In the autumn-winter and winter-spring period of time, human health is often at risk of contracting a viral infection. No exception and children. In kindergartens, schools and work groups, the spread of enterovirus infection is very fast due to a large concentration of people. Another cause of viral diseases is temperature changes. Adenoviral conjunctivitis belongs to the category of such diseases.
What is adenoviral conjunctivitis?
This is a viral disease caused by certain microorganisms (adenovirus serotypes). The treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis is a whole complex of measures for taking certain drugs and conducting specific healing procedures, but more on that later.
Once in the human body, the virus begins to multiply and cause inflammatory processes. It affects almost simultaneously the area of the mucous membrane of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. As a result, various types of inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx. For example, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc.
Microbes multiply very quickly and accelerate the process of inflammation. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets in most cases. At some points, in close contact with persons in the acute phase of the disease. The incubation period of the disease is approximately 10 days. The general course of the disease, taking into account timely treatment, lasts about 3-4 weeks.
The main causes
Given that the causative agent of the disease is viruses, infection with adenoviral conjunctivitis often occurs when visiting crowded places. Children become infected in kindergartens and educational institutions, adults in work collectives and other crowded places. The main method of infection is airborne. But there are other factors that influence the infection of this infection:
- Close contact with a person infected with adenoviral conjunctivitis.
- Use of personal hygiene items, dishes of a patient with an infection.
- Long stay in the cold, in cold water.
- Microtrauma in the eye area, damage to the eyelid, cornea, dust and small debris.
- Lack of personal hygiene in the hands and eyes.
- Infection with contact lenses due to lack of hand disinfection.
- The epidemic of adenoviral conjunctivitis.
- During the examination of the optometrist through instruments that have undergone poor disinfection.
- After surgery in the eye area.
- After cosmetic procedures in the eye area.
According to the symptomatic course of the disease, several types of such conjunctivitis can be distinguished:
- Catarrhal.
- Follicular.
- Filmy.
Adenoviral conjunctivitis: symptoms of the disease
The main incubation period of adenoviral conjunctivitis is no more than ten days. After infection with the infection in the patient in the first stages, an increase in body temperature is observed. After its decline, it may rise again. On average, it does not rise above 38 degrees.
The second stage of pronounced symptoms is eye inflammation. At the edges of the eyelids, there is an accumulation of mucus, redness, possibly a slight swelling. Unpleasant tingling sensations in the eyelid region, severe itching, discomfort in bright light are also characteristic.
Depending on the form of the disease, the symptoms may vary. Forms of adenoviral conjunctivitis are listed below:
- During catarrhal conjunctivitis, mild symptoms, mucus is formed in small quantities, slight redness in the eyelids. The acute phase lasts no more than a week. The temperature rarely rises.
- During follicular conjunctivitis, more severe manifestations than in the previous case. The edge of the eyelid, the entire surface of the mucosa is very inflamed, covered with small follicles with fluid. Very severe itching, discomfort. Eyelids swollen, swollen. Possible increase in body temperature. In parallel, there may be inflammatory processes in the throat and sinuses.
- With filmy conjunctivitis, the surface of the mucous membrane of the eye is covered with a thin film, which, when the eyeball moves, accumulates in the lower eyelid and is removed with cotton buds. With this form of infection, the patient has a high temperature and muscle weakness. The patient feels unwell and feels overwhelmed. Vision is temporarily difficult due to the film covering the eyeball. The film may freeze at the edges of the cornea, causing discomfort. On average, the acute phase of the disease lasts no more than two weeks, respectively, the treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis should be enhanced during this period. This form of the disease in the future can cause various eye diseases.
Treatment methods
When treating this disease, it is very important to apply a comprehensive treatment regimen that affects the virus from all sides. In addition to active treatment aimed at the destruction of the microorganisms of the virus that caused the disease, the elimination of the symptoms of infection is also necessary.
Treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis is carried out medically, often at home. But as directed and under the supervision of a doctor. In the case of children under 10 years old under the constant supervision of a doctor without fail. Treatment is prescribed by a general practitioner, an otorhinolaryngologist or an ophthalmologist (optometrist).
Complex treatment
- Antiviral drugs of the interferon group or others are prescribed.
- Separately, drugs are prescribed to relieve symptoms of infection in the nasopharynx. Spray, lozenges, rinses and inhalations.
- Local treatment is mandatory, therefore, special drops are prescribed for adenoviral conjunctivitis. There are also anti-inflammatory ointments, gels, antibacterial baths and rinsing.
