Treatment of conjunctivitis in infants. How to treat conjunctivitis in a child. General principles of treatment

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Conjunctivitis is a common ophthalmic disease, which is the development of an inflammatory process on the mucous membranes of the eye.

Quite often, the problem is diagnosed in infants and even newborns - it is predominantly bacterial, less often allergic or adenovirus in nature.

In the article you will learn how and how to treat conjunctivitis in an infant or a newborn child.

Causes of conjunctivitis in infants and newborns

The immune system of a modern newborn child is often still very weak and cannot effectively cope with a variety of infections. Premature babies are at particular risk.

An additional negative impact may also have a poor sanitary and hygienic climate in the maternity hospital, as well as the presence congenital pathologies development of the visual system.

The most common causes:

Infectious lesions. This includes a number of bacteria and viruses - from chlamydia and staphylococcus to herpes, proteus and even Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infection is possible when passing through the birth canal, the presence of infection on obstetric instruments, etc.;
Allergic reactions. Any chemical substances that got on the mucous membranes of the eyes, including some medical preparations(for example, sodium sulfacyl solution recommended for use as a local antiseptic) can cause irritation of the conjunctiva and the characteristic symptoms of the disease;
The presence of other ophthalmic diseases. If there are problems with the visual system in an infant (for example, inflammation of the lacrimal sac or blockade of the lacrimal canal), conjunctivitis can act as a secondary form of the disease that has developed against the background of the underlying pathology;
autoimmune response. A rare pathology that develops in newborns and is associated with the conflicting work of several autoimmune systems. The etiology and mechanism of the problem is not sufficiently understood, however initial symptoms coincide with the manifestations of classical conjunctivitis of the viral type, affecting both eyes, after which the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasopharynx are also included in the pathology, and other pathologies are formed.

Types and symptoms of conjunctivitis in infants

The symptomatology of conjunctivitis in newborns and infants significantly depends on the specific causative agent of the disease. In general manifestations, regardless of the cause of formation pathological condition usually include:

Abundant;
Redness of the mucous membranes of the visual organ;
Puffiness of the eyelids;
Sour eyes.

The general symptomatology is supplemented by other manifestations, depending on the type of conjunctivitis:

Viral. In the vast majority of cases, the causative agent is herpes or adenoviruses. Usually 1 eye of the child is affected, while the standard set of symptoms is accompanied by rashes in the form of small bubbles with transparent contents on the skin of the eyelids. The disease itself proceeds sluggishly, develops for a long period of time;
Staphylococcal. The skin around the eyes becomes actively inflamed and swells, pus constantly accumulates along the edges of the visual organ, forming crusts and gluing both eyelashes and eyelids. The baby is very restless, wakes up regularly and screams from pain and pain in the eyes;
pneumococcal. The secreted pus has a whitish tint and forms thin films. The eyelids not only swell and become inflamed, but are also covered with a small punctate rash. Often the child has a high temperature;
Gonococcal. Discharge from the eyes has a serous-bloody structure, quickly hardening in the air. The eyelids are dense, swollen, bluish-purple in color and practically do not open, inflammatory process affects not only the conjunctiva, but also the cornea. This type of conjunctivitis requires urgent diagnosis and complex treatment, since the likelihood of serious complications is high;
diphtheria. Characterized high temperature in a child, a classic set common symptoms, as well as with the formation of whitish fibrin films on the mucous membranes, upon removal of which the conjunctiva begins to bleed;
Chlamydial. In addition to the general manifestations of conjunctivitis, it is characterized by extremely abundant purulent discharge, which cannot be eliminated for a long time even by frequent washings. At the same time, the pain syndrome is insignificant, the temperature is normal, the cornea and other elements of the eye are not affected;
Allergic. The child has profuse lacrimation, photophobia, severe itching and redness of the mucous membranes of the eye, as well as swelling. The temperature usually does not rise, purulent discharge is absent (these symptoms may occur when secondary eye bacterial infections are connected).

Treatment of conjunctivitis of the eye in infants

Consider how to cure conjunctivitis in a newborn with drugs. The basis for the treatment of eye conjunctivitis in newborns and infants is almost always conservative drug therapy. Only in some cases, in the presence of serious complications and advanced stage disease may require emergency surgery.

However, such cases in modern medical practice are rare, because they are associated with a generalized, very neglected bacterial lesion of all structures of the eye by individual gram-negative representatives of pathogenic microflora, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or enterococci.

Due to the presence of comprehensive neonatal control in maternity hospitals and careful outpatient monitoring of the 1st year of a baby's life, such a situation is extremely unlikely.

The therapeutic scheme for the treatment of conjunctivitis is prescribed by a neonatologist, pediatrician, ophthalmologist or other specialized specialist based on a confirmed diagnosis, the individual characteristics of the baby's body, the presence or absence of complications, and also taking into account the type of disease.

Possible drug combinations:

. Apply eye drops and antibiotic ointments. The advantage is given to narrowly targeted therapy, after the identification of a specific bacterial agent. As an addition - local antiseptic treatment. For generalized infections, the use of systemic antibiotics may be considered. a wide range. Typical representatives are ointments based on or, drops based on Levomycetin, eye rinsing with a furatsilin solution;
. To eliminate the basic symptoms, artificial tear drops and warm compresses are used. The basis of therapy is eye drops with recombinant interferon, as a supplement for herpetic nature - drugs based on Acyclovir. When attaching secondary bacterial infections - drops with an antibiotic effective against the identified pathogenic agent. Typical representatives are, Signicef, Ciprofloxacin (the last two are antibiotics);
. Basic therapy - antihistamines in the form of drops based on receptor blockers. Typical modern representatives are Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, Astemizol. In severe allergic manifestations associated with a complex autoimmune response of the body, it is possible to use eye drops with corticosteroids, for example, or Prednisolone. Alternative - combined means containing metacel, interferon and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory component.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in infants with folk remedies

Traditional medicine is not applicable for the treatment of conjunctivitis in newborns, because in the conditions of complex neonatal monitoring in maternity hospitals, mothers simply will not be allowed to test any non-traditional methods of therapy on a child.

