How to treat conjunctivitis in children. How to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. Symptoms and diagnosis of conjunctivitis

Children aged 5-7 years are different high activity, lead a busy social life, however, still cannot strictly follow the established order.

Deviations from sanitary and hygienic rules, the habit of touching your face, rubbing your eyes - all this creates preconditions for the occurrence of conjunctivitis.

The disease requires proper treatment, otherwise inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes may become chronic. One of the serious consequences of this is vision impairment.

Symptoms of the disease in a child

Children at this age are able to verbally describe their sensations, which is largely facilitates diagnosis.

When conjunctivitis occurs, the child complains of itching, burning or pain in the eyes, he may have the feeling that “a speck has got into them.” In some cases, the patient sees objects blurred, squints against light.

Signs of the disease include:

• redness of the mucous membrane or inner surface of the eyelids;
• swelling of the eyes;
• lacrimation;
• discharge accumulating in the inner corners of the eyes;
• clots on eyelashes;
• sticking of the eyes after sleep.

Reference. As additional symptoms observed lethargy, apathy, fever, lack of appetite, sleep disturbances.

Types of conjunctivitis

For successful treatment It is important to identify exactly what form of the disease arose in the child. IN age groupfrom 5 to 7 years diagnosed bacterial, viral or allergic conjunctivitis.

At bacterial form the patient has purulent or mucous discharge from one or both eyes. They accumulate in the nasolacrimal duct, and with their abundance, the eyelids become stuck together after sleep.

Bacterial conjunctivitis usually occurs in one eye and subsequently spreads to the other eye.

At viral conjunctivitis the patient has Typical manifestations of a viral disease: runny nose, symptoms of pharyngitis, fever, weakness, drowsiness, etc.

Usually this form sickness affects both eyes straightaway. In case of joining viral infection bacterial, discharge occurs.

Allergic form - a consequence of allergies, accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose, swelling, skin rashes, bronchospasms, etc. Eye damage may affect local areas of the mucosa.

Causes

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by:

• infection in the mucous membrane of the eye;
• facial injuries;
• ENT diseases with the formation of pus: sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, etc.

The disease is spreading quickly in children's groups due to the fact that in the absence of clinical manifestations, patients are difficult to identify, and they continue to visit educational institution.

Important! Children who do not have symptoms of conjunctivitis, but are during the incubation period, are also sources of infection for others.

Viral conjunctivitis occurs due to damage to the body corresponding pathogen: influenza, ARVI, enterovirus, adenovirus, chickenpox, measles, etc.

Allergic disease develops due to contact with a specific allergen.

This can include food, household chemicals, pets, dust, chemical substances, plant pollen and much more.

TO common factors that contribute to the occurrence of the disease include:

• reduced immunity;
• hot, dry air in the room where children are;
• too much bright light;
• poor hygiene hands;
• habit of touching eyes, face;
• deviations from the daily routine;
• errors in nutrition.

How to treat inflammation

There are several ways to treat conjunctivitis, which better to use in combination to achieve greater efficiency

Washing

For the treatment of conjunctivitis bacterial and viral Character used eye washes furatsilin solution, chamomile infusion, strong brewed black tea.

At allergic conjunctivitis rinsing do no need.

Furacilin solution is prepared at the rate 1 tablet per 100 ml boiled water at room temperature. To infuse chamomile, it is better to take a filter bag and pour a glass of boiling water over it, let it brew within 15 minutes, then cool.

Tea is prepared in the usual way: For 1 tablespoon of tea leaves, take half a liter of boiling water.

Washing is done as follows:

1. a sterile napkin or a clean cotton pad is moistened in the prepared solution;
2. the eye is rubbed from the temple to the inner edge - it is advisable to perform the movement once, trying to immediately remove the discharge from the eye;
3. The same napkin cannot be reused; a clean piece is taken for the second eye.

You can wash your eyes in the first days of illness through every 2 hours. In the future it is enough to do this 3-4 times a day. Store the composition at room temperature no more than 8 hours.

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Massage

One of the methods that speeds up the treatment of conjunctivitis is massage of the nasolacrimal duct area. This procedure allows you to quickly remove secretions in the bacterial form of the disease, as well as in the case of viral conjunctivitis with associated bacterial infection.

Photo 1. Scheme of performing a massage of the nasolacrimal duct in a child. Stroking should be done in the direction of the arrows.

Children 5—7 years they tolerate this procedure well. It is carried out and immediately after washing the eyes.

Attention! Mom or another adult acting as a massage therapist, you should take care of the condition of your hands. No long manicure is allowed due to the risk of injuring the child’s skin. Wash your hands, dry them and treat them with an antiseptic, for example, Miramistin.

The essence of the procedure is to apply pinpoint pressure to the area located near the nasolacrimal duct, just above the characteristic tubercle. It should be pressed carefully within one to two minutes. In this case, pus may come out of the eye; it should be removed with a sterile cloth soaked in a furatsilin solution. Carrying out the procedure up to 5 times a day. After the massage, the appropriate medication should be dropped into the eyes.

Medicines for conjunctivitis

The use of medication is an indispensable element in the successful treatment of conjunctivitis.

Drops and ointments for eyes with an antibiotic or antiviral effect prescribed for bacterial and viral forms of the disease.

For allergic conjunctivitis, the main remedies are: antihistamines and avoiding contact with allergens.

Drops

The following medications are used for bacterial conjunctivitis:

• chloramphenicol drops;
• Tobrex;
• Fucithalmic;
• Phloxal.

By 1-2 drops the medicine is instilled into the eyes after rinsing and massage from 2 to 4 times a day. Use the drug until the signs of the disease disappear and after that two more days.

For viral conjunctivitis the following are used:

• Aktipol;
• Trifluridine;
• Poludan;
• Interferon alpha-2.

A drop of the prescribed product is dropped into the eyes 8 times a day in the first days of illness, then 3-4 times before complete cure.

Reference. The drug is universally suitable for all forms of conjunctivitis Albucid. He rinses the eye, removing pathogenic flora, viruses and allergens, disinfects and moisturizes the mucous membrane.

Ointments

For bacterial types of pathology in children 5-7 years old, it is used erythromycin, chloramphenicol, ofloxacin ointments, Tobrex, Eubetal.

Photo 2. Packaging and tube of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment with a dosage of 10 thousand units/g, weighing 10 g. Manufacturer: Sintez.

With a viral oxolinic, Zovirax, Acyclovir, Bonafton. The amount of the drug is approximately 0.2 g(about the size of a small pea) is placed under the child’s lower eyelid 2-3 times a day until complete recovery.

Features of therapy in children 5, 6, 7 years old

Treatment of conjunctivitis in children in the age group 5-7 years is carried out according to the above schemes. The bulk of drugs approved for use by patients 5, 6 and 7 years old.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the eye caused by exposure to allergens or pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria). Most often, only one eye becomes inflamed at first, then symptoms appear in the other. Many parents underestimate the seriousness of the disease and rarely seek treatment from a doctor. However, an incorrectly selected drug can lead to a deterioration in the child’s condition and the transition of the disease to the chronic stage.

Conjunctivitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, incorrect treatment which could lead to serious problems with vision

Characteristic signs and causes of conjunctivitis

Typically, conjunctivitis in children develops gradually - at first there is slight redness and a feeling of discomfort in the eye, then the inflammation quickly intensifies, and the child develops the following symptoms:

• swelling of the upper and lower eyelids, narrowing of the palpebral fissure;
• photophobia, constant lacrimation;
• a feeling of sand in the eye or a “veil” before the eyes;
• purulent or mucous discharge from the eyes;
• after sleep, eyelashes may stick together with pus;
• dry yellow crusts form in the corners of the eyes;
• pain when moving eyeballs;
• temporary visual impairment.

The child becomes restless, involuntarily rubs his eyes, and cries. Older children may complain of general malaise, decreased appetite, or pain or burning in the eye. If the child’s immunity is reduced, the disease may occur with high temperature body and complications. Conjunctivitis is most common among preschool children aged 2-4 years, because... Babies can unknowingly introduce infection into their eyes with dirty hands.

The main cause of conjunctivitis in children is a violation of hygiene rules, which entails the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungal spores) into the conjunctiva. A child can become infected at birth through infected birth canal mother or subsequently, due to improper hygienic care.

The disease can develop against the background of ARVI, general decline immunity, after hypothermia or overheating of a child, or a foreign object entering the eye (eyelashes, dust, insects). Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes can also be of an allergic nature.

Types of disease

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Typically, conjunctivitis occurs with severe symptoms, and diagnosis is not difficult. Depending on the symptoms and the cause that provoked the disease, conjunctivitis is divided into the following types: bacterial, viral, allergic and purulent. In the absence of correct and timely treatment, any of the listed forms can become chronic.

Bacterial

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, gonococci and chlamydia. The disease begins with itching and swelling of the eyelids, the child may complain of painful sensations when moving the eyeballs and blinking. Then conjunctival hyperemia occurs, the mucous membrane becomes uneven, and pinpoint hemorrhages are possible. On the second day of the disease, abundant purulent discharge appears. The inflammatory process can spread to the child’s eyelids and even cheeks, which is manifested by hyperemia and peeling of the skin.

Gonococcal conjunctivitis (gonoblenorrhea) can develop in a newborn when passing through the infected birth canal of a woman in labor. The first symptoms appear 2-4 days after birth, the baby’s eyelids become very swollen and acquire a bluish-red tint, and the palpebral fissure narrows. The mucous membrane of the eye is hyperemic, a serous-bloody discharge appears, which after a few days becomes purulent. Without treatment, gonoblennorrhea is dangerous with severe complications, including total loss vision.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis of newborns is also associated with maternal urogenital infection. Infection occurs during childbirth or later when the mother does not observe personal hygiene when caring for the child. The incubation period lasts 5-10 days, then following symptoms: swelling of the eyelids, severe hyperemia of the sclera, liquid purulent-bloody discharge from the eye. Predominantly one eye is affected. At timely treatment inflammation disappears after 10-15 days.

Viral

The disease develops against the background of acute respiratory viral infection, tonsillitis or runny nose. Distinctive features are lacrimation and bright hyperemia of the conjunctiva, most pronounced from the inner corners. With viral conjunctivitis, one eye first becomes inflamed, then within 2-3 days the same symptoms appear in the other.

Adenoviral conjunctivitis is most often observed in autumn-spring period when the child’s immunity is weakened. Transmitted by airborne droplets and contact (for example, through a shared towel) the disease can be accompanied by high body temperature. The incubation period lasts up to 7 days.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by the herpes virus, in which case only one eye is usually affected. Small bubbles filled with liquid form along the edge of the eyelids, and itching appears. Conjunctival hyperemia and lacrimation are possible.

Allergic

When the mucous membrane of the eyes is irritated by allergens (pollen, animal hair, medications, household chemicals, cosmetics, etc.), allergic conjunctivitis develops, which usually has a seasonal course. The development of symptoms occurs quickly, within 15-60 minutes after the irritant enters the body. The main signs are: lacrimation, itching, redness of the whites of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids. Symptoms affect both eyes at the same time.

Purulent

More often purulent conjunctivitis develops when a bacterial infection enters the body. Copious purulent discharge, when dried, can form crusts in the corners of the eyes and stick together eyelashes after sleep. The disease is accompanied by itching, burning, sensation foreign body in the eye. The sclera is hyperemic, the child cannot look at bright light, and visual acuity decreases.

Chronic form

In the absence of adequate treatment, the symptoms of the disease subside, but do not completely disappear, and conjunctivitis becomes chronic.

The cornea becomes cloudy, lacrimation and discomfort in the eye do not disappear. In bright light, these symptoms intensify. Constant inflammation leads to deterioration of vision, the child quickly gets tired and becomes irritable.

Methods and duration of treatment at home

Usually the disease is treated at home, but for correct diagnosis and prescribing treatment, you should consult a specialist (ophthalmologist). The doctor will examine the patient, collect anamnesis and be sure to take a smear of discharge from the eye to determine the causative agent of the infection. Based on the results of bacteriological culture, the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs can be accurately determined. Symptoms of uncomplicated conjunctivitis disappear within 7 days.

Treatment includes the following steps:

1. washing the eyes with a medicinal solution or herbal decoction;
2. instilling drops or placing ointment behind the eyelid;
3. strict adherence to hygiene - you should thoroughly wash your hands before and after medical procedures.

Before using medications and folk remedies for any form of the disease, you must rinse your eyes with any of the following solutions:

• furatsilin solution (dissolve 1 tablet in a glass of boiled water, strain through cheesecloth);
• 0.9% sodium chloride solution;
• chamomile decoction (pour 1 glass of boiling water over 1 filter bag, leave for 40 minutes);
• strong brewed black tea.

You need to moisten a sterile gauze pad with the solution and wipe the eye in the direction from outer edge to the inner. A separate wipe should be used for each eye. After this procedure it is necessary to instill medicine or put the ointment behind the eyelid.

Pharmacy drugs

Medicines are prescribed depending on clinical picture and the reasons that provoked the disease. Treatment of bacterial and purulent forms diseases are based on the use of antibiotics, viral - antiviral drugs If the pathology is caused by an allergic reaction, antihistamines are prescribed.

Antibacterial drops and ointments:

• sodium sulfacyl 20% (Albucid) – instill 1 drop into each eye 4-6 times a day (we recommend reading:);
• chloramphenicol solution 0.25% - 1 drop 4 times a day;
• Floxal (Ofloxacin) - the drug is available in the form of ointment and drops, use 1 drop 3-4 times a day or place a small amount of ointment behind the eyelid;
• tetracycline eye ointment 1% - put behind the eyelid twice a day.

