Pink Eye free essay sample

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis The most common symptom for conjunctivitis is redness of the eyes. Blurred vision and sensitivity to light are also signs of the infection. As the infection gets worse the symptoms increase. A discharge is very common with conjunctivitis and patients with this discharge notice that it yellowish, thick and look like pus. When you wake up your eyes will be crusted together from this discharge. Other indication of conjunctivitis is burning or itching of the eye, continuous tearing, a scratchy feeling in the eye, swollen or red eye lids, hazy vision (due to the infection, tears, or puss).What causes Conjunctivitis The most common cause is viruses or bacteria. Dry eyes or over exposure to wind and sun can also cause conjunctivitis. Tears have natural enzymes and antibiotics that help protect your eyes so lack of tears can cause this infection. Using extended wear contacts lenses (contacts that stay in your eyes for longer than 24 hours) also higher your risk for getting conjunctivitis, because the lenses hold bacteria in the lenses. We will write a custom essay sample on Pink Eye or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Allergic reactions to cosmetics, pollen, chlorine in a swimming pool, or chemicals will also cause an infection that in terms causes pink eye. Types of ConjunctivitisThere are a few different types of conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is most common and is caused by adenoviruses, which are responsible for the infection. While dealing with viral conjunctivitis it is important to see your doctor for antibiotics. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by the bacteria Staphylococci and Streptococci. The bacteria in bacterial conjunctivitis are also what causes ear infections, a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Thus is a reason you should see your doctor for antibiotics as soon as possible. Allergic pink eye is caused by allergens such as animal dander, dust, and seasonal pollen.The good thing about allergic pink eye is, it’s mostly just seasonal and most over the counter allergy medications will cure it. Chemical pink eye usually happens when any irritating substance enters the eye. Common irritants are smoke, perfume, fog, household cleaners, sprays of any kind (including hair spray), and industrial pollutants. Neonatal conjunctivitis is found in newborns, if left untreated can cause blindness. If a mother who’s pregnant has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) its likely that the child will be born with the infection. Although it’s uncommon in the U.S Chlamydia Pink Eye is very common in Africa and Middle Eastern countries. Chlamydia pink eye is from the sexually transmitted disease (STD) Chlamydia. The medication for this type is slightly different from the other types, and is not recommended to children under the age of nine because it can stain or discolor their teeth. Treatment of Conjunctivitis The only treatment for conjunctivitis is seeing your doctor and getting a prescription for an antibiotic. The antibiotic comes in eye drops or ointment, the ointment is usually prescribed for newborns and infants.There are however some home remedies that will ease the discomfort. African tribes believe that using urine on a rag or towel and placing that on the eye will relieve the itching. Washing your eyes using chamomile flower tea is known to reduce the swelling, putting a moist chamomile tea bag on a closed eye for at least 10 minutes will ease the redness and is safe to use every few hours, increase salads and green leafy vegetables, do not use any contact lenses until your pink eye is gone, and stay away from cigarettes and alcohol.Prevention of Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis i s highly contagious. To help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis you should make sure you change your pillowcases regularly, do not share towels, wash your hands often, don’t share cosmetics and throw away any make up that you have used (most important mascara and eyeliner), clean contact lenses properly.Spreading pink eye from one eye to another is very common to prevent this, when wiping the drainage from the affected eye use a tissue and make sure you throw it away and do not use the same tissue on both eyes. Conclusion In closing, conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection that is very irrigating and last about 4-7 days. However with proper actions, some home remedies and a doctor visit this infection can be less aggregating and uncomfortable.