Such an ophthalmic process, as an extensive purulent formation on the eyelid, is called an abscess of the century (according to ICD-10 - H00.0). The disease manifests itself as swelling and redness, pain and even an increase in body temperature. Headaches and a feeling of general weakness are not ruled out.
In this case, it is extremely important to consult a doctor, since there is a risk of the spread of the inflammatory process, including in the brain area.
What leads to suppuration?
The active activity of pathogenic microorganisms such as streptococci and staphylococci contributes to the development of the disease.
The abscess of the century is a rapid process that often develops against the background of other ophthalmic ailments. For example, it may be preceded by barley on the eye or blepharitis. In addition, an abscess of the century can occur if a person is in a very dusty place and does not use protective equipment.
In advanced cases and in the presence of provoking factors, the purulent process spreads to adjacent tissues and leads to dangerous consequences.
Main reasons
The following main causes that cause an abscess of the century can be distinguished:
- Herpes virus.
- Diseases of the nose or eyes.
- Diseases of a dental nature.
- The presence of infectious foci in the body.
- Blood poisoning.
- Further inflammatory process in the present boil on the eye.
- Sinusitis or other inflammation in the sinuses.
- The development of complications after an insect bite.
In childhood, the aforementioned ailment can also develop due to poor child hygiene - often children unknowingly rub their eyes with dirty handles, which contributes to the infection.
And in adulthood, an abscess of the century can occur due to untreated inflammation or an unsuccessful attempt to squeeze an abscess in the eye area.
Symptomatology
According to the international classification of diseases, pathology has its own code. Abscess of the upper eyelid according to ICD-10, as already mentioned, is assigned the code H00.0.
Symptoms with such a pathology are bright:
- Inflammation develops rapidly, as a result of which a person begins to feel general weakness.
- His body temperature rises.
- Eye swollen and festering.
Possible complications
Such symptoms should prompt the patient to seek medical help immediately. If this is not done, then complications will soon begin, the most dangerous among them are:
- meningitis;
- phlegmon;
- thrombophlebitis of the veins of the eye.
At the initial stage of the disease, the eyelid becomes swollen, and the tissues on it are compacted. Many confuse the abscess of the upper eyelid and phlegmon, which means that it is worth mentioning their differences. With an abscess, pus is localized in one place, and with phlegmon, purulent contents spread over the adjacent tissues.
The differences between the abscess and barley are also noticeable: in the latter case, the process of suppuration develops much faster (since the photo of the abscess of the century is unaesthetic, we will not post it in the article).
Diagnostic measures
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by palpation of the inflamed area and the delivery of laboratory tests. If the process is started, the patient is offered to pass:
- general blood analysis;
- blood on RW;
- for sugar;
- urine data needed;
- verification of Hbs antigen.
If there are indications, then you need to consult a therapist, dentist, otolaryngologist.
Often with an abscess of the eyelid, the tissues of the latter increase quite strongly, and often the patient cannot even open his eyes. He is in severe pain. At the same time, the lymph nodes are enlarged, and in the area of inflammation, the tissues become red and hot.
The acute period of the disease is characterized by the development of fever, decreased visual acuity and headache. Under the skin of the eyelid, a yellow purulent formation is clearly visible. In the event of a breakthrough, pus flows out and the inflammation stops. But if a fistula has formed at the site of the breakthrough, then this exacerbates the situation. Re-infection may occur, and the disease will proceed in a more severe form.
If an abscess of the lower eyelid is diagnosed, then the patient's visual function is not lost, and the upper eyelid freely closes and opens. But this does not mean that treatment can be delayed, the inflammatory process can spread to healthy tissues. Therefore, do not hesitate in going to the doctor.
Treatment
Therapy is prescribed only after diagnosis. An ophthalmologist determines the method of treatment for an abscess of the century. In order for therapy to be effective, a diagnosis of the disease is carried out first.