Treatment folk recipes babies at home is also subject to fierce criticism from modern medicine, for several reasons:

With the allergic nature of the disease, the use of any herbal remedies can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms and a deterioration in the condition of a small patient;
In the case of a bacterial infection, certain methods popular among the people (for example, instillation of breast milk into the eyes) create the prerequisites for accelerating the growth of pathogenic microflora, which, in fact, gives the opposite effect to the treatment;
With the viral nature of the disease, any folk remedies, applied topically, have no effect on the agent, creating only a placebo effect for parents.

The only possible scope traditional medicine for the treatment of conjunctivitis in infants - this is a local antiseptic and anti-inflammatory treatment of the mucous membranes, which can be used as an addition to basic therapy and only after mandatory agreement with the attending physician (pediatrician, ophthalmologist, etc.).

For this, infusions on chamomile, aloe, cornflower, black or green tea are used in a small concentration - cotton-gauze swabs are impregnated with the means, after which the conjunctiva of the eye is mechanically processed.

Features of purulent conjunctivitis in infants and treatment

Conjunctivitis, in which purulent formations are released on the surface of the mucous membranes of the eyes of a newborn or infant, is caused by bacterial lesions.

It can be both the primary form of the disease caused by infection of the child during the passage through the genital tract of a woman suffering from any form of bacterial-vaginal infection, non-sterility of the instruments and hands of the midwife, etc., and its secondary form, when against the background of an allergic, viral or an autoimmune reaction, the risks of background infection with bacteria increase.

The most acute varieties of purulent conjunctivitis are caused by gram-negative microflora - in particular, enterobacteria like Klebsiella, Proteus, and Escherichia or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In this case, not only the external mucous membranes are at risk, but also the cornea, the internal structures of the eye, which can lead to the most serious complications, up to complete blindness and destruction of the tissues of the organ. At the same time, chlamydia, staphylococcus and moraxella do not cause such dangerous consequences, although in some cases the manifestations of the symptoms of the disease are more pronounced.

The basic principle of treatment of any purulent conjunctivitis is the accurate detection of a bacterial agent, the selection of appropriate local (sometimes systemic) antibiotics, and additional antiseptic treatment of the conjunctiva.

A specific therapeutic regimen is prescribed by a pediatrician, neonatologist, ophthalmologist or other specialized specialist who treats a newborn or infant.

Complications and consequences

The list of the main complications of conjunctivitis in infants usually includes:

. Due to a serious infectious lesion and insufficient treatment, the baby may develop a pathology associated with a decrease in the production of tears, which is formed due to the blockade of the corresponding tubules;
. Infectious inflammation century - a frequent concomitant consequence of conjunctivitis;
. Inflammatory processes in the cornea can be caused by individual bacteria, which leads to a deterioration in its transparency, the appearance of a thorn and other pathologies;
Scarring of the mucous membranes and middle tissue layers of the pupil. A rare complication in newborns and infants caused by a prolonged lack of adequate therapy for conjunctivitis;
Other pathologies, one way or another, negatively affecting the visual system of the child.

Now you know how and how to treat conjunctivitis in a baby.

Few people in childhood bypass such a disease as conjunctivitis. Even children, with whom caring parents do not take their eyes off, are not immune from rubbing their eyes with dirty hands, and you can’t hide from dust in windy weather at all. In view of this, it is necessary to know how conjunctivitis manifests itself in newborns and how it is treated.

Symptoms of the disease

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process that takes place in the conjunctiva of the eye, in other words, the mucous membrane of the eye becomes inflamed. Although the eyelids and tear fluid provide mechanical barriers to infection, when the immune system is weakened, bacteria and viruses attack relentlessly. Sometimes the disease is allergic in nature.

Although the baby still cannot say what specifically worries him, but with this disease, the result, as they say, is “obvious”, or rather, before our eyes. So, signs of conjunctivitis in baby:

eyes turn red, swollen;
possible formation of yellow crusts on the eyelids, especially in the morning, discharge of pus from the eyes;
after sleep, it is difficult to open the eyelids, they are literally glued together;
the baby is naughty in bright light due to photophobia;
sleeps poorly, appetite is reduced.

Children who have learned to speak will complain of pain, a burning sensation in their eyes, as if something had got there. Vision temporarily deteriorates, becoming fuzzy. In infants, the clinical picture is much more pronounced than in adults: puffiness from the eyes can spread to the cheeks, an increase in body temperature is possible.

Classification

Conjunctivitis, of course, should be treated by a doctor. But if, due to circumstances, it is not possible to quickly apply for medical care, before a medical examination, you need to help the child. To do this, it is important to know the types of conjunctivitis, because, depending on the pathogen, the treatment will be different.

Bacterial conjunctivitis- there is pus, the eyelids stick together, the conjunctiva and the skin around the eye are dry. At first, as a rule, only one eye becomes inflamed, and later the infection moves to the second.

