Causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis in children

The conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases among children. Although it is not serious, it is usually quite annoying and causes itching and discomfort in the eye area. It is also quite contagious, so it will have to be treated correctly.

WHAT IS CONJUNCTIVITIS

Conjunctivitis is an infection that occurs in the lining of the eyeball and on the inside of the eyelids. It is very common and quite contagious, but it heals quickly if we follow the instructions provided by the pediatrician.

COMMON CAUSES IN CHILDREN

Conjunctivitis occurs when the membrane of the eyeball and eyelids becomes infected by germs or viruses. This can happen for several reasons: the easiest thing is that it is infected because some harmful element has entered the eyes, such as dirt, some chemical element or an object. Another cause is that it develops as part of a cold or allergy . If it is an allergic conjunctivitis, it is not contagious .

We generally find three different causes that produce conjunctivitis:

– Bacteria : It is the most contagious and is caused by a bacterial infection. Normally it produces a lot of redness in the eyes with pus.

– Viruses : It is formed because of the same virus that causes colds and is also contagious. It is characterized by the mucus that comes out of the eyes when it is suffered.

– Allergy : Arises when the body reacts to an allergenic element such as dust , pollen , plants or animal hair. It is not contagious and its main symptom is itching. Fever may also develop.

Being a contagious disease it will be important to maintain hygiene . Contact with other people who have conjunctivitis must be totally avoided, especially not touching the eyes of someone who suffers with it and then touching ours. We will also have to be very careful if young children wear glasses , make sure they do not share them with anyone or that no one lends them to them . In the event that contact lenses are used, special attention must also be paid to their conservation and cleaning.

Another cause can also be the makeup or face paint that we put on children on a special occasion. In summer it can be transmitted through pool water, as well as coughing and sneezing. It is also very normal for conjunctivitis to be transmitted from one eye to the other by proximity and friction.

PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

The symptoms of conjunctivitis are clear: young children’s eyes will be red, they will have watery and sore eyes and they will feel itchy. Normally, the eyes will produce a greenish or yellowish discharge that will cause the eyelids to stick together, especially when waking up after sleeping. The eye area can also swell.

And how can we prevent conjunctivitis? As we have already mentioned, hygiene is essential: washing your hands several times a day with soap and warm water will help a lot, as well as instilling in them the habit of not touching their eyes. It is also recommended, as far as possible, not to dry your face and eyes with towels, washcloths or handkerchiefs that are shared with more people. If it is too late, gather all these objects that young children have used to dry off and wash them with very hot water. However, the best option is to let them air dry, to be sure. Likewise, we will frequently change your pillowcase. The best way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis is to reduce its cause as much as possible.https://www.PregDreampadres.com/articulos/hijo-necesita-gafas-senales-problema-vision/: keep the windows closed so that pollen does not enter, pass the dust daily and keep animals away if children have allergies to these elements.

As for the treatment, to begin with, you will have to keep your eyes very clean. They have to be washed several times a day with cotton bathed in warm water. Normally, if the conjunctivitis is viral, it will go away after one or two weeks. If the discomfort is acute, it will be necessary to go to the pediatrician or eye doctor , who will usually prescribe antibiotic drops for the eyes if the infection is bacterial. If the infection has formed due to the allergy, it will be necessary to take specific medications prescribed by the doctor.

If we want to relieve the itching and discomfort caused by conjunctivitis, we can apply some cottons or compresses bathed in warm water and give the child an infant ibuprofen to reduce the discomfort. We must bear in mind that until it is fully cured, it will be better not to return to school and avoid spreading it to his classmates.

WILL IT BE REPEATED FREQUENTLY?

It is normal for young children to get conjunctivitis from being around other children for a large part of the day. Dirt, colds, insufficient hygiene … are elements that are found in schools, in courtyards or in parks, so it is not surprising that they develop conjunctivitis from time to time if the advice that we have is not followed given to prevent it.