Viral Vs. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is defined as an eye problem causing swelling, or an inflammation, or infection of conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane lining the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is observed in 3 types, which are, allergic conjunctivitis, irritant conjunctivitis and infective conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused due to eye contact with a substance causing inflammation and irritation, or allergen. Irritant conjunctivitis results due to an irritant entry into the eyes, making them painful. Infective conjunctivitis is triggered due to a viral, bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. Species of bacteria, which instigate ear and lung infections are more likely to trigger conjunctivitis. In case of viral infections, adenovirus is most likely to cause viral conjunctivitis. Infective conjunctivitis is the most commonly observed type. Elderly people, due to their weak immune system are more prone to an eye infection. Children also, are at a risk of getting infected because of direct contact with infection at school or at a day care.

Symptoms

The most commonly observed symptom of pink eye is hyperemia or redness in the eye. Viral conjunctivitis is also referred to as pink eye and the symptoms are commonly observed in children. The symptoms are as follows

In case of viral infection, symptoms initially show up in one eye and then appear in other eye, after a few days, whereas, in bacterial conjunctivitis the symptoms appear in both eyes simultaneously. Allergic and viral infection symptoms show greater tear production than general. One of the main differences between the two types of conjunctivitis would be, a fine, watery discharge, in case of viral conjunctivitis and excessive yellowish green discharge, in case of bacterial infection. One more symptom difference is that the bacterial infection observes eyes stuck together due to discharge accumulation, formed due to pus and mucus created during sleep, which is rare, in case of the viral type. Abrasive feeling or irritability hints more towards a bacterial infection. Broadening in the lymph node, which is a small gland contributing to the immune system, is also seen in case of infective conjunctivitis. Increased sensitivity to light is also one of the common symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Treatment

Antibiotic pills and antibiotic ointments work best for alleviating bacterial infection, whereas, there is no recommended specific treatment in case of viral conjunctivitis, which alleviates on its own after lasting for about 5 -7 days. In case of herpes eye infections, antiviral ointment is prescribed. Symptoms, in case of bacterial conjunctivitis, usually ward off within a day, after administering antibiotics, however, with a viral infection, you remain infected, as long as the virus resides. Consumption of vitamin A and B2 is advised for treating conjunctivitis. Salt water eye drops, which take off yellowish discharge, is one of the best conjunctivitis remedies. There are some easy pink eye remedies as well, to cure infective conjunctivitis, simply adopt the following:

• Avoid the use of contact lenses until a day after completion of antibiotics course.
• Smoothly clean sticky deposit with a cotton ball drenched in water.
• Lubricant eye drops can be used to alleviate sored eyes.
• Wash your hands, especially after any direct contact with eyes, to prevent spreading the infection.

Prevention

The best way prevent the infection from spreading is to wash your hands if you come in direct contact with the infected area. This applies even if someone close to you is infected and you come in direct contact with the person. Sharing handkerchiefs, bed sheets, towels, etc., should be strictly avoided. If there is an epidemic, you may consider not sending your child to school or day care until it subsides. It's better to medicate (antibiotics through IV) pregnant women to keep their neonate away from the infection. Eye drops should be administered to babies, right away after the delivery.

This was the information on eye care and symptoms and treatment in case of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. In any case, initiating timely treatment will prevent from further complications.