Antiviral agents:

• Oftalmoferon – 1 drop up to 6-8 times a day;
• Poludan - effective for herpetic and adenoviral conjunctivitis, the drug must be diluted with distilled water according to the instructions and used 1 drop 6-8 times a day;
• Zovirax - place a small amount of ointment behind the eyelid up to 5 times a day (the interval between applications should be at least 4 hours).

Antihistamine drops:

• Opatanol 0.1% - 1 drop 4 times a day;
• Azelastine – 1 drop three times a day.

Folk remedies

Conjunctivitis can be cured using folk remedies - medicinal plants and some food products. This will help relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation and swelling of the eyes.

Decoctions from medicinal plants, which can be used to wash the eyes or in the form of lotions:

• Chamomile decoction – brew 1 filter bag with a glass of boiling water;
• medium strength leaf tea decoction;
• Rosehip decoction – 2 tsp. pour a glass of boiling water over chopped berries and leave for 40 minutes;
• 4 bay leaves pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 40 minutes;
• Kombucha infusion.

An effective folk remedy for relieving eye irritation is considered to be lotions made from grated potatoes(wrap the mass in a sterile gauze cloth and place it on the eyes), keep the compresses for 15 minutes. You can use aloe juice in the form of drops (dilute 1 ml of juice in 10 ml of distilled water), use 1 drop 3 times a day. You can use honey in a similar way (dilute in water in a ratio of 1:3). It will help to quickly get rid of herpetic conjunctivitis Kalanchoe juice– you need to lubricate the rashes on the eyelids 3-4 times a day until complete recovery.

To activate the immune system in children over the age of 2 years, you can take the following mixture orally: carrot juice - 80 ml, celery and parsley juices - 10 ml each. Give your child 100 g of freshly prepared cocktail in the morning and evening.

How to cope with conjunctivitis in a newborn?

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes in newborns is a fairly common phenomenon. If purulent discharge appears, you should consult an ophthalmologist to rule out inflammation of the lacrimal sac and under-opening of the lacrimal canal. Any treatment of newborns should be carried out after the approval of a doctor, but if consultation is not possible for any reason, the use of Albucid solution (1 drop 5-6 times a day) is allowed, as well as washing the eyes with furatsilin solution or chamomile decoction, discussed above.

Features of treatment of infants

It is not recommended to treat a child on your own, especially under the age of one year - this can lead to a deterioration in health and the transition of the disease to the chronic stage. In addition to the medications prescribed by the doctor, massage of the lacrimal gland should be done to improve the outflow of pus. The massage is performed by the mother.

For both adults and parents of small children, the question of what is conjunctivitis (mistakenly called: conjunctevitis, conjunctivitis, conectivitis, conjunctivitis ) and how to treat it. This disease is common among children; its main symptom is inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes .

It should be taken into account when discussing conjunctivitis (erroneously: conectivitis, conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis) that this is a disease that is easier to prevent than to cure. Children's conjunctivitis is most often associated with a cold, severe hypothermia or allergic manifestations.

What should you do to avoid getting sick?

To prevent the development of this disease, you should take into account the reasons for its development. The causes of conjunctivitis are often associated with violations of hygiene rules, so you need to make sure that your baby’s bed is always clean, wash his hands, and keep his toys clean. Older children should be taught to regularly wash their hands on their own.

It is important to regularly ventilate the room (Dr. Komarovsky and others always emphasize this), use humidifiers and air purifiers. It is necessary to provide the baby proper nutrition, a sufficient amount of vitamins in the diet. It is important to walk with your child for at least two hours every day and prevent contact with sick children.

Despite the fact that the eyelids and tear fluid are barriers to the growth of bacteria, viruses and infections in the eyes, if If the child becomes weak, conjunctivitis may develop.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in children

It is not difficult to determine that this particular disease is developing, since the signs of conjunctivitis are always the same. But the symptoms of the disease are more troublesome for children, so they often have a more violent reaction to the disease. If a child's eye is inflamed, he may become restless, lethargic, and cry a lot. With this disease, children complain that their eyes hurt and feel as if sand had gotten into their eyes.

The main signs of inflammation of the conjunctiva in a child are as follows:

• loss of appetite;
• deterioration of vision: the child sees unclearly, blurred;
• feeling that there are foreign bodies in the eyes;
• discomfort and burning in the eyes.

Conjunctivitis in a child, treatment

First of all, parents should understand that treatment of conjunctivitis in children should not be practiced independently, without a doctor’s prescription.

How to cure quickly, how to wash it and how to treat conjunctivitis in children should be determined by an ophthalmologist after an examination. A specialist prescribes treatment for childhood conjunctivitis only after determining what caused the child’s eyes to fester. Treat childhood conjunctivitis at home it is necessary according to the scheme prescribed by a specialist.

It should be noted that in children under 3 years of age, symptoms of inflammation and slight redness are sometimes associated with contact with the eye. foreign objects– cilia, grains of sand, and also with the development allergic reaction to different stimuli.

However, similar symptoms in children may be associated with more serious causes - increased intracranial or. In this case, the symptoms will also be similar.

Determining the type of conjunctivitis

Determined viral , bacterial And allergic types of this disease. Purulent conjunctivitis in children is of a bacterial nature; accordingly, the treatment of purulent conjunctivitis in children is carried out according to the treatment regimen for a disease of bacterial origin.

If the eyes are red and irritated, but there is no pus, we are talking about viral or allergic conjunctivitis (see photo above). When symptoms appear and conjunctivitis, one may suspect the development adenoviral conjunctivitis .

Basic rules of treatment in children

Until a diagnosis has been established, you should not decide on your own how to treat conjunctivitis if the child is 2 years old or younger. But if for a certain reason it is not possible to immediately visit a specialist, if you suspect an allergic or viral form of the disease in a 2-year-old child, you can drop it into the eyes.

If there is a suspicion of an allergic nature of the disease, the child should be given antihistamine medicine .

If a bacterial or viral species disease, how to treat conjunctivitis if the child is 3 years old or older depends on the purpose. Dr. Komarovsky and other experts recommend using or chamomile decoction . A 3-year-old child, as well as younger children, should be washed every two hours in the first days of illness, then three times a day. Rinsing with chamomile or furatsilin solution for small children should be done in the direction from the temple to the nose. Chamomile is an excellent folk remedy, a decoction of which can also be used to remove crusts from the eyes. To do this, a sterile napkin is moistened in the prepared broth. You can also wash your baby with a decoction of sage, calendula, and weak tea. If only one eye is inflamed, both should still be washed so that the infection does not spread to the other eye. A separate cotton pad is used for each eye.

If a bacterial form is diagnosed in a child, an eye patch cannot be used, as bacteria will multiply more actively in it.

Whether it is possible for children to walk with conjunctivitis depends on the intensity of the process. If the baby's condition improves, short walks will benefit him. However, it is better to avoid contact with other children during the illness, as the infection can be transmitted. You should not walk outside if the cause of the disease is an allergic reaction, and during this period allergen plants, etc., bloom.

Bacterial conjunctivitis in children, which is treated at home, goes away quickly if you strictly follow all the instructions.

