We are in the season of conjunctivitis popularly known as Apollo, in order not to be a victim, I bring to you practical ways, which you can prevent Apollo.
Conjunctivitis is the redness (inflammation) of the transparent membrane covering the white of the eyes (conjunctiva) cause by infections (which may be bacterial or viral), allergies (to substance such as pollen) or irritants (such as smoke or certain chemicals).
It may affect one or both eyes and it can spread easily from one eye to the other.
SYMPTOMS OF CONJUNCTIVITIS INCLUDE:
- Redness and/or itchiness of the eyes
- A gritty feeling or burning sensation in the eyes.
- Watery/sticky discharge from the eyes which may form crust at night during sleep making eye opening difficult.
Most conjunctivitis usually caused by viral infections will clear within a week or two; there is currently no treatment available for viral conjunctivitis.
Eye drops containing Anti-histamines, anti-inflammation drugs and other DIY may be prescribed to treat allergic conjunctivitis while antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis.
PEOPLE WITH GREATER CHANCE OF GETTING CONJUNCTIVITIS INCLUDE:
Those close to person with conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis from infections is very easily spread to other people around you.
- Older people. Older people’s immune systems may be less able to fight the infections.
- Children are more likely to be in close contact with other children with eye infections at school or playing.
- Those who’ve had a recent cold or upper respiratory tract infection.
- People with diabetes or conditions that can lessen the body’s defenses.
- Those taking steroids (corticosteroids).
- Having blepharitis infection causing inflammation of the rims of the rims of the eyelids.
CAUSES OF CONJUNCTIVITIS INCLUDE:
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Infection with a virus that may also cause a fever and sore throat
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
- Irritants such as chlorine from swimming pools, shampoo, smoke, fumes or a loose eyelash
- Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial ( all year round) allergic conjunctivitis, caused by pollen, dust mites or pet dander
- Contact dermatoconjunctivitis, from eye drops, environmental allergens are suggested by symptoms which vary with seasonality, time of day, geography and nature of landscape (e.g., rural, urban, oceanic), chemicals or make-up
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis, from wearing contact lenses, eye surgery stitches or tubes or things fitted during eye operations.
SPREAD OF CONJUNCTIVITIS CAN BE PREVENTED BY THE PRACTICE OF GOOD HYGIENE WHICH INCLUDES:
- Regular hand washing
- Use of clean towels
- Avoiding sharing of towels
- Avoiding the sharing of eye cosmetics
- Avoiding touching your eyes.
CONJUNCTIVITIS DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT INCLUDE:
Seek medical advice if you have conjunctivitis symptoms – especially extra sensitivity to light, severe eye pain or blurred eyesight. Babies with conjunctivitis need urgent medical care.
It is important for a health professional to work out which kind of conjunctivitis it is so the right treatment can be given, when necessary, to clear up the discomfort and avoid possible complications.
In many cases, conjunctivitis caused by infections will clear up after a couple of weeks without treatment. However, some kinds of conjunctivitis are more serious or are a sign of another serious condition or eye problem such as glaucoma.
A sample of the discharge from an eye may be taken with a swab for laboratory testing.
Since we now know about “Apollo” and its prevention, let’s stop the spread of it and have the most wonderful season.
its our season ooh!
