Conjunctivitis :- Inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) is a common external eye problem. Its symptoms are a diffusely reddened eye with a purulent or serous discharge accompanied by itching, stinging, or a scratching, “Foreign body” sensation. If the patient has not experienced pain or blurred vision, conjunctivitis is a likely diagnosis. Conjunctivitis may be caused by foreign bodies, contusions or lacerations, or parasitic infestations. Most foreign bodies may be removed easily with irrigation or cotton-tipped applicator provided no damage has occurred to deeper structures. If removal is difficult, the patients should consult a physician; the eye may have been irritated by rubbing, causing corneal epithelial abrasions which may lead to infection. Patients with contusions or lacerations of the conjunctiva should consult an ophthalmologist for assessment of possible trauma to the globe or conjunctiva. Conjunctival irritation due to foreign bodies, chemical irritants, or allergies generally is treated by removing the cause and administering non-prescription decongestants. A clue to chemical conjunctivitis, caused by airborne irritants such as smoke, smog, or garden sprays, is that both eyes are involved. Allergic conjunctivitis usually occurs on warm, windy days in the spring and during hay fever season. Typical symptoms, such as wheeling, congestion, stinging, watering, and itching, affect both eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually is self limiting and does not impair vision. If the patient awakens with the eyelids stuck together by dried exudates or if there is discharge or signs of swelling or the local lymph nodes, the cause is probably bacterial. Consultation of a physician is needed, since recovery may be hastened with appropriate medicines. Without treatment, most bacterial conjunctivitis lasts 10-14 days, although Staphylococcus and Moraxella species infections may become chronic. Corneal infections may exhibit symptoms similar to those of bacterial conjunctivitis. These infections are more serious and may obliterate vision rapidly. An accurate diagnosis is important. Viral conjunctivitis may resemble chemically induced conjunctivitis; symptoms may include red, perhaps swollen, watery, itching eyes and swollen lymph nodes. Unlike chemical irritations, however, viral conjunctivitis often is accompanied by systemic symptoms. Symptoms of conjunctivitis Typical symptoms exhibited by all patients include reddened eyes and sticky eyelids in the morning due to increased secretion. Any conjunctivitis also causes swelling of the eyelid, which will appear partially closed (pseudoptosis). Foreign- body sensation, a sensation of pressure, and burning sensation are usually present, although these symptoms may vary between individual patients. Intense itching always suggests an allergic reaction. Photophobia and lachrymation may also be present but can vary considerably. Simultaneous presence of blepharospasm suggests corneal involvement (keratoconjunctivitis). Prevention of conjunctivitis To prevent conjunctivitis from occurring or recurring, teach your patient to practice good hygiene. Encourage the following prevention tips. Practice good hygiene To encourage good eye hygiene, teach proper hand washing technique because bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Stress the risk of spreading infection to family members by sharing washcloths, towels, and pillows. Suggest the use of tissues or disposable wipes to reduce the risk of transmission from contaminated linens. Caution the patient against rubbing his infected eye, which could spread infection to his other eye. Avoid contact with contagious people Because conjunctivitis is highly contagious, particularly among children, infected children should avoid close contact with other children. Warn the patient with “cold sores” to avoid kissing others on the eyelids to prevent the spread of the disease. Homeopathic treatment of conjunctivitis Aconite Nap – From cold, injury, dust, surgical operations; scrofulous inflammation with enlarged glands Belladonna: – When eyes are blood-shot and very red. Much inflamed and painful Euphrasia- With watering from the eyes which is acrid Argentum Nit. - Profuse, purulent discharge; cornea opaque, lids sore, thick, swollen and uncreated; agglutinated in morning. The canthi are red as blood. Mucus obstructs the vision unless frequently wiped off. Catarrhal, ulcerative; opacities of cornea. Better by cold application Kreosote- Inflamed and red eyes bleed easily. Apis M. - Swelling of the lids with stinging, shooting pain and photophobia Rhus Tox. - Thick purulent discharge. Profuse hot lachrymation, Restlessness, Worse about midnight Alumina Silicate- Pain in the eyes; burning in the evening as from smoke, Inflammation in the open air with itching, Burning in the lids and in the canthi, Pain in the eyes as from sand Hepar Sul. - Inflammation of the eyes with offensive thick, purulent discharge. Ulcers of the cornea with bloody, offensive discharge By Dr.Mohammed Faizal M M Lecturer,Dept of physiology RVS Homoeopathic medical college,Coimbatore.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 04:46:17 +0000
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