by | Mar 14, 2024 | Family Health
The days are getting longer and warmer, and soon children and parents alike will be looking for activities they can participate in with their friends. For some, spending time regularly at a bowling alley such as Sports Connection as part of a summer bowling program is an ideal activity to keep cool and dry. However, with all this closeness comes some risk if awareness and proper hygiene aren’t observed.
Children in the U.S. lose over three million days of school each year due to pink eye infection and over six million cases are reported nationwide annually. Adults and children are equally susceptible to catching the infection.
What is Pink Eye?
The medical term for pink eye is “conjunctivitis.” It occurs when the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the inside of the eyelid becomes swollen. The job of the conjunctiva is to protect the eyeball and produce tears to keep the eye lubricated.
Pink Eye Symptoms:
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Green or white stringy discharge
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Crusting of the eyelids or lashes, especially while sleeping
- Redness and swelling in the white of your eye or inner eyelid
- Thick yellow discharge that crusts over your eyelashes, especially after sleep
- Gritty feeling in one or both eyes
There are several different causes of pink eye infection. Some types of pink eye are caused by bacteria, others by viruses, and others are caused by environmental factors. The type of pink eye your child might have contracted will determine the course of treatment and management.
Causes and Types of Pink Eye in Children
The most common cause of pink eye in children is viruses, such as adenovirus, causing mild to severe infections with cold-like symptoms which sometimes move into the respiratory system. This form of pink eye can last five to seven days and is highly contagious during the first few. Symptoms may begin to improve after three days.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is another common cause of pink eye and, in certain settings, can spread easily among children. Common bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae can contribute to it as can other bacteria related to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Duration varies but mild cases last three to five days with treatment but can last as long as two weeks. Antibiotic eye drops can shorten the duration of bacterial conjunctivitis and reduce the potential for transmission.
Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious and is most common among those who have other allergic conditions such as asthma and is often due to environmental factors such as pollen dust, and pet dander. The duration depends upon the child’s continued exposure to the environmental allergen. The use of antihistamine allergy medications can help, including eye drops.
Environmental irritants are another source of conjunctivitis, and this form can overlap with allergic conjunctivitis. Chemicals or other airborne irritants can lead to this form as will foreign objects that get into the eye. Targeted treatment depends upon the underlying cause.
Pink Eye in Babies
Conjunctivitis in newborns less than four weeks old (neonatal conjunctivitis) is of special concern and a doctor’s visit should be scheduled immediately. The most common types of pink eye in newborns are:
Inclusion (chlamydial) conjunctivitis that passes to a baby from a mother with untreated chlamydia during birth. Symptoms typically appear 5-12 days after birth and can pass to the lungs or other parts of the body. Oral antibiotics treat the infection.
A baby can get Gonococcal conjunctivitis from a mother with untreated gonorrhea during childbirth. Conjunctivitis typically begins in the baby’s first 2-5 days. The administration of intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics prevents the baby from developing ulcers on the cornea or becoming blind.
Chemical conjunctivitis can result from the antimicrobial drops given to newborns to prevent bacterial infection. Symptoms should abate within 36 hours (or three days).
Some other viruses and bacteria can cause conjunctivitis in newborns such as the ones that can cause genital or oral herpes, which is less common, and even the bacteria normally located in a woman’s vagina. Treatment for these cases comes in the form of antibiotic ointments or drops.
Management and Treatment
No matter which form of conjunctivitis your child acquires, the most important thing is for them to practice good hygiene to prevent it from spreading. This includes washing hands regularly, especially in environments with shared surfaces, such as a bowling alley, and avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes. Cool compresses help alleviate the swelling and moist cotton balls can help keep the eyes clean. It is important to only use clean compresses and cotton balls every time.
Cases of viral conjunctivitis rarely require antibiotics and resolve on their own but are soothed with home care including compresses. Antibiotics in the form of ointments or drops prescribed by a doctor treat bacterial cases. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis begins by identifying the allergen that is causing the symptoms and removing it or otherwise avoiding it. Antihistamine allergy medications are also helpful.
When to Seek Medical Care?
Your child should see their doctor if they experience any of the following:
- pain in the eye(s)
- sensitivity to light or blurred vision that does not improve when discharge is wiped from the eye(s)
- intense redness in the eye(s)
- worsening or unimproved symptoms, including pink eye thought to be caused by bacteria which does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use
- a weakened immune system, for example from HIV infection, cancer treatment, or other medical conditions or treatments
- a preexisting eye condition
- decrease in vision
Remember, it is important to follow all your child’s physician recommendations for treatment and follow-up appointments. Contact AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte today if their symptoms worsen or don’t improve within the expected time.
