conjunctivitis in babies

Infantile conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions in babies, children and adolescents. This disease occurs when the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye, becomes inflamed due to a bacterial infection, a viral process or an allergic reaction. 

Conjunctivitis in babies is not a serious disease, but it must be treated immediately to combat the discomfort it produces and that alters the well-being of the child. Excessive tearing, red eyes, rheum and itching are some of the most common symptoms that characterize conjunctivitis in babies.

conjunctivitis in babies

Infantile conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions in babies, children and adolescents. This disease occurs when the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye, becomes inflamed due to a bacterial infection, a viral process or an allergic reaction. 

Conjunctivitis in babies is not a serious disease, but it must be treated immediately to combat the discomfort it produces and that alters the well-being of the child. Excessive tearing, red eyes, rheum and itching are some of the most common symptoms that characterize conjunctivitis in babies.

Is conjunctivitis in babies serious?

The conjunctiva is a transparent and very thin tissue that lines the inner part of the eyelids and the sclera, the white part of the eye. The conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva makes blood vessels more visible, causing the eyes to appear red. 

Conjunctivitis is a very common disease and can affect adults, children and newborns. Conjunctivitis in babies can be very alarming, however, this disease it is less serious than it seems. In most cases it is an infectious, viral or allergic process, which is temporary and heals in a few days. 

In any case, it should be noted that It is very important to go to pediatric ophthalmologist as soon as parents identify the symptoms of conjunctivitis in their baby. This disease usually causes many discomforts that can irritate or alter the baby's behavior, such as constant itching in the eyes. The earlier you receive treatment, the faster your symptoms can be relieved.

Types of conjunctivitis

There are several types of conjunctivitis:

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis: This conjunctivitis is one of the most annoying as it causes eye pain, yellowish discharge, itching, eye redness and swelling. It is caused by bacteria that have entered the eye and usually affects both eyes, being highly contagious.
  • Viral conjunctivitis: It is caused by a viral process and manifests itself in the same way as bacterial conjunctivitis: watery eyes, eye redness, itching and eye discharge. This type of conjunctivitis is also contagious.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis: occurs when the eyes come into contact with an allergenic factor, such as pollen or dust mites. Causes irritation, itching, eye redness or eyelid swelling. Allergic conjunctiva may be accompanied by rhinitis and is not contagious.
  • irritative conjunctivitis: appears after the eye has contact with an irritating substance, such as chlorine. It is not contagious and improves very quickly by washing the eyes with distilled water.
conjunctivitis in babies

Causes

Conjunctivitis in babies can be caused by the following factors: 

  • Different viruses like adenovirus. 
  • Some bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenzae. 
  • Allergens such as pollen, brush, dust mites, dander, and pet hair or fungus. 
  • Certain medications and foods.
  • Irritant substances such as chlorine or tobacco smoke. 

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in newborns

In the early stages, conjunctivitis in babies manifested through excessive tearing. This occurs because the eye activates tear production as a defense mechanism to drain any foreign body. 

It is also common for the baby's eyes to turn very bright red; do not panic, this is also normal and it is because, when the conjunctiva is inflamed, the blood vessels dilate and become more noticeable to the eye. 

Other symptoms of conjunctivitis in babies are:

conjunctivitis baby
  • Eye discharge white, yellow, transparent or green. 
  • Burning, pain and itching In the eyes.
  • Feeling of sand or a foreign body inside the eye. 
  • Leganas on eyelids and eyelashes.
  • Inflammation of the eyelids.

Transmission

The treatment of conjunctivitis can vary depending on the type:

  • La viral conjunctivitis it deals with analgesics to relieve general discomfort if any. Excessive tearing, redness, and discharge are treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops that help fight inflammation of the conjunctiva. 
  • La bacterial conjunctivitis it deals with antibiotics in the form of drops or ointment that you should apply preferably when the baby is asleep, to make it easier. Anti-inflammatories and artificial tears may also be prescribed. 
  • La allergic conjunctivitis it deals with antihistamines, also in drops, anti-inflammatories and artificial tears. It is important to know what the allergenic factor has been to prevent the baby from having contact with it again. Your baby's pediatric ophthalmologist will likely recommend seeing an allergist for allergy testing and perhaps prescribing preventive treatment for allergies or other autoimmune reactions, such as rhinitis.

To treat conjunctivitis it is of great help apply cold compresses to relieve pain. It is also recommended to wash the baby's eyes with saline at least 5 times a day and keep the newborn in dimly lit spaces, since conjunctivitis causes sensitivity to light.

How to prevent it?

Preventing conjunctivitis is the best thing you can do to take care of your baby's eye health. Below we offer you some tips To avoid this common disease:

  • Remember that bacterial and viral conjunctivitis they are highly contagious. Keep your baby away from anyone with this disease.
  • Wash the baby's hands with antibacterial soap and water. several times a day.
  • The child's sheets and towels must be for your exclusive use.
  • If you notice that the baby sneezes and scratches his eyes frequently consult with the pediatrician about the possibility of testing for allergies.
  • Prevents them from touching or holding the baby without washing their hands.
  • Change your bedding frequently.
  • Keep your house clean and remove dust preferably with a vacuum cleaner.
  • If the baby is allergic to dust, avoid curtains, rugs, and mosquito nets.
Summary
My baby has conjunctivitis, what do I do?
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My baby has conjunctivitis, what do I do?
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Conjunctivitis in babies is not a serious disease, but it must be treated immediately to combat the discomfort it produces and that alters the well-being of the child.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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