What is 'pink eye' exactly?
The diagnosis of “pink eye” is actually slang for three different types of conjunctivitis and all three types are treated differently.
Parents whose children were labeled with a diagnosis of "pink eye" were more likely to request antibiotics and believe that their children were more contagious than those that were told their children had an "eye infection," found an interesting article that was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Pediatrics.
The problem is that not all "pink eyes" are the same. The diagnosis of "pink eye" is actually slang for three different types of conjunctivitis: bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. Complicating this further is that all three of these types of conjunctivitis are treated differently.
At least 2 million children present each year to their healthcare providers due to conjunctivitis. Therefore, it is important for parents to understand the signs and symptoms of the different types of conjunctivitis as well as their treatments.
1. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually associated with redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, and a yellow/green discharge. It can also be associated with symptoms of a cold. It can affect either one or both of the eyes. Treatment for this type of infection can require antibiotics, but more than one half of these infections will improve without any treatment.
2. Viral conjunctivitis can affect either one or both of the eyes and has the same symptoms as above, except that the discharge sometimes has a thinner, more watery consistency.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis has the same symptoms as both viral and bacterial conjunctives but, like viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis usually only has a watery discharge. Furthermore, it also usually affects both eyes and is associated with other allergic symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose. This type of conjunctivitis also does not require antibiotics. It can easily be treated with either antihistamine eye drops or an oral allergy medicine.
It is extremely important to limit the use of antibiotics for both viral and allergic conjunctivitis. Without moderation, there will be a rise in bacterial resistance. If this resistance occurs, the antibiotics that we need to work, will no longer be able to fight the bacteria.
However, do not forget to consult with your healthcare provider. Most "pink eyes" are easily treated. You can do no harm by using warm or cold compresses until you can schedule an appointment with your physician. However, here are a few tips when you should schedule an appointment immediately:
Conjunctivitis should not cause pain or change your child's vision. If this occurs, it may be a more serious condition.
If these symptoms are associated with a high-grade fever or if light is hurting your child's eye.
If the symptoms are rapidly worsening or are not responding to treatment.
If your child wears contact lenses, take them out, and avoid use until seen by your healthcare provider.
Last but not least, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is very contagious. If infected, remember to practice good hygiene. Like mom always says: wash your hands often, don't touch your eyes with your hands, and don't share towels or washcloths.
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