- To eliminate itching and burning, antihistamines are prescribed.
The best drugs in the treatment of conjunctivitis
Tobrex
One of the best drugs prescribed for this disease are Tobrex drops. Instructions for use disclose the treatment regimen in full, also there are indicated contraindications and possible side effects.
The main indications for the use of these drops are inflammatory processes caused by bacteria and viruses. They contribute to the elimination of swelling, relieve inflammation, stop the further growth of harmful organisms.
Indications for use are listed below, as a result of which Tobrex drops are prescribed. Instructions for use also include this information. So, the readings are as follows:
- All types of conjunctivitis.
- Dacryocystitis.
- Iridocyclitis.
- Keratitis
- Meibomite.
- Endophthalmitis.
Drops are prescribed for both adults and children. People over 18 years of age are prescribed a weekly course with a daily instillation of 1-2 drops in the corner of the eye every 4 hours. Children under 18 years of age are prescribed a weekly course, with 1 drop instilled into the corner of each eye 4-5 times daily.
In the acute course of the disease, it is allowed for adults, to remove the exacerbation, to apply drops every hour, for children - every two hours.
It does not cause allergic reactions, practically has no side effects and contraindications, except for individual intolerance to the drug. Use with caution in cataracts.
Sulfacyl sodium
Another drug is no less effective - sodium sulfacyl, eye drops. Instructions for use are summarized below. Recommended for use in the following cases:
- All types of conjunctivitis.
- The formation of purulent focal inflammation on the eyelids.
- Infectious diseases of the eyes in newborns.
- Blepharitis.
The main contraindication is individual intolerance to the main component of the drug.
Adults and children of any age may be prescribed sodium sulfacyl, eye drops. The instruction for use also provides for the terms: the course of treatment is about a week, adults should use 5 times daily, 2 or 3 drops in each eye, for children - 1-2 drops 4-5 times a day.
Side effects are minimal, may cause slight itching or redness.
Can antibiotics be prescribed?
Often, in addition to local drugs, antibiotics are prescribed for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Doctors may prescribe Sumamed, Amoxiclav, etc. In case of concomitant inflammation of the sinuses, special drops are prescribed.
When treating adenoviral conjunctivitis, adults and children are advised to be under the supervision of a doctor, to observe a strictly prescribed treatment regimen. During treatment, in order to avoid a repeated exacerbation of the disease, it is often not recommended to go out and be in society.
With proper treatment, all the signs and the disease itself are eliminated after about 20-25 days. But since the body has not yet recovered from the disease, it is recommended to beware of visiting places where there is an opportunity to become infected with this infection. It is recommended to take a course of vitamins for the eyes and drugs that increase immunity. In case of consequences in the form of discomfort, discomfort and dry eyes - it is worth informing the doctor.
Adult Conjunctivitis Prevention
Treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis can always be prevented if elementary rules are observed:
- In the autumn-winter and winter-spring season, take vitamin complexes and medications that strengthen the immune system.
- With the development of a massive epidemic of enterovirus diseases in public places, wear a medical mask that protects the respiratory system.
- In winter, use antiviral ointments.
- Avoid severe hypothermia.
- To cure to the end all colds and infections.
- Pay special attention to hand and face hygiene after eating or going outside.
- Wash hands with soap and water after contact with animals.
- Disinfect hands when changing contact lenses.
- Treat glasses with antimicrobial wipes or sprays daily.
- Parents need to monitor the diseases of children in the kindergarten group. Avoid contact with sick children.
- Follow the hygiene of the hands and face of the child after a walk, contact with other children, animals.
- Isolate the child from adults who are in the acute stage of the disease.
- For prevention, give your child antiviral drugs.
- Monitor the condition of the eyes and nasal mucosa of the child, take measures for manifestations of inflammation.
- Do not drive a child who has mild symptoms of a cold to kindergarten and school.
- Disinfect the child’s glasses.
- Make sure that the child does not use other people's toys and hygiene items.
Prevention of conjunctivitis in children
When treating any disease, it is important to remember that adherence to a hospital regimen, a balanced diet, good rest and medications in combination will give positive results and will help prevent adenovirus conjunctivitis. The duration of treatment of an ailment, if infection still occurs, depends on the form of the disease, as well as on the timeliness of the treatment started. It is necessary to treat the disease with due attention and seriousness, do not neglect preventive measures.