of severe rhinorrhea. At the same time, it can also cause redness of the eyes, since the outflow through the nasolacrimal canal can be disrupted, which causes such a reaction. But this is rather a secondary cause of such redness. Adenovirus is a virus that enters the body through the mucous membrane of the eyes, where its initial place of reproduction is located. Then the virus penetrates the back wall of the pharynx and causes further clinical changes. Therefore, if a child has an adenovirus infection, this is accompanied by inflammation of the conjunctiva and its redness. And the main cause of red eyes in a child with a viral infection can be considered an adenovirus infection, which can be considered a specific symptom. This does not mean that other infections do not have such manifestations, but they are not so specific.

Among other infections in children, an equally common cause of red eyes is measles. This is an acute infectious disease caused by the measles virus. The pathogen enters the child's respiratory tract by airborne droplets and multiplies there. The properties of such a virus are associated with a high toxic effect on capillaries and small vessels. Therefore, when infected with such a virus, there is a pronounced prolonged spasm of small vessels, especially the eyes. This is accompanied by a violation of the outflow of blood and redness of the eyes, which can be so pronounced that the child develops photophobia. Measles is characterized by pronounced redness of the conjunctiva, but other symptoms should also be taken into account.

Inflammatory diseases of the eye can also be accompanied by its redness. Such pathologies include conjunctivitis, scleritis, and a foreign body in the eye. The pathogenesis of the development of a reaction to any agent is a quick reaction to the ingress of any factor. If it is a virus or bacteria, then there will be purulent secretion against the background of redness, as a reaction to irritation. A foreign body will also be accompanied by redness and lacrimation, as a protective reaction to interference. Therefore, such a reaction can be considered protective and indicates immediate action. But if the redness is caused by damage to the eye itself, and not a systemic infection, then there will definitely be symptoms from the visual analyzer - stinging in the eyes, pain, burning, deterioration of vision. This must be taken into account when providing assistance.

Sometimes the eyes can be a mirror of our body and can indicate the state of the internal organs. This may be the case in this case, if the child's red eyes are accompanied by swelling around them, then we can think about kidney pathology. If there are red rims or circles under the eyes, then this may be one of the symptoms of a systemic disease of connective tissue.

And the most common cause of red eyes in a child today can be considered allergic reactions. As for the redness of the conjunctiva, in children this can be a manifestation of hay fever. This is an allergy to pollen and flowering plants, which is also accompanied by lacrimation and symptoms from the nose. But the cause of red eyes can be not only hay fever, it also happens with bronchial asthma, and with urticaria, and with allergic rhinitis, as an accompanying symptom when an allergen enters through inhalation.

Taking into account all possible causes, it is necessary to identify risk factors for the development of red eyes in children that can cause certain diseases. First of all, children with allergic diseases should be allocated to a risk group, in which red eyes can be the initial symptom of an acute attack. As for infectious diseases, contact with infectious patients over the past three weeks places children in a risk group, so red eyes in such contact children should be considered one of the first symptoms.

There can be many reasons for red eyes in a child, and they should not be limited only to pathology of the fundus or the eye itself; one must remember a number of infectious and allergic factors that can cause such manifestations.

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Symptoms red eyes in a baby

If a child has an adenovirus infection, then red eyes are not only a characteristic symptom, but there are also other clinical signs. Everything can start with a slight malaise and an increase in body temperature, usually to subfebrile numbers. This is accompanied by intoxication of the child's body - muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite. Against the background of such non-specific symptoms, a sore throat appears, an unproductive superficial cough appears, and symptoms from the eyes also appear. There may be not just redness of the conjunctiva, but purulent discharge or serous discharge from the lacrimal canal. The combination of such symptoms is most characteristic of adenovirus infection. But if there is discharge from the nose, nasal congestion, fever, then redness of the eyes can only be against the background of such a rhinovirus infection without purulent or serous conjunctivitis. Red circles under the eyes can be caused by concomitant viral diseases, which are caused by a disruption in the normal outflow of venous blood against the background of swelling of the nasal cavity.