Eye drops for children against conjunctivitis

You can only use drops for treatment that are included in the list of drops recommended by your doctor. At the very beginning of the disease, you need to drip disinfectant drops every three hours.

As a rule, children's eye drops for inflammation are prescribed: 10% solution Albucida (for infants), Fucithalmic , Eubital , Vitabact , . Eye drops for children with redness should be prescribed by a doctor, having initially determined the nature of this phenomenon.

Treatment of redness and inflammation of the eye also involves the use of eye ointments -,. Eye ointment for redness and inflammation is placed under the lower eyelid.

It is important to know how to properly instill drops into the eyes, especially if infants under one year of age are being treated.

How to apply eye drops correctly

• Small children can only put drops in their eyes with a pipette whose end is rounded.
• Before instillation, you need to place a month-old baby or older baby on a surface without a pillow. Let someone help - support his head. Next, you need to pull the eyelid down and drop 1-2 drops. Excess should be blotted with a napkin.
• If eye drops for inflammation and redness need to be instilled into an older child, and he constantly closes his eyes, you should simply drop the solution between the lower upper eyelid. When the baby opens his eyes, the anti-inflammatory eye drops will go inside.
• Before dripping Albucid into the eyes of children, as well as using other drops, you should warm them up in your hand if the product was in the refrigerator. Those drops that long time remained open, or the product had expired.
• Older children should learn to wash their eyes and drip medicine on their own, under adult supervision.

Young mothers often notice that the baby's eye is festering, yellow discharge. Sometimes both eyes become swollen. It happens that after sleep the eyelids stick together so much that they cannot be opened.

Pus in the eyes of a baby is not uncommon. But, before treating conjunctivitis in a newborn, it is necessary to distinguish it from inflammation of the lacrimal sac , non-opening of the lacrimal canal . Therefore, a specialist should confirm the diagnosis and tell you how to treat conjunctivitis in an infant.

How to treat this disease in newborns also depends on the causes of its development. Purulent discharge may appear due to the following factors:

• weakened immune system;
• infection when passing through the birth canal;
• infection by bacteria living in the maternal body;
• maternal infection;
• poor hygiene of the newborn;
• foreign body getting into the eyes.

The doctor determines the cause and, accordingly, prescribes how to treat pus in the child’s eyes, what to rinse with and what to drip. Please note that any eye drops can be given to a newborn only after approval by a specialist. Even those eye drops that are sold without a prescription cannot be used without a prescription.

As a rule, infants are recommended to use a solution Furacilina for washing. Furacilin is diluted using one crushed tablet per 100 ml of water, the temperature of which is 37 degrees. How to wash a child’s eyes with furatsilin depends on the child’s age. For the smallest children, you can carefully wash their eyes with cotton pads soaked in the solution. This remedy is suitable for small children, but it is still better to ask your doctor individually about whether it is possible to wash your eyes with furatsilin.

For rinsing, you can use a decoction of chamomile, which is a good treatment for purulent conjunctivitis, as well as decoctions of sage and calendula . The baby can bathe in a bath with the addition of these decoctions.

Treatment of different types of conjunctivitis

Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on what exactly causes the inflammation of the eye. At the same time, how to treat conjunctivitis at home in adults and children depends on the doctor’s recommendations. Treatment of eye conjunctivitis at home is carried out using instillation, rinsing, and using ointments. Your doctor will recommend how to cure conjunctivitis quickly, since using exclusively folk remedies is often ineffective. How to treat conjunctivitis depends, first of all, on its type. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account all the differences between the different types of this disease.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, symptoms and treatment

Drops are applied Albucid , local antibiotics(in drops), ointments. This form of the disease develops when microorganisms and bacteria enter the mucous membrane.

Typically, the causative agents are streptococcus , Pneumococcus , staphylococcus , chlamydia , gonococcus . If conjunctivitis is one of the symptoms of another disease and is protracted, then treatment includes taking and other drugs necessary for the treatment of infections.

It is important that purulent conjunctivitis is diagnosed by a doctor and prescribed appropriate treatment in adults and children.

Viral conjunctivitis

The causative agents of this form are adenoviruses , herpes , etc. An inflamed eye is treated in this case, (for an illness caused by herpes). Treatment of redness and inflammation of the eye is also carried out with drugs, Trifluridine , Poludan .

Allergic conjunctivitis

Disease allergic origin provoke a variety of irritants - pollen, dust, food products, medications. This form of the disease is manifested by lacrimation, redness, swelling of the eyelids and itching. Such symptoms do not go away for a long time.

To cure this disease, it is important to determine which one allergen caused this condition and, if possible, limit contact with him. The child should be examined by a pediatric allergist, as more serious manifestations of allergies may develop later. It is the specialist who will tell you how to cure this condition completely. The disease must be treated with drugs

But all these means should be perceived as auxiliary. How to treat pus in a child’s eyes is prescribed by a doctor, whom it is advisable to contact immediately after the first unpleasant symptoms appear.

List of sources

• Tur A.F. Childhood diseases / A. F. Tur, O. F. Tarasov, N. P. Shabalov. - M.: Medicine, 1985;
• Sidorenko E.I., Ilyenko L.I., Dubovskaya L.A. Ophthalmology in pediatric practice(selected sections): Proc. allowance. M.: RGMU, 2003;
• Jack Kanski. Clinical ophthalmology. - M.: Logosphere, 2009;
• Ophthalmology: National leadership/ Ed. S.E. Avetisova, E.A. Egorova, L.K. Moshetova et al. M.: GEOTAR-Media; 2008;
• Vorontsova T.N., Prozornaya L.P. Features of the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in children. Ophthalmology. 2014.

Conjunctivitis in a child is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. During the first 4 years of life, 30% of all cases of ophthalmological pathology are conjunctivitis.

In older age, this figure decreases, giving way to refractive errors. Depending on the cause of the disease, there are many types of it. The disease in children occurs differently than in adults and is less treatable.

IN childhood the disease can have serious complications, and therefore requires close attention from the local pediatrician and parents.

What it is?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, or conjunctiva, which covers the whites and inner surface century Typical symptoms diseases: lacrimation, itching, swelling of the eyelids, redness of the eyes, burning. Treatment of conjunctivitis in children depends on the type of pathogen.

Causes

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye can be caused by for various reasons. In accordance with them, the following types of conjunctivitis are distinguished:

1. Viral - occurs as a result of damage to the mucous membrane by viruses that cause colds. Conjunctivitis caused by the herpes virus can cause especially a lot of trouble.
2. Bacterial - caused by the activity of microorganisms that have entered the eye. Bacteria such as skin and Staphylococcus aureus, gonococci, pneumococci, as well as microorganisms that provoke chlamydial infection.
3. Allergic – manifests itself as a reaction to irritation as a result of exposure to various allergens (pollen, odors, dust, and so on).

Most often, conjunctivitis in children develops due to bacterial and viral infections.