Viral conjunctivitis- a companion of SARS, that is, it occurs along with high fever, runny nose and sore throat. The lesion always begins with one eye, quickly moving to the second, while the separated liquid is transparent and plentiful. Eyelashes do not stick together.

allergic conjunctivitis- a clear liquid flows from the eye, I really want to rub the affected area. Often accompanied by frequent sneezing. Symptoms go away when the allergen is removed.

How to treat

If you start treatment on time and correctly, you can cope with the disease in 2 days. The problem is that for treatment month old baby not all fit medications.

The basis of therapy is eye washing (if there is pus), after which eye drops are used, depending on the type of infection and the age of the patient. Let's consider what effective means used in the treatment of children up to a year.

When conjunctivitis is bacterial

With a bacterial infection, drops from conjunctivitis are used, which include an antibiotic. These include:

Phloxal. Active substance- ofloxacin. Allowed from birth. 1 drop is administered 4 times a day.
Tobrex. The active ingredient is tobramycin. Newborns - 1-2 drops up to 5 times a day. Older children - every 4 hours.
Levomycetin. Children under 2 years of age are used with caution. 1 drop is instilled into the conjunctival sac with an interval of 5 hours.
Tsipromed (ciprofloxacin). Allowed for children from the 1st year. Buried depending on the situation, from 4 to 8 times.
Oftaquix (levofloxacin). also in pediatric practice used to treat children after the 1st year. Every 2 hours, 1 drop, but not more than 8 times a day.
Albucid. Please note that sodium sulfacyl (pharmacy name Albucid) is available in two concentrations: 20% and 30% solution. So, children up to a year use only 20% of the form. It is not recommended to start treatment with this medicine, since when instilled there is a strong burning sensation. The child does not forget the pain, so the second, third and subsequent instillations will turn into torture for both the baby and you. Enter the medicine 1-2 drops up to 6 times a day.

Excellent product approved from birth

At night, it is recommended to lay the ointment, since the therapeutic effect of it is longer than that of drops. For the smallest, floxal ointment and tetracycline eye ointment are suitable (namely, the eye, the one in which the concentration of the substance is 1%).

When conjunctivitis is viral

Interferon - the protector of our body from viruses

Antiviral drops either contain interferon or a substance that stimulates its production. A group of these drugs acts as immunomodulators that relieve local inflammation. Some of them act as anesthetics (relieve pain). Means based on interferon stimulate the restoration of affected tissues.

Ophthalmoferon (based on alpha-2b recombinant interferon). Diphenhydramine and boric acid, which are part of the composition, additionally give an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect. You can treat newborns.
Actipol (para-aminobenzoic acid). Interferon inductor, that is, it stimulates the production of its interferon. The instructions say that clinical trials have not been conducted on children, so the drug can be used in babies when the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk.

Drops with interferon are always stored in the refrigerator, so before introducing into the conjunctiva, warm them in your hand to room temperature.

When is conjunctivitis allergic?

If you suspect an allergy in a newborn, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only early detection of the allergen can significantly help the baby, because all antihistamines only relieve symptoms, but do not remove the cause. Moreover, antiallergic drops have age restrictions:

Cromohexal (cromoglycic acid). Apply to children after 2 years, but with caution.
Opatanol (olopatadine). According to the instructions, allowed from 3 years of age. And in infants, the effect of the drug has not been studied.
Allergodil (azelastine hydrochloride). It is used in children from 4 years old.

Therefore, if you suspect a newborn has allergic conjunctivitis, give him an antihistamine, such as fenistil oral drops, and visit a pediatrician and, if necessary, an allergist.

About proper instillation

Newborns are allowed to bury their eyes only with a pipette with a rounded end.
Lay the baby horizontally on a flat surface. It’s good if there is an “assistant” nearby who fixes the head.
If the drops "live" in the refrigerator, do not forget to warm them up in your hand. You can check the temperature by dropping it on the back of your wrist. If there is no sensation of cold or heat, proceed with the procedure.
With pre-washed hands, pull back the lower eyelid and drip 1-2 drops into the inner corner. It is believed that only 1 drop of the solution fits into the conjunctival sac, the rest will go to the cheek. But, since the child often spins and does not like such a procedure, manufacturers advise administering 1-2 drops. Excess fluid is blotted with a sterile disposable napkin.

Familiarize yourself with the technique of instillation of drops

General principles of treatment

Almost all drops have a limited shelf life after opening. This must be monitored and not used after the expiration date.
Even if one eye is affected, the medicine is instilled into both.
It is important that the pipette does not touch the eye when instilled, otherwise it will become infected.
Even if the baby closes his eyes, drip into the inner corner between the eyelids. When he opens his eyes, the medicine will still get where it needs to go.
If there is a lot of pus or mucus in the eye, cleansing is done first, otherwise no drops will help: they will dissolve in a huge accumulation of bacteria. The eyes of children are washed with a warm decoction of chamomile, tea leaves, a solution of furacilin or plain boiled water, using sterile cotton wool.
Frequent instillation during the period of the acute course of the disease is due to the fact that with abundant lacrimation, the medicine is quickly washed out, which means that its action stops after half an hour. For this reason, it is effective to apply ointment behind the eyelid at night: its action lasts until the morning.
Treatment is continued for another three days after the symptoms have disappeared.

