Most diseases are unpleasant, but there are also those that, among other things, cause a lot of inconvenience. Conjunctivitis also refers to the latter, in other words, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. Its symptoms are redness, lacrimation, and sometimes suppuration of the organ. Therefore, it is so important to know how to treat conjunctivitis in order to get rid of this disease faster.
It should be noted that the factors causing this disease are, most often, viruses or bacteria. In this case, its carrier can infect others. Allergic conjunctivitis is much less common, which is much easier to cure.
In order to begin treatment of viral conjunctivitis, first of all, you should consult a specialist. He will prescribe tests, based on which the cause of the disease will be identified, which should be eliminated. In most cases, antibacterial or antiviral drugs may be needed, along with which immunomodulating agents are also taken.
In addition to therapy, it is imperative to tighten control over personal hygiene, wash hands more often and try not to touch their eyes. The disease can spread to the second side. Doctors recommend that patients reduce their appearance in public places, which is necessary not only to prevent the spread of the infection, but also not to catch the “foreign” bacteria.
With a prolonged course or possible complications, the mild form can turn into chronic conjunctivitis, the treatment of which is much more complicated and longer. Removing the symptoms of the disease does not mean a complete recovery, therefore, the recommendations prescribed by the doctor for taking medications should be fully observed.
In cases where it is impossible for some reason to turn to a specialist in the near future, the question arises of how to treat conjunctivitis at home. For this, you can use rinses and compresses for the eyes. As components are taken such medicinal herbs as chamomile (has anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effects), sage (relieves irritation and redness), calendula, nettle and many others. A popular way than treating conjunctivitis is popularly considered to be brewing black tea (without any impurities). Tea is poured with boiling water, a certain time is infused, after which the eyes are washed with tea leaves. This method is also used to treat children and animals.
You can prepare eye drops yourself, using aloe juice well diluted (1:10) with boiled water. It disinfects the mucosa and relieves swelling of the eyelids.
Washing and compresses help, most often, in the first stages of the disease, when only the first symptoms are manifested. If these funds do not help, then it is imperative that you see a doctor who will prescribe medications and tell you how to treat conjunctivitis.
Among them may be Interferon in the form of drops for the eyes, Tetracycline ointment or Albucid. It is worth remembering that not all of these drugs can be used in children. In allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamines are prescribed, for example, Zirtek or Tavegil.
For the prevention of the disease, it is recommended to take multivitamin complexes and drugs that stimulate the body's immune system. In the event that this is a manifestation of an allergy, it is worth minimizing contact with the substance that causes such a reaction.
Among the means for washing the affected eye (simultaneously with the use of drugs) can be used boiled water with salt dissolved in it (a teaspoon per glass). The main thing to remember is that it is impossible to delay the start of treatment, so as not to earn a chronic form of the disease.