Conjunctivitis || Dr. Abida Sultana

What is Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the eye membrane or conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis. Usually when the white part of the eye becomes red and swollen, we call it conjunctivitis. It is an infectious or contagious disease. Eye strain is a well-known disease in winter weather and early spring. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or an allergic reaction. Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious.However, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

* Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by the body's reaction to certain substances. Such as plant, grass and weed pollen, dust, contact lens and cosmetic use. However, this type of conjunctivitis is not contagious.

* Viral conjunctivitis is caused by infection of the eye by a virus. Many of these viruses are associated with respiratory infections, colds or sore throats.

* Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by infection of the eye by certain bacteria and can easily spread from person to person.

How does Conjunctivitis spread?

In this disease, the eyes itch a lot, many people itch or scratch the eyes with their hands, it gets an infection in their hands, when they touch something else with this hand, the infection gets stuck in that place, when someone else touches that place, then that person's hand gets infected. This is how the disease spreads.

If someone uses the same contact lens repeatedly, the risk of such an infection increases. Because bacteria can survive and grow on the lens.

It can also spread through the use of old or bacteria-contaminated cosmetics in the eyes.

Symptoms:

* Redness in one or both eyes

* Itching in one or both eyes

* Sharping sensation in one or both eyes

* Falling of the lining in one or both eyes, which can prevent the eyes from opening in the morning which we call in simple terms squint

* Continuous watery eyes

* Moderate to severe eye pain

* Blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light

* Bacterial conjunctivitis that does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use, or symptoms persist or worsen.

How to prevent

If the signs or symptoms are mild and there are no signs of other health problems, such as a respiratory infection, earache, sore throat, or fever, then you can wait a day or two before seeing a doctor. On the other hand, if such problems occur in children, they should be taken to a pediatrician immediately.

To be done:

In the eye disease, dirt like dirt comes from the eye, the two leaves of the eye stick together. Then clean the pitch with a soft cloth, cotton or tissue. But don't rub too much, it makes the eyes red and swollen. It is not a very serious disease but if it does not get better in 5/7 days then a specialist should be seen. Since it is the eye, it cannot be neglected, especially those suffering from other diseases such as diabetes or hypertensive patients should be more careful.It can happen to everyone, big or small. Those who are infected should isolate themselves, otherwise if it is a family member, it will spread to everyone else. At least 5/7 days stay away from everyone, do not mix with people, keep your clothes / towels separate.

To prevent infection:

* Avoid touching others without washing hands.

* Wash hands thoroughly after touching or wiping eyes. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

* Not sharing eye cosmetics or other eye products (for example, towels, or tissues). Even covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

* Consult the doctor if medication is needed.