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What is conjunctivitis and how to fight it?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
 
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23 November 2012, 17:00

Conjunctivitis - an unpleasant disease, the causative agent of which is a bacterial or viral infection. In this case, a transparent envelope of the eye - a conjunctiva that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the eye proteins - is inflamed. Also, the causes of conjunctivitis may be allergies, toxins, or other diseases, against which it develops.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious. Infection is easily entered by dirty hands or through the use of a personal hygiene item of the patient. It also spreads through coughing and sneezing. Conjunctivitis, which is the result of an allergic reaction or poisoning with toxic substances, is not contagious.

Redness of the eyes

The characteristic signs of conjunctivitis are redness of the eyes or eye hypermia. Proper treatment can quickly and effectively eliminate this problem.

Red swollen eyelids

Red swollen eyelids

Swollen eyelids are often observed with allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually appear immediately in both eyes. With viral conjunctivitis, first one eye is attacked, and then the other.

Tear

Symptom of allergic or viral conjunctivitis is the abundant secretion of tears.

Discharge from the eyes

Abundant discharge of yellow-green color is a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis, and watery discharge suggests that the cause is viral or allergic conjunctivitis.

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Eyelid Clotting

Fused eyelids signal that a person is stricken with bacterial conjunctivitis. Usually, after sleep, it is very difficult to open eyes because of accumulated secretions of inflamed mucous membranes. With viral conjunctivitis, there is no such effect.

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Something in the eye

The sensation of something foreign in the eye, which is accompanied by unpleasant and painful sensations - is a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is a signal of a serious illness

Chronic conjunctivitis can be a signal of diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Kawasaki's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

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How to cure conjunctivitis?

  • Viral conjunctivitis usually "lives" from 4 to 7 days and does not require treatment, it is necessary to wait until its life cycle is completed.
  • To treat bacterial conjunctivitis prescribed ointments, pills or antibiotics in the form of drops.
  • Also, some types of conjunctivitis caused by viruses pass with the reception of antiviral drugs.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis will pass, when the cause of the allergic reaction will be eliminated.
  • If conjunctivitis is caused by chemicals, then you should immediately contact a specialist that there were no complications.

How not to infect others?

How not to infect others

Infectious conjunctivitis quickly finds a new victim, so the patient should not touch his eyes with his hands and use common towels. Bed linen needs to be changed every day, and also conducts disinfection of countertops and sinks. All cosmetics, which was in use during illness, must be discarded.

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