Conjunctivitis is called inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. By the nature of its origin it is bacterial, viral and allergic, and in form of the current it is acute and chronic. In each case, a strictly defined treatment is appropriate.
Causes of conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by such pathogens as:
- adenovirus;
- herpes virus;
- enterovirus-70;
- molluscum contagiosum;
- dermatotropic poxovirus.
Often, inflammation of the viral nature is a companion of the common cold.
Bacterial (acute) conjunctivitis is caused by:
- Koch-Wicks stick;
- pneumococci;
- a stick of Morax-Axenfeld;
- streptococci;
- gonococci;
- staphylococci.
Bacteria get into the eyes through contaminated hygiene items.
Allergic conjunctivitis is the response of the mucous eye to plant pollen, animal hair, dust. Sometimes inflammation of the conjunctiva is combined with atopic dermatitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis .
Risk factors
Among the factors predisposing to the emergence of conjunctivitis of this or that nature, doctors call:
- frequent use of drops to reduce eye irritation (their anti-edema components can cause allergies and give the opposite effect expected);
- Vitamin A deficiency (the mucosa becomes more susceptible to bacteria and viruses);
- propensity to allergies (eyes itch, and through the hands can bring an infection);
- wearing contact lenses (non-observance of hygiene rules);
- measles, some venereal diseases;
- use of substandard cosmetics;
- hit in the eye of foreign bodies.
People working in smoke-filled premises or in contact with chemicals, harmful fumes, are prone to developing chronic conjunctivitis, combined with the damage of lacrimal passages and nose.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
Viral inflammation of the mucous eye is accompanied by abundant tearing. The eye always itches, blushes, then the infection goes to the second eye.
With conjunctivitis of bacterial nature, purulent discharge is observed (in the mornings it is difficult to "smash" the eyes), lacrimation, redness, edema of the eyelid. As a rule, only one eye is affected.
Allergic conjunctivitis is accompanied by redness of both eyes, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids and pronounced itching.
Traditional treatment of conjunctivitis
Diagnosis of inflammation of the eye mucosa is performed by an ophthalmologist. In rare cases, it is required to give a smear from the eye to establish the type of pathogen, but, as a rule, the doctor prescribes a wide spectrum (with bacterial conjunctivitis):
- Gentamicin;
- Tobramycin;
- Ciprofloxacin;
- Lomefloxacin;
- Norfloxacin.
Drugs are instilled at intervals of 1-3 hours, while it is important to use each time a new sterile cotton wool and pipette.
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis begins with the exclusion of contact with the allergen, the use of cold compresses and preparations based on artificial tears. In severe cases, prescribed antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in even more severe cases - corticosteroid eye drops.
Inflammation of the viral nature is treated with antiviral drops and ointments (Florenal, Oxolin, Gludantan, Deoxyribonuclease); the patient is prescribed Interferon.
Treatment of conjunctivitis with folk remedies
When fighting inflammation of the conjunctiva, decoctions of plants-antiseptics are very effective: chamomile, sage, calendula, cornflower, dill. Raw materials are poured with boiling water, insist in a thermos, carefully filter. Compresses are made with the finished medicine.
It is useful to mix the juice of Kalanchoe leaves in equal proportions with boiled water - from the remedy make lotions.
Efficient strong freshly brewed black tea without sugar as a compress, but blueberry tea for the treatment of conjunctivitis is useful to take inside.