Measles is an acute contagious infection caused by a virus from the Morbilli group. The disease develops 7-17 days after contact with a sick person (incubation period). At first, symptoms of a respiratory disease with severe intoxication, muscle pain, and fever appear. Then, the child's eyes become severely red, he is afraid of light, and catarrhal symptoms with nasal discharge and lacrimation are expressed. Then, after two or three days of catarrhal symptoms, a rash appears all over the body - it looks like red spots and papules starting behind the ears and spreading from top to bottom. The rash spreads not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes, which is an important diagnostic sign of the disease. Thus, redness of the eyes in a child with measles occurs at the height of the intoxication syndrome and is accompanied by severe photophobia and lacrimation.

If a child's eyes are red and itchy, then these are most likely manifestations of an allergic pathology. In this case, the allergen enters through the conjunctiva and causes a primary reaction - the eyes swell, there is severe lacrimation, redness, and itching. This may be accompanied by further development of other symptoms if the condition is not stopped in time. Then sneezing, nasal congestion or rhinorrhea, cough, and allergic rash may appear. And as a rule, redness of the eyes is not the only manifestation, if it is of an allergic nature. There is also a pattern that if a child's eyes are red in the morning, then most likely the "meeting" with the allergen was at night (fluff, feathers, dust), and if the eyes are red in the evening, then it is possible that during the day the child came into contact with an allergic factor.

If a child's eyes are red and festering, then this can be considered an eye disease. Then we are talking about purulent conjunctivitis or scleritis. If pain is also felt, then this can be an alarming symptom of vision impairment against the background of an inflammatory process in the eyes.

Often children have red swollen eyes, especially in the morning, which is associated with kidney pathology. With long-term kidney pathology, their excretory function is impaired and this is accompanied by morning swelling in this area.

Red eyes in a child after birth require a doctor's consultation, this may be a simple reaction to passing through the birth canal, or it may be the initial manifestation of inflammation. Sometimes there may be red pimples under the eyes of a newborn, which is a sign of a sexual crisis. In utero, the child was exposed to a huge amount of maternal sex hormones, which after birth contribute to the blockage of sweat glands. This looks exactly like red pimples under the eyes and on the cheeks, which pass without any intervention and are not accompanied by any other symptoms.

Today, the number of conjunctivitis cases caused by specific flora and causing other clinical symptoms is increasing. One of such diseases is chlamydial infection. Teenagers are more often affected. The first signs of chlamydial infection develop with an increase in body temperature to subfebrile and febrile numbers. Fever with a high body temperature (39-40 ° C) is relatively rare in the acute onset of the disease. Against the background of a temperature reaction, the clinical picture of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and later arthritis (a typical triad of lesions) develops. This sequence is not always observed; various combinations of symptoms and the erasure of some clinical manifestations are possible. The most constant is the lesion of the genitourinary organs with the development of urethritis, vesiculitis, prostatitis, and cystitis. In girls, urethritis is often combined with vulvovaginitis, in boys - with balanitis. Transient dysuric disorders and pyuria may be observed. After 1-4 weeks, following urethritis, eye damage develops, usually bilateral, most often catarrhal conjunctivitis is observed lasting from several days to 1.5-2 weeks, sometimes up to 6-7 months. Then redness of the eyes appears, which, according to parents, is in no way associated with the previous pathology of the genitourinary system. Therefore, this pathology is a little difficult to diagnose. Eye damage can be limited not only to inflammation of the conjunctiva, but it is possible to develop acute anterior uveitis (in 5-6% of children), episcleritis, keratitis, leading to decreased visual acuity. Then there are symptoms of arthritis with joint pain. But such dynamics may not be complete, often all the symptoms can be at the same time, then you need to pay attention and suspect a chlamydial infection. Especially if eye problems do not respond to treatment for a long time, then you can look for hidden persistence of chlamydia.

A common problem is also that a child has red eyes at sea or after a swimming pool. This can be explained by a simple irritating reaction to excess salt in the sea or chlorinated water in the pool, and if this is not accompanied by other symptoms, then there is no need to worry.

In any case, it is not worth assessing this symptom individually; it is necessary to approach all symptoms in a differentiated manner.

