How to care for a child with conjunctivitis

The article was written by Specialist Doctor I Do Thi Thao - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

The conjunctiva is a thin, clear, glossy membrane that covers the entire surface of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid, ensuring that the eyelids do not stick to the eyeball and can slide easily on the surface of the eyeball without causing damage. damage to the cornea. When this membrane becomes inflamed due to pathogens, it is called conjunctivitis.

Virus: is the most common cause, of which 80% is Adenovirus... Bacterial: staphylococcus, HI... Allergic agents (dust, cat hair, pollen...) : common in children with atopic allergies.

The disease can be in one eye or both sides The disease is spread when it comes in contact with eye secretions, which can turn into a fluid Red conjunctiva Eye pain, itchy eyes, watery eyes Eyelid edema Dazzling sensation, decreased vision force If caused by bacteria: yellow-green discharge... If due to allergies: usually both eyes, occurs seasonally, children itch a lot, or recur... May be accompanied by respiratory symptoms: cough , runny nose... Possible systemic symptoms: fever, lymphadenopathy...

Daily eye hygiene: Use physiological saline to clean the eyes several times a day to remove dark skin and bacteria. Remove the pseudo-conjunctiva every day if the pseudomembranous eye is many Drugs: with bacterial conjunctivitis, it is necessary to use antibiotic eye drops several times a day after cleaning. With viral conjunctivitis mainly symptomatic treatment, antibiotic eye drops in the presence of superinfection, corticosteroid eye drops may be considered. With allergic conjunctivitis, the most important thing is to remove the allergen and use corticosteroid eye drops.

Mothers need to wash their hands thoroughly for themselves and for their children every day, especially before and after giving medicine to children. Do not let children rub their hands on their eyes. When going outside, it is necessary to wear glasses for children, avoid exposure to strong light. Use separate towels and washbasins. Do not allow children to swim during this period. Use medications as prescribed by the doctor. Absolutely do not self-medicate. When conjunctivitis, the eyes will secrete a lot, the mother needs to use saline. Physiologically, the baby's eye drops several times a day to remove bacteria and viruses and clean the eyes of the child. Before using antibiotic eye drops, children need to clean their eyes with physiological saline to ensure the best ability to absorb antibiotics When using eye drops, absolutely do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eyes or eyelids. baby, so bacteria will go up and cause dirt on the medicine bottle being used. In case of allergic conjunctivitis: it is necessary to remove the allergenic agent if detected, for example, if it is due to house dust, the house should be cleaned, if it is due to the hair of cats and dogs, do not keep dogs and cats, if Due to pollen, close windows and ventilation holes to avoid pollen from entering the house...

The pediatric department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children ,....With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.