Chamomile, having an anti-inflammatory effect, is suitable for washing the eye. To do this, prepare her broth

Prevention

To get sick with conjunctivitis as little as possible, you need to follow simple rules hygiene:

bathe and wash the child daily;
the room, toys, and bedding must be clean;
the newborn should have a personal towel, and a separate one for the face and for washing;
regularly wash the crumbs of the handle with soap, in particular, after a walk; older kids are standing with early age teach them to wash their hands properly;
regularly walk with the baby in the fresh air, the more the better;
consumed products, especially fresh fruits, are thoroughly washed;
baby food must be balanced and complete;
if possible, make sure that the child does not rub his eyes with dirty hands, especially when playing in the sandbox;
regularly ventilate and humidify the children's room;
avoid contact with sick children.

Needless to say, the treatment of children always requires greater concentration of attention and efforts on the part of parents. But conjunctivitis can be quickly defeated. Follow the doctor's recommendations, be patient, and in 2-3 days the problem will be solved.

Already in the first month of life, inflammation of the epithelium of the eyelids and the eyeball of the child occurs. In ophthalmology and pediatrics, this phenomenon is called "conjunctivitis in the newborn", "neonatal ophthalmia". Inflammation is associated with infection of the eye by viruses, bacteria, and the use of drugs. Held complex therapy depending on the cause and manifestations of the disease.

The inflammatory process in the conjunctiva 100 years ago became the cause of blindness in newborn babies. The disease is severe: during the first days and weeks of life, redness and swelling of the eyelids are often noted, mucous or purulent discharge from the eyes is observed. Main reasons purulent conjunctivitis in newborns - bacterial infections transmitted from the mother during childbirth. Infection with viruses and fungi of newly born babies from the staff of the maternity ward, other people after the mother and baby are discharged is not excluded.

Within an hour after the birth, the medical staff of the maternity hospital conducts prevention of conjunctivitis - the eyelids of the newborn are washed, instilled, and an antibacterial ointment is applied. If ophthalmia develops, then the baby's eyes become red, profuse lacrimation begins. Diseases in a newborn baby can be associated not only with infection, but also with the use of medications. Newborns react to albucid and other drugs used to prevent inflammation of the eye.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in an infant:

lacrimation;
swelling and erythema of the eyelids;
photophobia (irritation from light);
the formation of a white film on the eyes;
purulent compartments on the eyelashes in the morning (in case of bacterial conjunctivitis).

For acute form characterized by a sudden onset of the disease, severe redness of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, lacrimation. There may be petechial hemorrhages.

Etiological factors in the development of conjunctivitis in young children are most often infections - bacterial or viral. Less commonly, the causes of the disease are pathologies of the lacrimal canals, dust particles or motes that get into the eyes. Among the microorganisms that cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, the causative agents of chlamydia and gonorrhea predominate. Bacterial infectious agents enter the eyelids and mucous membranes of the baby's eyes during childbirth. The risk of damage increases with the weakness of the child's immunity and poor care for him.

Types of conjunctivitis in infants

Already during the passage through the birth canal of the mother and in the first minutes of life, the baby is exposed to all types of infection. Therefore, the mother's struggle with viral, fungal and bacterial diseases, the sterility of everything that surrounds the child immediately after birth is so important. Types of infectious conjunctivitis are determined by the type of agent, the reproduction of which causes a certain clinical picture.

Infections that cause conjunctivitis:

Bacterial - chlamydia, streptococci, pneumococci, gonococci Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Viral - adenoviruses, herpesviruses, SARS.
Fungal - actinomycetes, yeast-like.

Viral conjunctivitis in infants is less violent than bacterial and allergic.

First, the viruses infect one eye, then the inflammation covers the second. The sclera and eyelids turn red, the eyes itch and watery. Detachable transparent, non-purulent. The inflammatory process caused by SARS is characterized by an increase in temperature to subfebrile values, a runny nose, and a sore throat.

Classification of conjunctivitis according to etiology:

adenovirus. It proceeds sharply, in parallel with the defeat of the nasal passages and throat. First, one eye turns red and watery, then the other becomes inflamed.
Streptococcal. It is distinguished by the appearance of yellow or grayish discharge, sticking of the eyelids in the morning. The skin around the eyes is affected.
Fungal. The symptoms are similar to bacterial conjunctivitis. Often the eyes are affected by a mixed infection.
Chlamydial. Become the cause of 40% of all cases of conjunctivitis in infants. Sometimes the disease is asymptomatic chronic form. The conjunctiva thickens, pus appears.
Drug. It develops immediately or a few hours after instillation of solutions into the eyes of a newborn to prevent infection. Symptoms develop rapidly allergic form diseases.
Allergic. It accompanies the reaction of the skin and mucous membrane of the eye to various irritants (dust, excretions of pets, allergen products on the menu of a nursing mother, pollen from flowers, chlorinated water).

The most severe is bacterial conjunctivitis (purulent). Discharge from the eye contains dead microorganisms, toxins, leukocytes. The child feels pain and burning of the eyelids. Without treatment, damage to the cornea, visual impairment is possible.

Purulent conjunctivitis

A child becomes infected from an infected mother when she passes through the birth canal. Gonococcus causes acute purulent inflammation of the conjunctiva (blennorrhea) in a newborn child. The eyelids swell and become purple, purple or bluish. The child hardly opens his eyes, heavy eyelids stick together with purulent secretions yellow color. The mucous membrane of the affected eyes bleeds.

Gonococcal blennorrhea carries the risk of infection of the cornea and loss of the eye. The child needs timely medical attention.

To prevent infection of newborns with gonococcus in maternity hospitals, preventive actions. Immediately after birth, babies wipe their eyes with a swab with a solution of furacilin, instill sodium sulfacyl. Two or three days after birth, signs of gonococcal blennorrhea in infants can be recognized. In this case, doctors determine how to treat conjunctivitis in a newborn. The baby is given antibiotics.