Complications and consequences

Red eyes in a child may result in complications in the respiratory system if the virus persists. Inflammation of the bronchi and lungs may develop very quickly, with subsequent addition of bacterial flora. A common complication is also the development of otitis, which can even lead to hearing loss. Complications may develop if the redness of the eyes is of allergic etiology. Then, a massive influx of an allergen through the conjunctiva may cause a systemic reaction in the form of severe bronchospasm, an asthma attack, or Quincke's edema.

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Diagnostics red eyes in a baby

Diagnosis of the condition in which a child has red eyes should begin with anamnestic data. If the family has a burdened history of allergic pathology, then the first symptoms of allergy in this case should be diagnosed in time. Therefore, it is important to understand that red eyes are only one of many symptoms and all changes should be assessed together.

If the child had contact with an infectious patient, then red eyes may appear during the incubation period and then most likely they indicate the onset of measles. Anamnestic data can also provide information about the presence of kidney pathology or changes in the nature of urination, which can cause swelling under the eyes of a child. All these points can form the basis for further diagnosis of the disease.

The tests that need to be done on a child with red eyes must necessarily include a complete blood count and urine test. In a complete blood count, changes may be characteristic of an allergic reaction - an increase in the number of eosinophils. If we are talking about a viral infection, then an increase in lymphocytes can be noted. This is also important for the purpose of differential diagnosis, since a viral infection may be accompanied by catarrhal conjunctivitis, while with acute purulent conjunctivitis, a complete blood count will show leukocytosis with a shift to the left. A complete urine test should be done to exclude a urinary tract infection if red eyes are also accompanied by edema. Sometimes, in case of suspected acute purulent conjunctivitis or scleritis of a specific etiology, it is necessary to conduct a serological blood test. Chlamydia can often cause redness of the eyes with conjunctivitis, which must be diagnosed by determining the level of antibodies to chlamydia.

Instrumental diagnostics of "red eyes" may be limited to general examinations if kidney pathology is suspected. Then a simple ultrasound examination allows examining the kidneys, adrenal glands and excluding such a problem. If the eyes are primarily affected, then the function of vision is examined, the fundus is examined and intraocular pressure is measured, if necessary.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics should be carried out between allergic and infectious redness of the eyes first of all. For this, it is important to know the anamnesis data, and if the child is allergic, it would be great to also note what he has such redness of the eyes. If there is a rash on the skin or pronounced catarrhal phenomena, then there is a high probability of ARVI. An early diagnostic sign for differential diagnostics of measles from other infectious diseases is the presence of Belsky-Filatov-Koplik spots. These are spots that the mother can see herself - on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity at the level of the premolars there are small white spots, like millet grains. Their presence clearly indicates measles, and that the child will soon have a rash on the skin. And red eyes in a child can only prompt the mother to think about such a pathology.

Thus, if a child has a symptom of red eyes, you should not immediately contact an ophthalmologist, because in most cases this is a problem of a different secondary nature. Therefore, it is better to consult a pediatrician, and then, if necessary, a specialist. Sometimes the mother herself can initially diagnose what happened to the child based on a number of other symptoms. Therefore, you just need to carefully study all the information on this issue, and then contact a specialist for treatment.

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Treatment red eyes in a baby

Treatment of such pathology must necessarily include an etiological approach. That is, if the pathology is measles or adenovirus infection, then it is necessary to use the appropriate treatment for the infection. If the pathology is allergic, it is necessary to include antihistamines in the complex treatment. And if the eye pathology is primary, then the approaches to treatment are completely different.

Treatment of adenovirus infection or any other viral infection is complex and involves the use of antiviral and symptomatic agents. With such therapy, the redness of the eyes should go away on the second or third day.

1. Laferobion is a drug that contains recombinant human interferon. The drug is used in the first three days of acute viral infection, which improves the course of the disease and reduces the severity of intoxication syndrome. Laferobion has an immunomodulatory effect, which effectively increases the body's resistance to other infections. The dosage of the drug is 150 thousand international units for children under 1 year old, and 500 thousand after one year. Method of administration - one rectal suppository in the morning and evening for three or five days. Side effects are possible: thrombocytopenia, itching at the injection site, redness, and allergies.
2. In case of adenovirus infection, it is very important to restore normal nasal breathing to improve the outflow of blood and lymph and restore normal blood circulation of small vessels. This will relieve swelling of the eyes and the redness will go away. To do this, you need to use nasal rinsing and special solutions.

