Swelling of the upper eyelids is one of the most common causes of contacting an optometrist. Such a symptom is often found in ophthalmology. If the upper eyelid is swollen, this may indicate inflammation or an allergic reaction. In any case, you can not self-medicate. The exact cause of the pathological process can only be determined by a doctor.
Allergy
Urticaria is a common skin reaction to a particular irritant. Itchy blisters begin to appear on the body. They disappear after taking an antihistamine. If the patient does not receive timely assistance, it is possible that you will have to face Quincke's edema. This is a life threatening condition. If the upper eyelid is swollen, and urticaria appears on the body, you must immediately call an ambulance.
Quincke edema is based on an allergic reaction of an immediate type. If the upper eyelid is swollen, this may be due to increased vascular permeability. This condition can develop at any age. About 10% of allergy sufferers once experienced Quincke's edema. Some foods, plant pollen, animal hair, etc. can provoke a negative reaction of the body. It will only be possible to determine the irritant after an allergy test in laboratory conditions.
Help with Quincke's edema
Allergic tissue edema is a dangerous symptom that can threaten the patient's life. Therefore, if the upper eyelid is swollen, you should know how to provide first aid. The situation may change in a few minutes. Initially, you should eliminate the allergen that provokes a negative reaction of the body. Without waiting for the ambulance to arrive, the patient must be given an antihistamine. It is recommended to use the medicine in the form of a solution. Such a medication is administered intramuscularly.
Quickly remove the allergic edema tool "Suprastin". Chloropyramine is used as the active ingredient. This substance blocks histamine receptors in a matter of minutes, and the patient's condition improves. You can also use tablets "Tavegil", "Diazolin." Allergy sufferers should definitely keep such medicines in their medicine chest.
Blepharitis
The causes of swollen upper eyelids may be due to infection. Blepharitis is a bilateral inflammation of the ciliary edge. The eyes begin to watery, the eyelids turn red and swell. An unpleasant itching appears. In addition, the patient begins to complain of increased eye fatigue. Both adults and children are equally affected by blepharitis. The risk of inflammation is increased in immunocompromised patients. These are people suffering from diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases, cancer pathologies.
Various infectious agents can provoke blepharitis. Most often these are bacteria. However, fungi and viruses can also contribute to the development of inflammation of the ciliary edge. In some cases, the cause of the disease is a parasite - a tick of the genus Demodex. If the upper eyelid is swollen and itches severely, it is possible that it was necessary to encounter this pathology. Significantly worse itching at night. At this time, the female parasite comes to the surface of the skin, laying eggs.
At the initial stage of the disease, symptoms may appear slightly. In this regard, not all in a timely manner seek help. Meanwhile, blepharitis can progress rapidly. If the upper eyelid is swollen and hurts, most likely a secondary infection has joined.
Blepharitis treatment
The specialist prescribes therapy after a thorough examination of damaged tissues. A preliminary diagnosis can be made already at the first examination. However, the ophthalmologist must find out what the disease is associated with, what pathogenic microflora provokes the inflammatory process. The condition of the edges of the eyelids allows us to evaluate the biomicroscopy of the eye. In the work, the specialist uses lenses that multiply the studied surface. Additionally, a microscopic examination of the eyelashes for the presence of a tick of the genus Demodex can be carried out.
The treatment of blepharitis is quite long. The sooner therapy is started, the more likely it is to avoid complications. Therefore, if the upper eyelid is swollen, it is worth making an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. The treatment technique is selected in accordance with the form of the disease. Antifungal or antibacterial ointments may be prescribed. In the most difficult cases, external preparations are used, which include hormones.
Additionally, vitamin therapy is carried out. In addition, the patient should follow a diet. It is necessary to abandon too spicy and salty foods, to minimize the use of sweets.
Conjunctivitis
With inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids, edema can also be observed. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases. Almost all sooner or later face such a pathology. People with weak immunity are more susceptible to the disease. The conjunctiva has a protective function. Inflammation can also develop when dust enters the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is also common.
Manifestations of the disease depend on its form. However, many complain that the upper eyelids are swollen. What to do? First of all, you should seek the help of an ophthalmologist. You can not engage in self-medication. In addition to swelling and hyperemia of the mucosa, other symptoms can be observed. Some patients complain of a burning sensation in the eyes, photophobia, and increased tearing.
Conjunctivitis treatment
An ophthalmologist prescribes therapy based on complaints and clinical manifestations. Additionally laboratory tests may be prescribed. A bacteriological examination of a conjunctival smear is mandatory. It is important to understand what pathogenic microflora the disease provokes. In most cases, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. Tetracycline ointment shows good results. This medicine is used even in pediatric practice.
Washing the conjunctival cavity helps to speed up the recovery process. Using a special solution, pus and accumulated mucus are removed from the eyes, antiseptic treatment of the damaged surface is performed. Most often, normal saline is used. Even before contacting a doctor, you can treat the mucosa with a high-quality antiseptic.
Barley
The infection process on the eyelids is associated with the development of inflammation in the eyelash hair follicle. Almost everyone faced the disease. If the upper eyelid is swollen, the reasons may lie in this pathological process. Statistics indicate that 80% of the population is exposed to barley during their lifetime. However, self-diagnosis and initiation of therapy should not be. Barley can be confused with other diseases of the eyelids, such as halazion or cyst.
The cause of barley is a bacterial infection. Most often it is Staphylococcus aureus. However, inflammation can be triggered by another pathogenic microflora. It can be the same tick or mushrooms. Barley viruses rarely provoke. Pathogenic microflora penetrates the cavity of the hair follicle and begins to multiply rapidly. The patient begins to complain that the upper eyelid is swollen, pain has appeared. Chronic infections in the body, as well as disruptions in the endocrine system, can contribute to the development of the disease.
Treatment
You should never try to squeeze out the contents of ripened barley yourself. This can trigger serious complications. If the upper eyelid is swollen, what should I do first? It is worth asking for help from a qualified professional. Improper therapy can lead to an abscess of the eyelid. There is a risk of loss of vision. Moreover, purulent masses can reach the meninges. Such a condition is dangerously fatal.
To avoid complications, it is necessary to treat the problem area several times a day with a high-quality antiseptic. Alcohol solutions are not advisable. You can use the funds "Miramistin", "Chlorhexidine." Additionally, antibacterial eye ointments are prescribed. Dry heat will help speed up the process of barley ripening. The patient may be assigned a UHF course.
Other causes of eyelid swelling
If the upper eyelid is swollen, the cause may be improper nutrition. So, eating too fatty, salty or spicy foods leads to the fact that the kidneys are under heavy stress. This slows down the process of removing fluid from the body. Patients with kidney pathologies need to follow diet No. 7. Almost completely have to give up salt, spices, convenience foods and fast food. Have to forget about alcohol.
Drinking regimen is important. An adult should consume at least one and a half liters of clean water per day. However, three hours before bedtime, drinking is no longer advisable. At night, all organs and systems should rest. Neglect of this recommendation may result in unattractive edema of the eyelids.