The doctor must determine whether an autopsy of the purulent formation is necessary. If there is a medical indication, then anesthesia is done first, and then an autopsy is performed, followed by removal of the contents of the abscess. In conclusion, the resulting cavity is treated with an antibacterial and antiseptic.
If everything is done carefully, the healing process is fast and subsequently there is no scar, since an incision is made along the edge of the eyelid. The autopsy procedure lasts an average of 10 minutes. But do not hope that the treatment is completed on this. The main therapy will be carried out after the removal of pus.
First of all, antibiotic therapy is carried out. Antimicrobials are used in the form of drops or eye ointments, which are laid over the eyelid. To prevent re-inflammation, physiotherapy is carried out with the following methods:
- autohemotherapy;
- photohemotherapy (UV).
In addition, drug treatment is also carried out:
- With severe pain, pain medications are taken.
- Reception of sulfanilamides is shown
- They process the place where there was an accumulation of pus with 70% alcohol.
- Before the autopsy is performed, dry heat is applied to the site of inflammation.
- You can irradiate a blue lamp.
While the therapy is carried out, it is necessary to observe some rules in everyday life:
- Do not supercool.
- Cover your face from natural phenomena: rain, wind, snow and even direct sunlight.
- Avoid excessive exercise.
- If surgery has been performed, then it is not worth straining, even slightly, during the entire period of treatment.
If the body temperature has risen, then symptomatic treatment is carried out with the use of antipyretic drugs and heavy drinking.
The duration of therapy is an average of about two weeks. At this time, a person is recommended to take fortifying agents:
- herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory effects;
- vitamins;
- immunomodulators.
Even after the treatment is over, it is necessary to protect the organs of vision, because in the next six months the risk of relapse is still quite high.
To reduce the likelihood of a repeated inflammatory process, it is necessary to protect not only the eyes, but also the ENT organs: nose, ears and throat. Treatment of an abscess of the eyelid is always carried out in a hospital, as the disease can give a complication in a short period of time.
How to avoid repeated inflammation
To prevent the occurrence of the described ailment, take a closer look at your health, timely stop the inflammatory process in the face, increase immunity. Immune protection is sometimes the best prevention of many diseases. In addition to hardening procedures and sports, you need to pay special attention to proper nutrition. First of all, plant foods are needed, which will enrich the body with useful vitamins and minerals.
Thus, we can distinguish the main actions for the overall strengthening of the body:
- Water treatments.
- Frequent outdoor activities.
- More traffic and walking.
- Physical Education. For people aged and in the presence of chronic ailments, it should be moderate.
- Regular visits to the ophthalmologist.
- Timely elimination of infections, including in the eye area.
If it is possible to replace contact lenses with ordinary glasses, then do it. If there is a need to constantly touch the eyes, for example, with a decrease in vision, consult an ophthalmologist so that he selects the means for its correction.
In summer, do not neglect sunglasses; they will not only protect against bright sunlight, but also will not allow dust to penetrate the eyes, protect from mechanical damage and tearing.
Forecast
If qualified medical care was received in a timely manner, then the prognosis for an abscess of the century will be favorable. The main thing is not to miss the spread of pus in other tissues of the body.
Recovery with a favorable prognosis occurs in two weeks. But in some cases, there may be a danger of serious complications:
- infection of the lining of the eye;
- general infection of the whole organism, with the penetration of pus into the blood;
- the development of meningitis, with the penetration of purulent masses into the region of the brain.
If you do not want such consequences of an abscess of the century (according to ICD-10 - H00.0), do not touch your eyes with dirty hands, do not act on them mechanically and do not use various medications without medical prescription.
Conclusion
If you suspect that an abscess develops in the eyelid, that is, swelling of the eyes, swelling, pain, headaches and general weakness, increased body temperature, do not hesitate to go to the doctor. The sooner you seek help, the faster and easier you will get rid of suppuration. In addition, the likelihood of complications will be reduced to zero.