Conjunctivitis in newborns

Often acquires severe forms, with secondary bacterial infection. This disease is especially difficult for premature, low birth weight babies who have weak immunity. The most common type of conjunctivitis in a newborn is blenorrhea. Infection occurs as it passes through the birth canal. The causative agents of blenorrhea are chlamydia and gonococci.

Often newborns have watery and sticky eyes, which is explained by blockage tear ducts. As a rule, these symptoms disappear during the first month of life and do not require drug treatment. If there is prolonged inflammation of the conjunctiva of the newborn, it is necessary to show it to a pediatrician.

First signs

All types of inflammation of the conjunctiva have similar symptoms. Parents should suspect the onset of the disease if the following symptoms occur:

• itchy eyes;
• discharge of pus;
• redness of the eyes;
• swelling;
• sour eyes;
• swelling of the eyelid;
• increased lacrimation;
• sticking of eyelashes after waking up.

At the beginning of the disease, the baby vigorously rubs his eyelids. He is irritated by bright lighting: the baby develops a fear of light and the eyelids begin to involuntarily shrink (blepharospasm).

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in children

Each type of conjunctivitis is different characteristic symptoms(see photo). Let's take a closer look at them.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Usually lasts from 3 to 5 weeks. The duration of the course depends on the type of pathogen:

• pinpoint hemorrhages in the eyeball;
• burning and itching sensations in the eyes;
• hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the eye;
• copious purulent or foamy discharge from the eyes;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• sticking of eyelids in the morning;
• increased eye fatigue.

Viral conjunctivitis

The disease accompanies ARVI or influenza. First, inflammation occurs in one eye, and then moves to the second. Characteristic features are:

• profuse lacrimation;
• hyperthermia;
• hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• a burning sensation or a foreign body in the eyes (often children associate this with the feeling of sand in the eyes).

Allergic conjunctivitis

The allergic form of the disease has age characteristics, and is more likely to occur in a 3-year-old child than in a teenager. Symptoms of the disease develop within 24 hours after contact with the allergen. The inflammation spreads to both eyes.

Signs:

• copious watery discharge, lacrimation;
• severe burning and itching, especially when moving the eyes;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• redness of the eye;
• small papillae appear on the mucous membrane;
• feeling of dry eyes;
• increased photosensitivity.

The disease is often accompanied by allergic skin reactions, urticaria, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis.

Adenoviral conjunctivitis

In addition to eye inflammation, pharyngitis, hyperthermia, headache, runny nose, weakness, cough, chills. They are followed by inflammation of the conjunctiva, first in one eye, and then in the second eye. There is swelling of the eyelids and redness of the mucous membrane. The discharge is scanty, mucous, transparent.

Adenoviral conjunctivitis can occur in three forms:

1. Catarrhal, characterized by slight redness and scanty discharge. The duration of the disease is up to 7 days.
2. Membranous. With this form, grayish films are formed on the eye, which can be easily removed with a cotton swab. After removing the film, the erosive surface is exposed. Infiltrates and pinpoint hemorrhages may appear, which disappear after treatment.
3. Folicular, in which bubbles appear on the mucous membrane of the eye.

Diphtheria conjunctivitis

It occurs against the background of diphtheria of the pharynx and is characterized by gray films on the mucous membrane of the eye. After their removal, the bleeding surface is exposed. The eyelids are swollen and thickened with a bluish tint. The discharge is cloudy with flakes. General state unsatisfactory, there is a headache, weakness, weakness, increased body temperature.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis

May occur in newborns 5 to 10 days after birth. U one year old child infection can occur while swimming in a closed reservoir, and in a teenager - during the early onset of sexual activity.

In most cases, one eye is inflamed. The disease begins acutely and is accompanied by swelling and infiltration of the eyelid mucosa, the formation of large follicles in the lower fornix, and mucopurulent discharge.

How to determine the type of conjunctivitis in a child?

• The combination of pharyngitis and conjunctivitis is an adenoviral form of inflammation;
• Irritation and redness without pus is diagnosed - an allergic or viral form;
• Pus appears on the mucous membrane - a bacterial form of inflammation;
• The use of antibiotics does not bring relief - the causative agent of the disease is resistant to drugs or it is not a bacterial form.

How to treat different types of conjunctivitis?

It is known that, depending on the cause of eye inflammation, the following types of conjunctivitis are distinguished, the treatment of which is different:

1. Viral conjunctivitis. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after examination. Typical pathogens are herpes, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and coxsackieviruses. If the virus is of herpetic etiology, then Zovirax ointment and Acyclovir are prescribed. Drops with antiviral action Actipol (aminobenzoic acid), Trifluridine (effective against herpes), Poludan (polyriboadenylic acid).
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis. Most effective means Albucid performs together with local use antibiotic drops and ointments, such as Levomycetin or Tetracycline. This type of conjunctivitis occurs due to the penetration of microbes and bacteria into the mucous membrane of the eye. The most common pathogens are staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, gonococci and chlamydia. In cases where conjunctivitis manifests itself as side effect If the disease is more serious or protracted, it is necessary to use oral antibiotics for treatment.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by various irritants - house dust, plant pollen, household chemicals, food, medicines, strong odors and others. Like bacterial conjunctivitis it is accompanied by redness, swelling of the eyelids, lacrimation, itching (the child constantly scratches his eyes). It is necessary to find out which allergen irritates the child’s eye mucosa and, if possible, limit contact with it. Antihistamines and antiallergic drops reduce the manifestation of the disease. It is mandatory to go through comprehensive examination from an allergist, since the tendency to allergic reactions in children, with other provoking factors, it can contribute to the development of more serious manifestations of allergies, up to bronchial asthma. Treatment: Cromohexal, Allergodil, Olopatodine, Lecrolin, Dexamethasone.

Until a diagnosis has been established, you should not decide on your own how to treat conjunctivitis if the child is 2 years old or younger. But if for a certain reason it is not possible to immediately visit a specialist, if you suspect an allergic or viral form of the disease in a 2-year-old child, you can drop Albucid into the eyes. If there is a suspicion of an allergic nature of the disease, the child should be given an antihistamine.

How to wash your eyes?

Washing the eyes and removing purulent crusts and mucus is an important procedure in the treatment of conjunctivitis. If there is mucopurulent discharge and crusts, the eyes should be washed with solutions and infusions that you can prepare at home yourself.

• Sage infusion: a tablespoon of sage leaves is steamed with a glass of boiling water;
• Tea infusion: pour a tea bag with a glass of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes;
• Saline solution: dissolve a teaspoon of table salt in a liter of warm boiled water;
• Boiled warm water- removes purulent eye discharge well;
• Chamomile infusion: two tablespoons of chamomile flowers are steamed with a glass of boiling water, left for 40 minutes;
• Furacilin solution 0.02%: one tablet of furatsilin 0.02 g is dissolved in 100 ml of boiling water;

Before using eye drops or placing ointment behind your eyelid, you should thoroughly clean and rinse your eyes.

How to instill drops correctly?