The incubation period of the causative agent of chlamydial conjunctivitis lasts two weeks. When the child and mother are still in the hospital, doctors prescribe medications for treatment. If the infection did not occur during childbirth, but later, then the symptoms appear a month after birth. This type of bacterial conjunctivitis occurs with the release of pus from the eyes, there is a temperature, weakness in the baby. In the absence of therapy chlamydial infection extends to the organ of hearing, Airways, lungs.

Diagnosis and treatment

A pediatric ophthalmologist almost accurately recognizes inflammation of the conjunctiva in an infant. The specialist will explain to parents how to treat conjunctivitis in infants at home. The doctor conducts an external examination, sends a swab to the laboratory for purulent conjunctivitis to investigate and determine the type of infection. In the allergic form of the disease, allergy tests may first be required.

The type of disease depends on how to treat conjunctivitis in a newborn. The therapy is carried out in stages, they adhere to an integrated approach in order to quickly alleviate the condition of the baby and avoid complications. Using a syringe without a needle or a gauze swab, the conjunctival space is washed with a solution of furacilin. If inflammation is associated with painful sensations, an increase in temperature, then in the intensive care unit, the child may be given an intravenous painkiller and antipyretic drug.

Therapeutic eye drops with antiviral, antibacterial, antiallergic action are prescribed by a doctor.

How to cure purulent conjunctivitis:

Before each instillation of albucid and with the accumulation of pus, the child's eyes are washed.
A warm infusion of chamomile or a solution of furacilin is used.
An antibacterial ointment is applied at night, for example, tetracycline or erythromycin (for the lower eyelid).

How to treat viral conjunctivitis that develops against the background of SARS:

Rinse eyes with furatsilin or chamomile infusion, weak tea.
Bury "Ophthalmoferon" or "Aktipol".

A solution of furacilin is prepared from one tablet of the product and a glass of warm boiled water. For chamomile infusion, take 1 tsp. flower baskets and a glass of boiling water.

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis must be combined with the elimination of the irritating substance from the environment of the child. Give drink syrup with anti-allergic effect. Antihistamine eye drops should be recommended by a doctor. Most of these drugs are intended for children older than 2-12 years.

Prevention of conjunctivitis

Timely prescribed and adequately carried out treatment contributes to the fact that the child recovers and the consequences of the disease are not observed. With running infectious conjunctivitis in a newborn may be associated systemic lesions. When a newborn is infected with chlamydia, treatment is carried out in a hospital.

Viral infections of the eye are milder, but if left untreated, complications arise in the form of systemic diseases.

It is very important to observe personal hygiene. Items for the care of the newborn, the hands of the mother and medical personnel should be almost sterile. In addition, in case of airborne infections, mothers should use disposable face masks.

Conjunctivitis in newborns and infants in the first year of life is a problem that more than 15% of new mothers have to face. By itself, the pathology does not pose a great threat to the health, and even more so the life of the baby. But the disease is accompanied by symptoms that are extremely unpleasant for the child, the baby becomes capricious, tearful, eats and sleeps poorly. In addition, there is a risk of complications.

Conjunctivitis in infants is often confused with dacryocystitis, a disease in which the lacrimal sac becomes inflamed in an infant, or a banal blockage of the lacrimal canal. Pathologies are similar in manifestations, but still have differences and require a completely different approach to treatment. With a timely visit to the doctor and the correct diagnosis, it will not be difficult to cure conjunctivitis in a few days. But this requires parents to know characteristic symptoms pathology, could recognize it in time and take appropriate measures.

What it is

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes caused by chemical irritants or pathogens. To correctly determine how to treat conjunctivitis in infants, it is important to establish the cause of its origin. The causative agents of the disease can be either bacteria or viruses. Accordingly, conjunctivitis is distinguished:

bacterial;
viral.

Recently, allergic conjunctivitis has become more common, developing against the background of seasonal allergies in a child or under the influence of histamines. At the same time, anything can act as histamine: food, drugs, household chemicals, and even house dust.

The photo shows what purulent conjunctivitis looks like in a baby under the age of one year

But the most common is the bacterial form of the disease. Depending on the type of pathogenic microorganisms, the following subspecies of bacterial conjunctivitis are distinguished:

staphylococcal;
pneumococcal;
gonococcal;
chlamydial.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is often called purulent, as the disease is accompanied by abundant purulent discharge, souring of the eye and sticking of the eyelids. Such manifestations of the disease frighten parents, but the treatment of this form is much faster, easier than the viral one, and without serious consequences.

Viral conjunctivitis in an infant develops and proceeds, at first glance, easier, purulent discharge is absent. But often it is this form of the disease, if not treated on time and to the end, that leads to serious complications. In this case, not only the eyes can suffer if the viral infection spreads throughout the body. The greatest danger lies in the fact that the systems and internal organs babies are not yet fully formed, the introduction of the virus can disrupt the process of their full development and cause various dysfunctions and irreversible changes.

That's why it's important that parents know the symptoms various forms inflammation of the mucosa in a newborn, were able to recognize it in time, consult a doctor and begin adequate treatment.

How the disease manifests itself

Conjunctivitis in children under one year old can only be accurately diagnosed by a doctor, since numerous ophthalmic pathologies have similar symptoms. Nevertheless, there are certain signs by which parents may suspect this particular disease and seek medical help.

Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can be recognized by the following signs:

severe redness and irritation of the mucous membrane;
swelling of the eyelids;
purulent discharge from the eyes.

In the daytime, the pus is washed off with tears or removed when washing. But during the night it accumulates, dries up, the resulting crusts stick together the eyelids. In severe cases, the child cannot open his eyes on his own after sleep.

The viral form of the disease, like the allergic one, is manifested by lacrimation and swelling of the eye without purulent discharge, but it is more difficult to treat than the bacterial one.

Viral conjunctivitis manifests itself as follows:

intense lacrimation;
redness of the mucous membrane of the eye and eyelids;
puffiness (can be recognized by one year old baby and older children, since the newborn's eyes themselves seem to be swollen);
the surface of the eyeball is often covered with a whitish film;
first, one eye becomes inflamed, then the infection passes to the second.

Viral conjunctivitis is also often accompanied by an increase in body temperature, children over two years old can quite clearly explain what worries them. As a rule, these are headaches, weakness, malaise, aching joints, lack of appetite - that is, typical symptoms of SARS, which caused viral conjunctivitis.

Important: Even if the parents are experienced, they have already encountered purulent inflammation conjunctiva in children and, in principle, know what to do, you still need to see a doctor. Each child is individual, this time the pathogen may be completely different, which means that another therapy will be needed. In addition, for the treatment of children at 5 months, for example, or at 2 years old, various drugs in different dosages. Self-medication can lead to serious complications in a child, so it is better not to take risks and not rely solely on your own experience.

Ways of infection and causes of development

It is believed that if the disease in infants is non-congenital, the cause of all troubles is insufficient care and non-observance of hygiene rules. However, in this case, this is not entirely true. Even the cleanest baby living in ideal sanitary conditions can get sick with conjunctivitis.

A pregnant woman must necessarily treat all gynecological and venereal diseases to minimize the risk of infection of the baby

The main causes of the disease are as follows:

Weak immunity. All newborns without exception the immune system does not work on full force, without proper supervision, the baby can easily pick up any infection. If, in addition, the child suffered an infectious disease of the nasopharynx or other organs, was born prematurely or with low weight, is malnourished, the risk increases several times.
Infectious diseases mother. Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia or gonococcus, in most cases, passes to the baby from the mother during the passage birth canal.
Getting into the eyes of dust, sand, chemical fumes and other irritants that can provoke an inflammatory process.
Failure to comply with basic hygiene rules.
Acute viral infections nasopharynx. Very rarely, viral conjunctivitis develops in isolation, as a rule, these are complications adenovirus infection, flu, etc.

Even the most experienced and caring mother cannot foresee absolutely everything and protect her baby 100% from all diseases. But nevertheless, a lot is in her hands. A pregnant woman must definitely treat all diseases before giving birth. And after the birth of a child, do not be lazy to fully and regularly care for him.

Treatment Methods

Conjunctivitis in a child, like in an adult, can be cured at home in a few days, but only if all the recommendations of the attending physician are followed from the beginning of the course of treatment until complete recovery. It should be understood that the children's body is not yet fully formed, the baby's immunity is not strong, and the slightest omission on the part of the parents can result in serious complications.

Regular flushing is the main treatment for conjunctivitis of any form in infants.

Ideally, at the first suspicious symptoms, you should visit an eye doctor. If this is not possible, rinsing the eye will help alleviate the condition of the baby. You can use the pharmaceutical antiseptic drug Furacilin or decoctions medicinal herbs: chamomile, calendula, sage. The solution for washing should be made weak, and the procedure itself should be carried out every two hours during the day and once or twice at night, when the baby wakes up for feeding.

Some sources recommend instilling eyes with Levomycetin before the doctor arrives or laying Tetracycline ointment. Indeed, these antibacterial drugs are widely used in the treatment of conjunctivitis caused by pathogenic microflora. But at the same time, they have a number of contraindications and are prescribed to newborns and infants only if, for some reason, more modern and sparing drugs are not suitable. Therefore, it is not recommended to start using them on your own, without the approval of a doctor, especially if the baby is not yet 2 months old.

One of the safest and effective methods treatment of conjunctivitis in newborns - massage of the nasolacrimal canal. Every mother, even the youngest and inexperienced, can learn how to do it on her own at home, the main thing is caution, attention and love.

How to properly rinse your eyes

It is with this procedure that effective treatment conjunctivitis in young children. In no case should antibacterial drugs be administered if the eyes are not previously cleaned of secretions and disinfected. To do this, you must first prepare an antiseptic solution. If there is nothing at hand, then you can rinse the baby's eyes with ordinary boiled water, the main thing is not to ignore this procedure and remove crusts and pus several times a day. But the treatment will be more effective and recovery will come faster if Furacilin is used.

In pharmacies, it is usually sold in tablets and is quite inexpensive. One package is enough for a full course of treatment.

The solution is prepared as follows:

Remove the tablet from the package and carefully crush into powder. The better this is done, the faster Furacilin will dissolve in water.
Pour the powder into a sterilized container, pour 100 ml of boiled water at a temperature of about 38 degrees, but not higher.
Stir, leave for half an hour, so that the powder is completely dissolved. You should get a yellow liquid.
Furacilin always gives a balance. So that small particles of the drug do not injure the baby's eyes, before washing, the resulting solution is filtered through a sterile bandage folded in several layers.

The solution is not stored for a long time without a refrigerator, it should be used within one day. In the refrigerator, you can store Furacilin solution in a sterile, tightly closed container for up to two weeks. But it’s better not to be lazy to prepare fresh medicine every day.

