Symptoms of conjunctivitis

La conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva but, what are your symptoms? Y how can we identify conjunctivitis?.

El most common and visible symptom of conjunctivitis is the dilation of the blood vessels of the conjunctiva that gives it that characteristic so common in all conjunctivitis, the Red eye. Depending on the type of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial, allergic Different symptoms will appear that will allow us to identify that we are facing conjunctivitis and know the type of conjunctivitis..

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

La conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva but, what are your symptoms? Y how can we identify conjunctivitis?.

El most common and visible symptom of conjunctivitis is the dilation of the blood vessels of the conjunctiva that gives it that characteristic so common in all conjunctivitis, the Red eye. Depending on the type of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial, allergic Different symptoms will appear that will allow us to identify that we are facing conjunctivitis and know the type of conjunctivitis..

What is conjunctivitis?

La conjunctivitis is an ophthalmological pathology that occurs when the conjunctiva of the eyes becomes inflamed and causes redness and constant tearing, among other symptoms. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the eyelids and the white part of the eye, which is why when inflamed it makes it possible for blood vessels are more noticeable.

It is one of the most common eye diseases and can occur both in Babies y children as in adults. Conjunctivitis can occur, among other reasons, due to an allergy, infections and to irritation because of ultraviolet light, sunlight, cold y sarampion. Poorly treated conjunctivitis can lead to complications eyepieces as those related to the lacrimal duct or twisted eyelid. For this reason, it is important recognize early symptoms of conjunctivitis and the types of this disease to act quickly and go to the doctor.

Types of conjunctivitis

  • Allergic conjunctivitis: is caused by an external agent, like dust, and can be accompanied by other conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis and hives.
  • Infectious conjunctivitis: is one that is produced by the presence of a bacteria or virus. Often the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis is a virus, because spreads more easily.
conjunctivitis symptoms

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

This sickness It is mainly characterized by causing red eye and excessive tear productionbut there are also others symptoms that accompany this condition, know them below:

  • Redness and swelling of the whites of the eyes. Blood vessels are usually easily distinguishable.
  • Excessive production of tears.
  • Eye discharge It can be white, yellow or green. This symptom is very common in people with infectious conjunctivitis.
  • The eyes usually itch, burn and hurt.
  • Visual sensitivity to light (photosensitivity), which is why the use of sunglasses is recommended.
  • Sensation of having grains of sand in the eyes, especially when closing and opening the eyelid.
  • The eyes are often filled with legañas, especially in the eyelashes and eyelids.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Bulky, milky appearance of the conjunctiva, typical of the conjunctival chemosis.

When one of the symptoms of conjunctivitis occurs, it is necessary to visit the ophthalmologist, which will perform an eye examination to determine the cause of the symptoms present.

Si la conjunctivitis is infectious the health specialist will order the performing blood tests to determine the causative agent of pathology. When the conjunctivitis es caused by an allergen agent is usually diagnose together with other pathologies.

How is conjunctivitis spread?

La infectious conjunctivitis is a disease that tends to spread easily from one person to another, since only minimal contact with the bacteria is enough to contract the disease. That is, the use of glasses of an infected person or touching the eyes of a person with conjunctivitis can be routes of infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, unless it is accompanied by another infection. Usually the smoke, Mites of the dust, dog fluff and contamination of the city are external agents that usually cause this pathology.

Avoid the contagion of conjunctivitis it is possible if the following are carried out recommendations:

  • Handwashing several times a day with antibacterial soap.
  • Do not touch or rub your eyes with dirty handsmuch less being around an infected person.
  • Do not lend or share the use of glasses or contact lenses. This tool must be exclusively for personal use to prevent not only conjunctivitis, but also other ophthalmological pathologies.
  • Clean and disinfect at least once a day her glasses. Also, store them in a suitable and clean case.
  • You should not lend makeup or use other people's makeup. Cosmetics such as mascara, eye shadow, or eyeliner can transmit the disease.

How long the illness lasts

La duration of conjunctivitis varies depending on the cause of the condition and how far advanced it is. As usual, when symptoms are treated in time la infectious conjunctivitis it may take heal for 7-10 days after starting treatment and following prevention tips. Nevertheless, in some cases conjunctivitis can last for months and years, which usually occurs when the eyelid has been twisted or the tear duct has been severely affected.

When the conjunctivitis is infectious because of a virus can last up to 5 days, but if the cause of the infection is a bacterium la Recovery may take a little longer while the antibiotic works on the body.. When the conjunctivitis is allergicwill be accurate address the primary cause to start noticing favorable changes in the eye and vision, which it can take days or months.

Treatment of conjunctivitis

Like its duration, the conjunctivitis treatment it will depend on its cause. The allergic conjunctivitis usually improves through antiallergic consumption and very important, avoiding contact with external agents, such as dust, that may have caused the development of this condition. Also, when the conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy is usually calmed with the application of cold compresses.

The treatment of infectious conjunctivitis caused by bacteria consists of the intake of antibiotic medications to strengthen the immune system and destroy microorganisms. When the conjunctivitis is viral goes away on its own And there is no need to take antibiotics. The use of eye drops for conjunctivitids can help ease symptoms. The following recommendations they are useful for help to improve discomfort caused by conjunctivitis of any type:

  • Apply warm compresses In the eyes.
  • Avoid exposure to all kinds of smoke, wind o Air Conditioners.
  • Avoid using any medication or substance which can further irritate the eyes.
  • Clean the eyes and eyelashes several times a day.
Summary
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis and how to treat them
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Symptoms of Conjunctivitis and how to treat them
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The symptoms of conjunctivitis can present themselves in different ways, both in adults and in children. Here's how to treat them.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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