Here are some rules:

1. For conjunctivitis in a child who less than a year, instillation is carried out using a pipette that has a rounded end, this avoids accidental damage to the inflamed eye.
2. Place the baby on the surface without a pillow, let someone help you and hold your head. Initially, you need to pull the eyelid a little and add 1-2 drops. Medicine It will spread evenly over the surface of the eye on its own. Excess can be blotted off with a gauze napkin. Separate wipes should be used for each eye.
3. If an older child closes his eyes. This is not a problem, no need to worry, shout at him or force him to open his eyes. This is not necessary; in this case, it is enough to drop the medicine between the upper and lower eyelids. The solution will get into the eye when the child opens it. But even a closed eye can be opened by simply stretching the eyelids in different directions with two fingers.
4. If the drops are stored in the refrigerator, they must be warmed before instillation. Cold drops can act as an additional irritant.
5. Do not use eye drops for conjunctivitis that are expired, unlabeled, or if they have been stored open for a long time.
6. To treat conjunctivitis in older children, it is better to teach them to independently perform the instillation procedure under the strict supervision of their parents.

How many days does it take to treat conjunctivitis in children?

With adequate and timely treatment, the acute process can be cured in 4-5 days. To eliminate symptoms chronic form illness may take 4 to 5 weeks.

You should not let the disease take its course, even if it occurs in mild form. Advanced conjunctivitis can cause the development serious complications which can lead to vision impairment.

Prevention

Is conjunctivitis contagious in children? More often, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes is infectious in nature, is considered contagious and is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one. Therefore, it is necessary to observe preventive measures:

• Do not rub or scratch your eyelids, as the other eye will become infected;
• The child must have an individual face towel;
• keep your hands clean;
• carry out regular eye hygiene;
• during epidemic outbreaks of viral conjunctivitis in schools and kindergartens, do not contact the children's team.

If a child has had an eye injury (a speck, a midge, an eyelash has gotten into it), this can lead to bacterial infection conjunctiva and acute conjunctivitis. It is imperative to show the baby to an ophthalmologist. The doctor will examine the condition of the mucous membrane and, if necessary, prescribe preventive treatment.

Children's conjunctivitis does not apply to dangerous diseases. Moreover, it often goes away on its own, even without the use of any medicine, just by washing the child’s eyes with disinfectant solutions. However, it should be remembered that conjunctivitis in children and adults can become chronic and severe complications can develop.

At the first symptoms, such as redness, itching, lacrimation, sticking of eyelashes after sleep and mucous or purulent discharge from the child’s eyes, you need to be examined by a doctor, or better yet, by an ophthalmologist, who will accurately determine the form of the disease. It is important to find out the factor that caused the disease - a virus, bacteria, fungus or allergen.

In this article you will learn: how conjunctivitis begins in children, its types and forms, causes and symptoms, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Characteristics of the disease

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva). But while in adults this disease is usually quite mild, conjunctivitis is more difficult for young children to tolerate. Their sleep and appetite may be disturbed, and their character may deteriorate. Often children, having contracted conjunctivitis, refuse even their favorite food, become capricious and irritable, and constantly scratch their eyes.

How does conjunctivitis manifest?

In the morning, with conjunctivitis, the baby’s eyelids are usually glued together, yellow crusts form on them, and when opening the eyes, pus and tears flow. In addition, with conjunctivitis, photophobia in children and redness and swelling of the lower eyelid are often observed. If the child has grown up and can already talk about his feelings, there are often complaints of burning, a feeling of “sand” in the eyes, and deterioration of vision.

There are three types of conjunctivitis in children: viral, bacterial and allergic. Viral is quite rare; it usually occurs against the background of acute respiratory infections and is caused by the same pathogens due to insufficient hygiene.

Usually affects one eye, in rare cases, if the disease is not treated, it can transfer to the second. Discharge from the eyes is usually clear, but can become purulent if some bacteria are added to viral conjunctivitis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria: pneumococci and staphylococci. Usually, this kind of bacteria is brought in by dirty hands and may not even appear for some time - and begin to develop only when the baby’s immunity declines.

In newborns, bacterial conjunctivitis can be a consequence of infection of the baby during passage through the birth canal, if there were such pathogens in the mother’s body. This type of conjunctivitis can affect both eyes at once, or first one and then the other - by the transfer of infectious agents from one eye to the other. After the lesion, the eyelids swell, pus is released from the eye, and in the morning the eyelids are glued together.

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by various allergens: cat hair, pollen, medications, mites, etc. This type of conjunctivitis may be accompanied by hay fever. It affects both eyes at once, causing painful sensations, the eyelids itch, but usually there is no pus. Moreover, this type of conjunctivitis is the only one that cannot be infected!

Viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis are acute forms of the disease. But there is also chronic conjunctivitis, which begins unnoticed and requires long and persistent treatment - this is discomfort in the eye, swelling and redness of the conjunctiva and its velvety appearance. Often, follicles form on the conjunctiva of children - small translucent pale pink formations.

Types and forms of conjunctivitis

Conjunctival inflammation can have different etiologies. The type of disease depends on the pathogen. The following types of conjunctivitis occur in children:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis develops in children in 70% of cases. The disease is caused by microorganisms that normally live on the mucous membrane of the eyes. With weakened immunity, they are activated and lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva. Also, these microorganisms can enter the mucous membrane from the outside, along with dust and sand.
  

  The baby can pick them up with dirty hands when he touches his eyes, especially while crying. The most common causative agents of bacterial conjunctivitis are pneumococci and staphylococci.

• The viral causative agent of conjunctivitis, as a rule, enters the eyes along with an adenoviral infection.
• The culprit of allergic conjunctivitis is an allergen (plant pollen, fluff, food, animal hair). This type of disease is different in that there is no discharge from the eyes, but both affected eyes of the child itch all the time.

Allergic conjunctivitis is divided into several subtypes:

1. Seasonal: Appears in spring, early summer, or early fall. Triggered by pollen from grass or trees. Spring allergic conjunctivitis is the most severe.
2. Year-round conjunctivitis accompanies the baby throughout all four seasons. The instigators are dust mites, animal hair and bird feathers.
3. Giant papillary conjunctivitis is caused by a small foreign body that is constantly present in the eye.
4. Specific conjunctivitis is called conjunctivitis, in which inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is caused by certain bacteria or viruses. These include, for example, chlamydial or gonococcal conjunctivitis, as well as herpetic lesion eye.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva is usually preceded by some factor that weakens local or general immunity. This could be hypothermia, microtrauma, or exposure to aerosol or other chemical irritants in the eye.

There is a chronic and acute form conjunctivitis, the manifestations of which depend on the rate of progression of the disease. Acute conjunctivitis occurs suddenly and progresses rapidly. In the chronic form of the disease, the course is sluggish, in which stages of remission and exacerbation can be distinguished. Do not confuse this with a stye on the eye.

