Conjunctivitis types and symptoms
Conjunctivitis refers to an inflammation that causes swelling and irritation of the clear, thin layer that protects the surface of your eyes and forms the lid (the conjunctiva). It can cause your eyes to look bright red and feel rough and feel sticky or watery. It's also known as pink eye.
Conjunctivitis is a common occurrence, particularly among children, and typically will improve by itself own within one week or so. There are a few things you can do to reduce the symptoms, usually by obtaining treatments at your local pharmacy. There is no need to visit your GP for conjunctivitis. However, there are instances that you should get medical advice. Homeopathic medicine for conjunctivitis.
Different types of conjunctivitis
There are three kinds of conjunctivitis. They are:
conjunctivitis that is infected, and can be caused by bacteria or viruses
allergic conjunctivitis, such as part of hayfever when you're allergic to pollen
The cause of irritation is (chemical) conjunctivitis occurs the moment your eyes come in contact with something that causes irritation to them (for instance the pool chlorine)
The causes of conjunctivitis
There are many factors that can cause swelling and inflammation of the conjunctivitis.
Viral conjunctivitis
The virus is a frequent cause of conjunctivitis. It is more common for adults. The virus that typically causes conjunctivitis also is the cause of common cold. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral infection in the event that you suffer from a cold or have contact with someone who's coughing or coughing. The virus is highly contagious.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Many different kinds of bacteria can cause conjunctivitis. It's usually bacteria from your own respiratory system or skin (nose or throat) which causes conjunctivitis. For children and people who are older conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is more frequent than viral conjunctivitis.
It is possible to also develop bacterial conjunctivitis through:
getting into contact with someone who is suffering from conjunctivitis
Contact lenses worn by people who have been infected
touching eyes using your unwashed hands
using eye makeup that is contaminated and lotions for the face
Conjunctivitis in infants
Neonatal (newborn) conjunctivitis can affect babies within the first month of their lives. The most common reasons is due to an infection that is passed through the birth canal by a mother suffering from Chlamydia, or less frequently than that, gonorrhoea. Neonatal conjunctivitis may cause permanent damage to your eyes when it's not treated promptly.
Allergy conjunctivitis
If you are allergic to pollens from plants released at the same moment every year, you could develop seasonal conjunctivitis that is allergic. The all-year round (perennial) allergy conjunctivitis could be caused by dust mites as well as fur of animals. These are the most frequent causes of allergic conjunctivitis.
Another form of conjunctivitis that is allergic is known as massive papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). Doctors aren't entirely sure of the causes however, it appears to be an allergies to contact lens. If you experience GPC it is possible that you will require a change in the contacts you are wearing, as well as the solutions that you use to cleanse them, or remove them entirely.
There is a chance that you will experience reactions to the eye drop as well as eye makeup, which may cause irritation of your eyelids. This form of conjunctivitis is called contact dermatoconjunctivitis.
Irritant conjunctivitis
Sometimes, conjunctivitis can be caused by a toxic or irritating substance that comes into contact with your eyes. They could include substances that are found in:
eye medications that contain preservatives (if you are using them for a long period of time)
swimming pools that have chlorine
Air pollution, which includes fumes and smoke
You could also suffer from conjunctivitis if anything gets in your eye and scratches it (for instance the foreign object is caught in the eyelid).
Conjunctivitis symptoms
Conjunctivitis can affect either one or both eyes. Conjunctivitis symptoms include:
Redness from the eyes. eyes
It could be a thick, watery or sticky, green or yellow eye discharge. they could be stuck together as you awake in the morning.
blurred vision due to discharges around your eyes
an unpleasant feeling of gritty in your eye. It can be itchy or stingy.
swollen eyelids
If you suffer from allergic conjunctivitis the eyes will be very itchy. It is possible that you have hay fever and asthma symptoms as well.
If you are experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis consult to your doctor. They can provide assistance and guidance on how to aid in easing your symptoms.
When is the best time to visit the doctor for conjunctivitis
If the conjunctivitis does not improve after two weeks of medication from your pharmacist, or your symptoms become worse make contact with your GP.
Call your GP immediately or make the appointment urgently with an optician:
You feel pain in your eyes
You are more sensitive to the light
suddenly change in your vision
This could be a sign of an issue that is more serious that affects your eyes.
If you're a parent of a baby younger than one month and you suspect that they be suffering from conjunctivitis, consult an midwife, or GP immediately. Conjunctivitis in newborn babies can be very dangerous. When the GP clinic is shut, visit the emergency and accident department of the local hospital.
Conjunctivitis diagnosis
When you are seeking medical treatment for conjunctivitis, your doctor or nurse will inquire about your symptoms, examine the patient and inquire about your medical background. They could collect a swab from your eyes and take it off to an eye lab to be examined to determine what's causing the conjunctivitis. Your GP could suggest you see an opthamologist (a doctor that specializes in the health of your eyes) but this isn't always required.
The prevention of conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis that is infected can be transmitted which is why you could opt to leave working. It's not necessary you to leave your children home in case they suffer from conjunctivitis unless they're very sick. Contact their preschool or the school in case aren't certain. There may be a warning that you shouldn't go to school as they might be following the own rules.
If you suffer from conjunctivitis that is infected whenever possible it is best to stay clear of contact with other people for a few days or weeks. This is especially crucial for healthcare professionals or work with children. Here are some additional suggestions on how to avoid spreading conjunctivitis.
Make sure you wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes.
Clean towels and pillows are recommended and keep them away from sharing with anyone.
Do not share your makeup with anyone else.