Aqualor is a drug used to wash the nasal cavity with severe catarrhal discharge from the nose. The active substance of this drug is sodium chloride, which moisturizes the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and prevents it from drying out. The drug is available in the form of drops and spray. The dosage for newborns is one drop and one spray in each nasal passage four times a day. For children over one year old - two drops. Side effects are not common, since the drug has an exclusively local effect.

1. Paracetamol is an antipyretic drug in the form of a suspension to reduce the temperature of children with a viral infection, especially with severe intoxication. It improves the general condition of the child and relieves photophobia with severe redness of the eyes against the background of adenovirus or measles infection. Five milliliters of suspension contains one hundred and twenty milligrams of the substance. Method of administration of the drug - a single dose inside, the dose can be repeated no earlier than four hours later. The dosage is 10-15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per dose. Side effects - the effect on the liver can lead to cytolysis, there may be inhibition of the formation of blood elements, laryngeal edema, decreased sugar levels. Precautions - cannot be used more than six times a day.
2. If the cause of eye redness is a specified chlamydial infection, then it is necessary to use etiotropic therapy to avoid complications. Since chlamydia are intracellular parasites, the use of macrolide antibiotics in this case is a priority.

Clarithromycin is an antibacterial agent from the macrolide group. Among the known drugs, it has the highest activity against chlamydia, is able to accumulate in the cell, in the foci of inflammation, does not lose its properties under the influence of lysosomes, that is, it acts on intracellular microorganisms, thus interrupting the persistence of the pathogen. Clarithromycin has a long half-life. The method of administration depends on age and can be in the form of a suspension or tablets. It is prescribed to children over 3 years old and the dosage is 10 mg / kg / day on the first day, from the 2nd to the 7-10th day - 5 mg / kg / day 1 time per day. A mandatory condition is to use two hours after a meal or an hour before it. The course of treatment is 5-7-10 days. Side effects of azithromycin are paresthesia, impaired skin sensitivity, numbness of the arms and legs, tremor, impaired bile outflow, as well as dyspeptic phenomena. Precautions: Do not use in case of cholestasis or gallstones.

1. Allergic conditions, in which the first symptom is reddening of the eyes, must be stopped at the stage of initial manifestations. This can lead to effective prevention of bronchospasm or skin allergic reaction.

L-cet is a systemic antihistamine, the main active ingredient of which is levocetirizine. The drug effectively blocks histamine receptors and prevents the development of allergic symptoms. The dosage of the drug depends on age. The drug is in the form of syrup and 5 milliliters of syrup contains 2.5 milligrams of the substance. Method of administration for children from six months - once or twice a day. Side effects may include impaired consciousness, double vision, photopsies, and urination disorders.

Vitamins can be used in a child who is often ill in therapeutic doses, and in the autumn-winter period in prophylactic doses. Physiotherapeutic treatment is not used in the acute period.

Folk remedies for red eyes in children

Traditional methods of treatment can be used for a child with a viral infection to speed up recovery. For this, you can use many herbal infusions and teas, as well as immunomodulatory agents.

1. An immunomodulatory agent made from natural substances is good for boosting a child's immune status. To prepare such a medicine, take two lemons, wash them thoroughly and grind them with a blender. Add two tablespoons of honey and grated ginger root. As a result, mix everything and leave for several days. A thick mass is formed, which should be taken one tablespoon on an empty stomach. Ginger has a direct antiviral effect, so its use promotes the penetration of antibodies into the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and conjunctiva.
2. To rinse the nose with adenovirus infection, you can prepare a saline solution at home. To do this, boil half a liter of water, cool it a little and add half a tablespoon of sea salt. Salt can be bought at the pharmacy, it should be without any dyes and not cosmetic. You can take plain salt, but it is not so purified and can cause allergies. The warm solution should be dripped into the child's nose using a pipette four times a day, one drop at a time. This helps cleanse the nasal cavity and speed up recovery.
3. Viburnum is an excellent remedy for rehydration during acute viral infection. To prepare the tea, take fifty grams of viburnum berries, add two tablespoons of honey and grind to a pulp. After that, add a glass of boiling water and drink hot. This tea should be drunk at least three times a day and always made fresh.