Chamomile officinalis is an excellent natural antiseptic, a decoction of a medicinal plant can be safely used to treat sore eyes in infants

Washing is performed directly with a cotton sponge, it is moistened in the prepared solution, slightly squeezed and the crusts and pus are carefully removed, moving in the direction from the inner corner of the eyes to the outer. One sponge is used once for one eye, for the second eye you should take a clean cotton pad. Washing with tea leaves or a decoction of medicinal plants is performed in a similar way. The main thing to remember is three rules:

the temperature of the liquid should be no higher than 38 degrees;
decoctions and infusions must be carefully filtered so that not a single blade of grass or grains remains in them;
rinse solutions do not keep for a long time, ideally prepare fresh every day.

Helpful information: in pharmacies you can buy a ready-made furatsilin solution for washing. If preference is given medicinal plants, then the infusion is prepared very simply. A small spoonful of dry collection or fresh grass is poured with a glass of boiling water, covered tightly and infused for two to three hours. Then the remedy is filtered - the medicine for the baby against conjunctivitis is ready!

How to apply ointment

If the doctor deemed it necessary to prescribe Tetracycline or any other antibacterial ointment, lay it behind the lower eyelid 10-15 minutes after washing. It is done like this:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap.
Lay your baby on a changing table or bed so that he cannot roll off.
Open the tube of ointment and squeeze the required amount onto your finger right hand.
Pull the lower eyelid with the fingers of the left hand and gently inject the ointment.
Repeat the procedure with the second eye.

Tetracycline ointment is a traditional remedy for conjunctivitis, but it is strongly discouraged for use in infants without doctor's approval.

Important! Do not apply more ointments than recommended by the doctor to speed up recovery. This will not happen anyway, but it is possible to provoke unwanted side effects and allergic reactions.

How to massage

With purulent conjunctivitis, copious discharge can clog the nasolacrimal canal. This increases the discomfort for the baby and delays the treatment. In this case, massage of the nasolacrimal canal will help. Ideally, a pediatric nurse will show you how to do it correctly. But, in fact, this is a completely non-false process, which you can teach yourself. The main thing here, again, is accuracy and attention.

First, the eyes of the crumbs should be washed with Furacilin to remove all crusts and accumulations of pus under the eyelids.
Next, the tips of the index fingers are placed in the corners of the child's eye.
With vibrating, slightly pressing movements, the fingers descend to the wings of the spout.

Regular massage of the nasolacrimal canal will help to cure purulent conjunctivitis faster and prevent complications

There should be at least ten such passes. If the doctor has prescribed antibacterial drops or ointments, then they are administered after the massage.

What drugs can a doctor prescribe

Treatment of newborns, and not only for conjunctivitis, is always complicated by the fact that most drugs cannot be used due to a long list of possible side effects. The doctor selects the most gentle medicines latest generations with a minimum of "side effects", while it is equally important to correctly determine the dosage.

If we are talking about conjunctivitis in newborns, then these will be eye drops and ointments of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory action. The following have been the best medicines:

Albucid - the drug is administered 1-2 drops after washing into each eye up to 8 times in the first two days of illness, then as the condition improves, the number of instillations is reduced to 4 times a day.
Vitabact - these drops must be used for at least 7 days, but not more than 10, the drug is administered one drop up to 4 times a day.
Oftalmoferon - also has an antiviral effect, in the first days of the disease, one drop is administered every two hours, then the number of instillations is gradually reduced to 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment lasts until the symptoms disappear completely.
Tobrex - eye ointment antibacterial action, it is enough to lay it once a day for ten days.
Tetracycline ointment is a traditional drug against eye inflammation, which is allowed to be used in pediatrics. The ointment is applied two to three times a day after washing, alternating with instillations. The course of treatment lasts up to two weeks.

If the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor does not give positive results for two to three days, you should re-contact an ophthalmologist and correct it. At right approach symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis completely disappear in 5-7 days, viral - 7-10 days. During this period, it is important to carefully monitor the hygiene of the baby, and after recovery, remember about preventive measures.

Summary: Conjunctivitis in infants is a common ophthalmic pathology, not the most dangerous, but capable of provoking serious complications without proper treatment. It is quite possible to get rid of the disease in a few days, if you strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor. Otherwise, the treatment may take several weeks or the disease will recur again and again. The main method of treatment is rinsing the eye antiseptic solutions. In severe cases, the doctor prescribes local and systemic antibiotics. If parents want their baby to smile again as soon as possible and look at the world with clean and clear eyes, they will be patient and follow all the doctor's instructions without deviation.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process that affects eyeball, eyelids and mucous membranes. Doctors diagnose the disease in 2% of newborns.

Eye damage in infants occurs as a result of the introduction of bacteria. All inflammatory processes that develop during the first 2-3 months of a child's life are called ophthalmia by doctors.

Almost immediately after birth, doctors treat the eyes of newborns to prevent the development of conjunctivitis. Preventive treatment involves laying an antibacterial ointment under the eyelid. However, even this does not always protect against infection.

Often, a purulent inflammatory process develops due to non-compliance with hygiene rules. But this is not always the root of the problem. Many babies who are in sterile conditions in compliance with all sanitary standards develop conjunctivitis.

The main causes of infection:

reduced immunity in the newborn;
during childbirth, when the baby comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the mother, infection with chlamydia and gonococci can occur;
lack of regular hygiene procedures;
infection with infections living in the mother's body;
Availability foreign body in the eye.

Depending on the cause, the disease will be classified as purulent or viral conjunctivitis. The nature and duration, as well as treatment will depend on the type of infection.

