The conjunctivitis in children is a common pathology, often bacterial in origin. Although it has a simple treatment, when we talk about young children, parents and ophthalmologists themselves are faced with a communication that could lead us to confuse this disease with another, and the fact that the patient does not always know how to maintain the hygienic measures to avoid reinfection.
In the team of the Nebro Ophthalmology Clinic we have a specialist in paediatric ophthalmologyIn this way, we avoid any possible misinterpretation of the symptoms described, and at the same time we can reassure our young patients. Once the diagnosis has been made, the treatment of conjunctivitis in children does not differ much from that of adults.
But first, parents need to detect the problem, which is why we are going to look at the most common symptoms, as well as the types of conjunctivitis in children and possible treatments.
What can cause conjunctivitis in children?
Before going into how to treat conjunctivitis in children, we must explain what conjunctivitis is to parents and guardians. It is nothing more or less than an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eyeball.
This inflammation may be due to a viral infection, which clears up on its own, a bacterial infection (requires treatment) or a symptom of an allergy. In some cases, conjunctivitis is a response to an irritant, such as chlorine from swimming pools or excessive sun exposure.
Viral conjunctivitis can occur on its own or as a symptom of a broader viral illness, such as influenza or some colds. As for allergic conjunctivitis, spring is usually the worst time, and may present with symptoms such as sneezing or watery nasal discharge.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
The common symptoms of conjunctivitis are foreign body sensation or itching of the eye, together with more or less tearing and redness.
In the case of viral conjunctivitis, they are usually fluid and do not form the discharge typical of bacterial conjunctivitis. In infectious conjunctivitis, purulent discharge may also be absent. When the causes are allergens or irritants, there is no yellowish discharge.
As you will see, a small child, faced with itching or the sensation of a foreign body, will instinctively rub their eyes and make the symptoms of redness or tearing worse. In addition, conjunctivitis can cause other symptoms, such as photosensitivity, which a child would not be able to detect and explain correctly.
For this reason, we insist on the advisability of consulting a paediatric ophthalmologist or, at least, a paediatrician.
How to cure conjunctivitis in children?
First of all, it should be made clear that not all conjunctivitis requires antibiotic drops, neither in children nor in adults. What should always be adopted is hand hygiene and avoid sharing handkerchiefs or towels when viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected. These hygienic measures are preventive and should become a habit.
Physiological saline solution
When we are faced with a viral or irritant conjunctivitisThe problem will resolve itself in a few days. However, we can alleviate the discomfort with something as simple as flushing the eyes with saline solution.
This measure also helps if the conjunctivitis is allergic, although in this case we will assess whether or not to use antihistamines on the patient, generally in the form of eye drops.
Pharmacological treatment and return to routine
In case of bacterial conjunctivitisIf the conjunctivitis is severe, we do need to use antibiotics for a few days. The simplest and most common way is, again, with eye drops, although there are rare cases of severe conjunctivitis in newborns, where topical treatment with an oily texture, in the form of an ointment, is better.
It is important, in the case of infectious conjunctivitis, to make sure that the child will not infect other children.
If we talk about viral conjunctivitisIn this case, fever will be the most important factor before deciding when the patient can return to his or her activities. Thus, the child returns once the illness is over, when there is already a risk of contagion.
But be careful, personal items such as handkerchiefs and towels should be washed every two days and once the conjunctivitis is over, to ensure that there are no reinfections, especially if you have bacterial conjunctivitis. The pillowcase can also be a source of bacteria, so it is advisable to change it at the end of treatment.
In general, children are made aware of the importance of hand hygiene during treatment with soap and water, followed by drying with a personal towel.
The conjunctivitis in children is common and usually not serious. However, treatment may take longer to take effect than in adults, due to carelessness in hygiene or the instinct to rub the eyes in response to the usual symptoms.
For a better diagnosis, we advise children to see an specialist in paediatric ophthalmology. As for parents, we will never tire of repeating that they should not resort to those antibiotic drops from the previous time, because not all conjunctivitis in paediatrics is bacterial in origin.