Conjunctivitis is a disease that is accompanied by the development of inflammatory processes of the conjunctiva - the mucous membrane of the eye. The main signs of this disease are abundant secretion of tears and mucus. This disease is common among both children and adults. How to treat conjunctivitis, how to correctly determine the presence of a disease - everyone should know the answers to all these questions.
Causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis. In most cases, conjunctivitis is the result of infection. Depending on the cause of the development of this disease, three main forms of conjunctivitis are distinguished:
1) Bacterial conjunctivitis is a disease that is caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal infection. As a rule, with this form of the disease, both eyes are affected. This kind of conjunctivitis is accompanied by a strong secretion of tears and purulent masses.
2) Allergic conjunctivitis - this form of the disease is caused by contact with the mucous membrane of the allergen: dust, chemicals, cosmetics. The disease is characterized by the release of viscous mucus, redness and swelling of the eyelids, severe itching. As a rule, the disease affects both eyes.
3) Viral conjunctivitis - in most cases is associated with a strong weakening of the immune system and the presence of another viral disease. This form of conjunctivitis affects, as a rule, the mucosa of one eye. This form of the disease is accompanied by the release of a small amount of liquid mucus and tears.
How to treat conjunctivitis? At the first suspicion of this disease, you need to contact an ophthalmologist, since only an experienced specialist knows how to treat conjunctivitis. First, the doctor must determine what caused the inflammation and only then determine the method of treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis: how to treat? The treatment of such conjunctivitis is aimed at removing the virus from the body and increasing the level of immune defense. As a rule, antiviral drugs (oxolin, florenal, etc.) are prescribed, which are available in the form of eye drops or a special ointment. Vitamin supplementation is also recommended to improve body protection.
How to treat conjunctivitis caused by allergies? First you need to determine what caused the allergic reaction and prevent contact with this substance. To relieve complications, the use of antihistamines is recommended. Cold lotions from tea leaves will help relieve puffiness.
How to treat bacterial conjunctivitis? In the treatment of this type of disease, antibiotics are used. The most commonly used are chloramphenicol in the form of eye drops, or tetracycline ointment, which also contains antibiotics.
How to cure conjunctivitis at home? Alternative methods of treatment are used only to speed up and facilitate the healing process and do not replace full-fledged medical treatment.
Mucus and pus, which are secreted from the eyes, lead to clumping of eyelashes. In order to prevent this process, you need to wipe your eyes with warm tea leaves. Just soak a cotton swab in it and wipe your eye, starting at the outer edge. If both eyes are affected, then use different swabs to handle them.
You can replace the tea brew with a decoction of chamomile. To prepare it, take 10 gr. dry flowers of this plant and pour half a glass of boiling water. Let the broth infuse, after which as often as possible wipe their eyes.
Hygiene for conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis of a viral or bacterial origin is very contagious, which is why it is so important to observe certain hygen rules. Firstly, after each contact with sore eyes, you must always wash your hands with soap. Secondly, contact with healthy people should be avoided whenever possible. A sick person should only use his own hygiene products, clothing and bedding. With conjunctivitis, it is necessary to avoid contact with eyes with water containing chlorine, so you should refuse to visit the pools and use running water.