Pathological changes in the mucous membrane of the eye appear in various forms:

• Catarrhal - the most light form. It causes mucous discharge from the eyes.
• The purulent form is characteristic of bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Membranous is manifested in viral conjunctivitis by the presence of a thin gray film on the mucous membrane of the eye. It can be easily removed with a cotton swab. But if the film is thick, then removal will be painful, with the appearance of blood. In the future, scars may remain in these places.
• The follicular form of conjunctivitis is characterized by the formation of follicles that resemble small blisters in appearance. They cover the entire surface of the mucous membrane of the eye.

The last three forms of the disease are very dangerous for the child and can lead to complications such as keratitis.

Causes of conjunctivitis in children

Viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis, which has its own specific course, is widespread among children. Most often in pediatrics we encounter bacterial conjunctivitis in children.

Types of infectious agents

According to the type of pathogen, staphylococcal, pneumococcal, streptococcal, diphtheria, acute epidemic (Koch-Wicks bacteria) conjunctivitis in children, etc. are distinguished. Conjunctivitis of newborns (gonoblenorrhea and paratrachoma) - the child becomes infected during the passage of the head through the birth canal of the mother suffering venereal disease(gonorrhea, chlamydia).

Bacterial conjunctivitis in children can occur not only due to infection by external agents, but also due to an increase in the pathogenicity of the eye’s own microflora or the presence of purulent-septic diseases (otitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, omphalitis, pyoderma, etc.).

Tear fluid containing immunoglobulins, complement components, lactoferrin, lysozyme, beta-lysine, has a certain antibacterial activity, but in conditions of weakening of local and general immunity, mechanical damage to the eye, obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, conjunctivitis easily occurs in children.

Viral conjunctivitis in children usually develops against the background of influenza, adenovirus infection, herpes simplex, enterovirus infection, measles, chickenpox etc. In this case, in addition to the phenomenon of conjunctivitis, children experience Clinical signs rhinitis and pharyngitis. Conjunctivitis in children can be caused not only by individual pathogens, but also by their associations (bacteria and viruses).

The high incidence of conjunctivitis among children is explained by the peculiarities of child physiology and the specifics of socialization. The spread of eye infection in children's groups occurs very quickly through contact or airborne droplets.

As a rule, throughout incubation period a child who is a carrier of the infection continues to actively communicate with other children, being a source of infection for a large number of contact persons. The development of conjunctivitis in children is facilitated by defects in child care, dry indoor air, bright light, and dietary errors.

How conjunctivitis begins in children: symptoms

Conjunctivitis in a child can occur in isolation; in some cases, eye symptoms are preceded by catarrhal symptoms. With conjunctivitis of any etiology, children develop a symptom complex, including swelling of the eyelids, conjunctival hyperemia, increased lacrimation, fear of light, foreign body sensation or pain in the eyes, blepharospasm.

The kids get suspicious eye infection It is possible even before the appearance of clinically significant manifestations of restless behavior, frequent crying, and constant attempts to rub your eyes with your fists.

With isolated conjunctivitis in children, the body temperature is usually normal or subfebrile; when general infection can rise to high values.

Due to thickening of the conjunctiva and its injection blood vessels decreases slightly during illness visual function. This deterioration is temporary and reversible: with adequate treatment of conjunctivitis, vision is restored immediately after the children recover

Bacterial

For conjunctivitis bacterial etiology eye damage is bilateral, often sequential - first the infection manifests itself in one eye, after 1-3 days the other eye is affected. Typical sign Bacterial conjunctivitis in children is caused by mucopurulent or viscous purulent discharge from the conjunctival cavity, sticking of the eyelids, drying of crusts on the eyelashes.

The color of the conjunctival discharge can vary from light yellow to yellow-green. The course of bacterial conjunctivitis in children can be complicated by blepharitis and keratoconjunctivitis. Deep keratitis and corneal ulcers develop rarely, mainly against the background of a general weakening of the body - hypovitaminosis, anemia, malnutrition, bronchoadenitis, etc.

Gonoblenorrhea of ​​newborns develops 2-3 days after birth. Symptoms of conjunctivitis of gonorrheal etiology are characterized by dense swelling of the eyelids, bluish-purple coloration of the skin, infiltration and hyperemia of the conjunctiva, serous-hemorrhagic, and then profuse purulent discharge.

The danger of gonococcal conjunctivitis in children is high probability development of purulent infiltrates and corneal ulcers prone to perforation. This can lead to the formation of a cataract, a sharp decrease in vision or blindness; when infection enters internal departments eyes - to the occurrence of endophthalmitis or panophthalmitis.

Chlamydial conjunctivitis in children develops 5-10 days after birth. At an older age, infection can occur in closed reservoirs, and therefore outbreaks of the disease in children are often referred to as basin conjunctivitis.

The clinical picture is characterized by hyperemia and infiltration of the mucous membrane of the eyelids, ptosis of the eyelids, the presence of abundant liquid purulent secretion in the conjunctival cavity, and hypertrophy of the papillae. In children, non-ocular manifestations of infection are often possible: pharyngitis, otitis, pneumonia, vulvovaginitis.

Diphtheria conjunctivitis usually develops against the background of diphtheria of the pharynx, mainly in children under 4 years of age. It should be noted that currently, thanks to mandatory vaccination children against diphtheria are noted isolated cases infections. Eye damage is characterized by painful swelling and hardening of the eyelids, which, when opened, release a cloudy serous-hemorrhagic secretion.

Gray, difficult to remove films are visible on the surface of the conjunctiva; after their removal, the bleeding surface is exposed. Complications of diphtheria conjunctivitis in children may include infiltrates and ulcerations of the cornea, clouding of the cornea, perforation of the ulcer and death of the eye.

Viral

The incubation period for such conjunctivitis is no more than 4-12 days. Often, many patients can remember communicating with someone with conjunctivitis some time ago. At the end of this period, viral conjunctivitis manifests itself with symptoms:

1. Follicles may form on the conjunctiva of the eyelids.
2. Enlargement of blood vessels and irritation occurs nerve endings in the eye area, which is expressed by redness, lacrimation, itching of the eyes.
3. First, a serous discharge appears in the other eye, which quickly spreads to the second eye.
4. Pre-ears enlarge The lymph nodes, become painful on palpation.
5. Photophobia or the sensation of a foreign body in gas may develop.

Cloudiness of the cornea can cause decreased vision, and even after recovery, the doctor can observe residual clouding of the cornea for another 2 years. When conjunctivitis occurs against the background of a manifesting viral disease - measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and influenza.

Treatment of viral conjunctivitis in this case comes down to common struggle with the underlying disease, and the child’s eyes should be washed with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory infusions of herbs (chamomile, sage), instillation eye drops with interferon, and upon recovery from the underlying disease, viral conjunctivitis also stops.

Allergic

Upon contact with an allergen, the severity of the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis directly depends on the concentration of the allergen and on the body's reaction. Therefore, the reaction can be immediate - within half an hour or delayed for 1-2 days.

