by doccat5

Created on: April 05, 2008   Last Updated: May 13, 2008

Conjunctivitis Symptoms and Treatment

Conjunctivitis is a very common eye condition. It is commonly called pink eye. It is characterized by redness and inflammation of the membranes (conjuctiva) covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. It is not serious but can be extremely uncomfortable and irritating and is highly contagious, so extra hygienic measures must be taken to keep it from spreading. Someone with conjunctivitis may be contagious for seven to 14 days after signs and symptoms first appear. Conjunctivitis requires prompt medical attention. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are common in childhood, but they can occur in people of any age If you suspect your child has pink eye, do consult your physician as soon as possible. A course of treatment with antibiotics is needed, it will also give your doctor an opportunity to examine your child for symptoms any other related infectious conditions. N

Signs and Symptoms and Treatment for Five Types of Conjunctivitis:
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Stringy discharge that may cause the lids to stick together, especially after sleeping
Swelling of the conjunctiva
Redness
Tearing
Irritation and/or a gritty feeling
Usually affects only one eye, but may spread easily to the fellow eye

This is a infection caused by bacteria such as staphylococci, pneumococci, or streptococci These organisms may come from the patient's own skin or upper respiratory tract or they may be caught from another person with conjunctivitis. It is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria. When using drops for a young child,
a safe, effective, and "less scary for the child" method of putting drops into the eyes involves asking the child to lie down flat, with instructions to merely "close your eyes," and placing the recommended number of drops in the inner corner of the eye, next to the bridge of the nose, and letting them make a little "lake" there. When the child relaxes and opens the eyes, the medicine will flow gently into the infected mucous membranes without the need to "force open" the eyes.

Viral conjunctivitis
Watery discharge
Irritation
Red eye and sometimes looking at bright lights is painful.
Infection usually begins with one eye, but may spread easily to the other eye.

Unfortunately, at this time here is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however,the symptoms can be relieved with cool compresses

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