Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis
(Sometimes
spelled "pinkeye")
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What is "pink eye?"
Pink eye, which may also be spelled pinkeye,
occurs when the clear membrane that covers the white part of
the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids becomes inflamed,
giving the eye a pink tint. The medical name for this condition
is conjunctivitis because the affected membranes are known as
"conjunctiva."
Children often get the bacterial and viral
forms of pink eye, but the condition can strike anyone at any
age. It's fairly common and generally it doesn't cause long
term damage. Pink eye often goes away on its on, but anyone
with symptoms should consult their health care
professional.
Causes of Pink Eye
The condition usually occurs because the
conjunctiva have come in contact with bacteria, viruses,
allergy- provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents. Pink
eye can also be caused by a number of diseases.
Causes can usually be classified as either
infectious or noninfectious. Infectious pinkeye is generally
contagious, but non-infectious pink eye is not.
Bacteria and viruses that cause colds and other
infections, including ear infections, sinus infections and sore
throats can also trigger pink eye. Sexually transmitted
diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea may also be contributing
factors.
Non-infectious pink eye may be caused by
allergens like grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander, and dust
mites, along with chemicals like such as chlorine, certain
kinds of soap and air pollutants like smoke and fumes.. Hay
fever is another frequent cause.
Symptoms
Symptoms caused by viral pink eye include
Symptoms caused by bacterial pink eye
include
Symptoms of non infectious pink eye might
include
Pink Eye Treatment
Infectious pink eye requires the same kinds of
treatment as many other contagious ailments.
Medication usually isn't necessary for pink
eye, except in small children. Talk to the child's
pediatrician.
Antibiotics are generally ineffective for viral
strains. Antibiotics may be helpful with bacterial forms
however.
A warm wash cloth may be applied to dissolve
the discharge. Special eye drops sometimes available that may
help relieve inflammation and redness. Talk to your doctor.
Allergic pink eye may require anti-inflammatory
medications, antihistamine medications, and eye drops. These
will sometimes relieve redness and itching.
Removing the causes of the allergy or
irritation is important.
If you think you have pink eye, here are some
other common sense steps to take.
-
Don't touch your eyes with your hands
-
Wash hands before and after using eye medications
-
Don't share towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eye
drops with anyone
-
Don't let children who have pink eye near other
kids.
Always remember, your best source of
information on pink eye remedies and treatment is your
doctor.
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