• Most often, allergic conjunctivitis occurs together with allergic rhinitis, that is, a runny nose and sneezing complements eye irritation.
• Excessive lacrimation, burning in the eyes, under the eyelids, and itching appear.
• Children constantly scratch their eyes, which provokes a secondary infection, so ophthalmologists often recommend antimicrobial ointments and drops for long-term allergic conjunctivitis in children.
• The itching can be so intense that it forces a child or adult to endlessly rub their eyes.
• Small follicles or papillae may appear on the mucous membrane of the eye.
• Discharge from the eyes is most often transparent, mucous, less often thread-like, viscous.
• When a secondary infection occurs, purulent discharge is found in the corners of the eyes, especially after sleep.
• The child also complains of dryness of the mucous membranes of the eyes, a feeling of sand in the eyes, and photophobia appears.
• Since tear production decreases and the conjunctiva atrophies (especially in adults and elderly people), pain and cutting discomfort occur when moving the eyes.
• Sometimes in children, on the contrary, an increase in the production of tear secretion occurs, usually at the very beginning of the disease.
• Children and adults experience eye fatigue and redness of both eyes.

With year-round allergic conjunctivitis, a child or adult is constantly exposed to an allergen, most often household chemicals, house dust or pet hair - cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, parrot feathers.

With periodic, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, symptoms appear only at a certain time - periods of flowering plants. With contact conjunctivitis, the development of the disease is provoked by solutions for contact lenses, as well as the use of creams, ointments, cosmetics girls and women.

Before you start specific treatment, the allergen must be accurately identified; this is not always an easy task. And often, only one ophthalmologist cannot help the patient, so you should also contact a dermatologist and allergist to determine the allergen that caused the body’s inadequate reaction.

Diagnostics

Treatment of inflammation must begin immediately after the first signs are identified. For a quick and accurate diagnosis, parents are advised to carefully monitor the development of the process and tell the doctor in detail about its course. In the case of a bacterial or viral infection, it is necessary to identify the pathogen in order to select optimal measures.

Diagnostics includes:

1. medical examination of the visual organs;
2. eye biomicroscopy;
3. cytology of a smear taken from the conjunctiva of the affected organ of vision.

If a child has purulent discharge, the final diagnosis is made after virological, bacteriological, serological study smear

If you suspect an allergic nature of the disease, consult an allergist. In this case, additional examination is recommended:

• taking skin allergy tests;
• determination of eosinophil concentration;
• probability survey helminthic infestation or dysbacteriosis.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat conjunctivitis, because if it is neglected, it can lead to visual impairment in the child. But you shouldn’t self-medicate either - at the slightest suspicion of conjunctivitis, you should contact an ophthalmologist to select the correct treatment.

First aid

But this does not mean that you should sit idle before visiting a doctor. You can help your baby with means that will not harm him, even if there is no trace of conjunctivitis! Such means include a solution of potassium permanganate, boric acid or strong tea.

A solution of potassium permanganate is made as follows: in warm boiled water dilute a little potassium permanganate to Pink colour water - and gently rinse the baby's eyes with this solution. Make sure that the solution is not too concentrated to avoid burns.

You can also wash your child's eyes with a 2% solution of boric acid or freshly brewed and cooled strong black tea - but before doing this, do not forget to strain it so that the tea leaves do not get into the baby's eyes.

Chamomile decoction or furatsilin solution can also be a good first aid remedy for conjunctivitis. A decoction of chamomile is, in principle, good for treating inflamed mucous membranes, and a solution of furatsilin will be a good idea to cleanse a child’s eyes of dried crusts.

Don't forget that you need to wash your eyes outside eyes to the inner. In addition, washing can be replaced by wiping the baby's eyes with gauze swabs soaked in tea or herbal decoctions: chamomile, nettle, sage.

And most importantly: do not apply any bandages under any circumstances, because under them simply “paradise” conditions are created for the proliferation of bacteria and the spread of infection into the cornea, which can lead to keratitis - and, as a result, to deterioration of vision. When you see a doctor, he will first determine the type of conjunctivitis and then prescribe proper treatment.

Often, for bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, drops or ointments containing antibiotics are prescribed. You shouldn’t be afraid of this, because the concentration of antibiotics in such drops is extremely small, and in any case they “get” only to the eye. The doctor may also prescribe drops in the eyes - a 20% solution of sodium sulfacyl (albucid).

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually treated with various antiallergic drops and immunosuppressants: dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, lecrolin, allergophthal, spersallerg, allergodil, etc. A severe itching, which accompanies allergic conjunctivitis, can be alleviated if you put it on your child Sunglasses in sunny weather.

The only thing you need to pay attention to is that certain types of drugs cannot be used to treat newborns: antibacterial drugs class of aminoglycosides (streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin), as well as eye drops and ointments that contain these drugs; sodium sulfacyl.

Features of procedures and safety measures

At allergic inflammation The mucous membrane of the eyes does not need to be washed. On the contrary, they can worsen the condition. Frequent rinsing is indicated for bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. How to perform these procedures correctly? Is it also painless and safe to instill drops, remove dried crusts, and apply ointment?

1. All solutions, ointments and drops should be at room temperature.
2. For rinsing, use a solution of furatsilin (1 tablet of furatsilin for half a glass of water) or folk remedies- strong brewed tea, weak chamomile decoction.
3. Washing should be done every 2 hours for initial stage, with acute conjunctivitis in children.
4. Disinfecting and anti-inflammatory drops are also used. IN initial stage diseases - every 2-3 hours, then less often.
5. For older children, Vitabact, Picloxidine, Colbiotsin, Eubetal, Fucithalmic and other anti-inflammatory drops are used. When treating conjunctivitis in infants, Albucid (10% solution) is used.
6. Rinsing should only be done towards the inner corner of the eye.
7. Use a separate cotton pad or napkin to wash each eye. Used wipes must be thrown away, as they can be a source of infection.
8. If one eye is inflamed, procedures are performed on both.
9. To apply the drops correctly, you need to carefully pull back the lower eyelid and drop the liquid onto the mucous membrane. Treatment with ointment is carried out in the same way.
10. If there are crusts on the eyelids, they should not be peeled off dry. After washing, the crusts soften and are carefully removed using a sterile napkin or bandage.
11. After the procedure, there is no need to rub anything; the medicine is evenly distributed when blinking.
12. Excess medicine accumulated in the corners of the eyes can be carefully removed with napkins.
13. When instilling into the eyes of infants, you need to use special pipettes with rounded ends.
14. Older children can be taught to carry out procedures on their own.
15. If the child is afraid and closes his eyes, you can drop liquid between the eyelids. When he opens his eyes, the medicine will get onto the mucous membrane.
16. You need to carefully monitor the dosage. If the doctor prescribed one drop, there is no need to take two. This is especially true for antibacterial drugs.
17. It is also important to monitor the expiration date of medications. Most packages, after opening, are stored only in the refrigerator; they can be used for a short period of time.
18. For infectious conjunctivitis in children, doctors recommend throwing away medications after a course of treatment, because infectious agents may remain on the bottle. Infection may occur again. For the same reason, the drops must be individual.

Traditional methods of treatment