A woman who is preparing for childbirth must take care of her health in advance and treat all existing diseases, otherwise the risk of giving birth to an infected child increases significantly.

Types of conjunctivitis in newborns

Young parents should clearly understand what an infectious lesion of the mucous membrane of the eyes looks like. This will help them determine in a timely manner what is happening with the child and how to treat the disease.

Viral conjunctivitis in newborns, it is considered a normal reaction of the body to pathogenic microbes that affect the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth. It is necessary to treat this type in combination with the treatment of a cold. Doctors note that viral conjunctivitis is very quickly transmitted from a sick child to a healthy baby, but the vision of the newborn does not deteriorate.

Conjunctivitis of a bacterial nature. The most diagnosed lesion of the mucous membrane of the eyes in newborns, caused by the introduction of streptococcal or staphylococcal infections. The routes of infection are varied. It could be like an infection skin mother or child, and from others. The lesion is manifested in severe hyperemia of the eyes and abundant separation of tears.

Allergic conjunctivitis. Common in children prone to developing allergic reactions for pathogenic microorganisms. Has symptoms of a cold: dry cough, runny nose. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you should contact the pediatrician, he will perform differential diagnosis and tell you how to treat.

neonatal conjunctivitis. This group of lesions includes all newborns who were infected in the first 28 days of life. The treatment is simple and consists in massaging the area between the nose and the eye. The main cause of the disease is a blockage of the lacrimal gland or a reaction to some eye drops.

Conjunctivitis in infants - symptoms of the disease

An infectious lesion, depending on the cause, has various symptoms. However, doctors distinguish the symptoms of conjunctivitis in newborns, which are present regardless of the etiology:

the child constantly tries to scratch his eyes;
copious discharge of tears;
the mucous membrane is hyperemic;
painful perception of bright light (the child squints his eyes);
swelling of the eyelids;
the nature of the discharge from the eyes is purulent, serous, hemorrhagic.

A clear sign of a bacterial lesion of the mucous membrane in a newborn is an inflammatory process in both eyes. First, one-sided infection can occur, and then self-infection on the other side. The child becomes restless, the eyes swell and acquire a characteristic red color.

If you do not take action quickly, discharge is added to these symptoms. Their character is purulent, yellow-green in color. In the morning, it is difficult for a newborn to open his eyes, because the secreted fluid dries up and sticks together the eyelids.

Conjunctivitis of a viral nature is provoked by herpes microbacteria. The infection is localized, most often, on the one hand. It takes a long time to treat this type of disease, bubble rashes on the skin of the eyelids are added to the general signs, a tear is abundantly released. With adenovirus lesions, the symptoms are similar to the common cold.

Allergic conjunctivitis is the body's reaction to an irritating agent: dust, animal hair, plant pollen, medicines or foods. This type of lesion is rare in newborns. AT clinical picture note the presence of symptoms such as rash, redness of the eyes, lesions on both sides. The nature of the discharge is serous. It is possible to cure such conjunctivitis only by eliminating the allergen.

In newborns, conjunctivitis is designated as neonatal, more often develops as a result of infection with chlamydia and gonococci during labor, when the mother is ill with gonorrhea or chlamydia.

If conjunctivitis is not treated in a timely manner, it may develop against its background:

gonoblenorrhea - appears on the 2-3rd day of a child's life and is characterized by severe edema, discharge mixed with blood, sometimes the deep parts of the eye are affected, which leads to serious ophthalmological problems in the future;
paratrachoma - appears on the 5-12th day from birth, has acute course, purulent discharge, often occurs against the background.

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis in newborns

The diagnosis of conjunctivitis in newborns is made after a visual examination by a pediatrician, if any. characteristics. Appoint proper treatment and it is possible to differentiate the disease by taking biological material for microscopic examination: smear and scraping.

If there is a suspicion of an allergic nature, allergy tests are carried out. Treatment is prescribed based on the tests obtained, taking into account the type of disease.

Treatment

Bacterial eye disease in infants requires a comprehensive approach.

The therapy is carried out in several stages:

Constant washing of the conjunctival cavity antibacterial agents for the purpose of purification.
Instillations with special anesthetic solutions that reduce sensitivity to bright light.
The use of ointments and drops with an antibacterial effect.

Only the doctor who diagnosed the disease prescribes treatment. Self-selection medication is strictly prohibited. General therapy practiced only with a widespread inflammatory process.

The scheme of instillation of eyes to the baby:

The first 6 days of the disease - instillations of drops every 3-4 hours.
The next 4 days - instill after 5-6 hours.
Until recovery - in 12-18 hours.

When treating with the use of eye ointments, they are applied over the eyelid before bedtime from 2-3 times a day.

The disease can be completely eliminated only by removing discharge from the eyes. For this purpose, washing with a solution of furacilin or potassium permanganate is prescribed. The child's eyes should always be open. That is, you can not tie them or apply compresses so as not to create a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria.

Depending on the severity of the disease and its nature, the treatment of the newborn will take place in a hospital or at home. This is decided only by the leading doctor.

If parents suspect the development of conjunctivitis in a newborn, traditional medicine can help to cope with the disease. It should be remembered that such treatment can only be additional, they cannot replace drug therapy.

Help relieve symptoms:

washing the eyes with a decoction of chamomile;
removal of purulent discharge with a swab dipped in tea;
wiping with a solution of furacilin.

It is important to remember that washings are done from the outer edge of the eye to the inner corner, while an individual swab is used on each side.