Generality
Conjunctivitis in children is a widespread disorder, but it should not be underestimated, in order to avoid the onset of complications that can be serious.
Generally, conjunctivitis in children is an easily diagnosed and treatable disorder; however, if you suspect that your child may be suffering from conjunctivitis, you should always contact your pediatrician.
Causes
The main causes that can trigger conjunctivitis in children are bacterial infections, viral infections and allergies. In these cases, we speak respectively of: bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
Other causes that could favor the onset of conjunctivitis in children are the presence of foreign bodies and the penetration of chemicals into the eye; in these cases, therefore, we speak of irritative conjunctivitis.
Finally, the possible obstruction of the tear duct could also favor the onset of this disorder, especially in newborns.
Infection
When at the origin of conjunctivitis in children there is a "bacterial or viral infection, its transmission can easily occur through direct contact with the child or with objects that may be contaminated by the microorganisms responsible for the infection (towels, clothing, sheets, etc.).
Contagion occurs very easily even in places frequented by children, such as kindergartens and schools.It is precisely for this reason that in the event that the child is suffering from infectious conjunctivitis, it would be good to leave him at home until the completion of the drug therapy prescribed by the doctor.
Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms of conjunctivitis in children can be different depending on the cause that triggered the infection. However, some symptoms are common to all forms of conjunctivitis, among these we find:
- Eye redness;
- Swelling;
- Burning;
- Itching, which occurs intensely in allergic conjunctivitis;
- Sensation of having a foreign body in the eye;
- Increased lacrimation;
- Crusting due to excessive tearing.
Typical symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis are: photophobia, eyelid edema, hyperemia and pus formation (in particular, in the bacterial form).
If not promptly diagnosed or if not adequately treated, conjunctivitis of infectious origin can involve the cornea, causing serious consequences.
Therapy
Of course, the pharmacological treatment of conjunctivitis in children depends on the cause that caused it and which must be ascertained by the doctor.
In any case, regardless of the type of active ingredient used, for the treatment of conjunctivitis in children it is usual to resort to the use of pharmaceutical formulations suitable for ocular administration, such as eye drops.
In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, therefore, the doctor will prescribe the administration of antibiotic eye drops. Among the active ingredients that can be used we mention tobramycin (Tobradex®, Tobral®).
If, on the other hand, the conjunctivitis is allergic, the doctor may prescribe the administration of antihistamine eye drops. However, in these cases it would be good to take the child to an allergist, who will assess the allergy problem as a whole, establishing the most suitable therapy for each case.
Finally, in the event that conjunctivitis is triggered by viral infections, usually, pharmacological treatment with antivirals is not provided; in these cases, generally, the doctor limits himself to prescribing a therapy with anti-inflammatories to relieve the symptoms of the disorder and possibly a therapy with antibiotic eye drops to prevent the onset of possible bacterial superinfections.
As stated, the choice of therapy rests solely and exclusively with the doctor; therefore, the do-it-yourself treatment of conjunctivitis in children is absolutely not recommended, since the improper use of drugs could be harmful and counterproductive.
Precautions and Precautions
Conjunctivitis in children is a very annoying disorder, but if it is properly treated it can be resolved quite easily.
Fortunately, in many cases, the onset of infectious conjunctivitis can be prevented by adopting simple measures, such as:
- Clean the child's eyes often and thoroughly, but be careful to wash their hands before proceeding with cleaning;
- Teach the child not to touch his eyes, especially with dirty hands;
- If a family member has infectious conjunctivitis, avoid direct contact with the child;
- Do not share towels, sheets, clothing, etc. with other family members suffering from infectious conjunctivitis.