Herbal treatment is also used due to their high effectiveness in the acute period of viral infections, but taking into account that herbs can cause a strong allergic reaction.

1. A decoction of sunflower leaves can be used for infections, especially measles, which has an active effect on this particular virus. To do this, make an infusion of one hundred grams of sunflower leaves and one liter of water, and drink half a glass twice a day.
2. Licorice root and coltsfoot herb are boiled in hot water for several minutes, then the solution is cooled and diluted with boiled water in a one-to-one ratio. This is used for children, since the solution itself is very strong and can have allergenic properties. This infusion is most effective for viral infections, which, in addition to lacrimation, are accompanied by a wet cough.
3. A decoction of chamomile, marshmallow and lemon juice has high antiviral activity. These herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect and thin the nasal mucus, which quickly relieves swelling of the nasal cavity and eyes and reduces their redness and swelling. For the decoction, take 30 grams of each herb and make tea. You need to take a glass of tea with the addition of lemon juice just before drinking.

Homeopathy in the treatment of viral infections can also be used in complex therapy. If red eyes appear against the background of a viral respiratory infection, then it is effective to use complex antiviral agents.

1. Influcid is a complex six-component herbal preparation. It is used to treat viral infections, and the drug also reduces fever and relieves headaches. The method of using the drug in tablets. The dosage of the drug for children from one year is one tablet every two hours in the acute period. Side effects can only be in the form of allergic reactions.
2. Althea compositum is a homeopathic remedy of natural plant origin based on althea with the addition of various respiratory herbs. The drug can be used for viral infections with pronounced intoxication syndrome, especially in children with a burdened allergic anamnesis. The method of using the drug is to use a homeopathic solution in ampoules, dissolving them in clean water. Dosage is five drops per glass of water for children from two years old. Side effects can be insomnia or stool disorders in the form of diarrhea.
3. Arum triphyllum is a homeopathic remedy of inorganic origin. This remedy works by improving the regeneration of the epithelium of the nasal mucosa and normalizing the function of the cilia. It is used in the treatment of nasopharyngitis, which is accompanied by conjunctivitis with the formation of bloody crusts. The dosage of the drug is two drops in each nasal passage in the morning. Side effects are possible in the form of local itching and burning. Precautions - the drug cannot be used in acute otitis.
4. Signatia is an organic homeopathic preparation that includes herbs. It is used to treat infections that are accompanied by severe mucous discharge from the nose, redness of the eyes and eyelids, and lacrimation. The method of administration of the drug is oral in the form of granules for administration or in the form of drops in the nose for a child. The dosage in case of taking drops is one drop twice a day. The preparation of the medicine should be done only by an experienced homeopath, because dilutions may vary depending on the weight of the child. Side effects are possible in the form of increased salivation and nausea. Precautions - do not use in combination with honey.

Combining treatment methods is only possible after consultation with a doctor.

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Prevention

Prevention of complications is associated only with timely diagnosis of the child's condition. If the child is allergic or suffers from bronchial asthma, it is very important to prevent attacks by avoiding contact with the allergen. Sometimes, if this is unavoidable, you can take antihistamines or bronchodilators as a preventive measure.

If we are talking about measles, it is important to prevent possible consequences in the form of measles croup, encephalitis. To do this, it is necessary to make a timely diagnosis and begin treatment with effective detoxification therapy.

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Forecast

With adequate treatment, the prognosis is favorable for recovery and further normal development.

Red eyes in a child are a common secondary problem that occurs with any viral respiratory infection. This occurs due to disruption of local blood circulation and the development of a local inflammatory process. The main element of treatment is antiviral therapy, unless of course conjunctivitis is primary. In any case, before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the etiology of the reddening of the conjunctiva.

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