Symptoms of conjunctivitis
Observation is the best possible way to stay fit and healthy. People usually think of early signs of conjunctivitis as a normal eye irritation and ignore it. Their negligence can result in adverse consequences and may result in eye damage. Therefore, it is very important for people to understand the symptoms and consult the doctor as soon as possible to avoid any complications.
There are several symptoms that indicate whether the person is suffering from conjunctivitis or not. Some of them are:
- Redness in the white portion of eye is the most common indication of conjunctivitis
- A sudden increase in the tear production
- Swelling of eyelids
- Feeling presence of any foreign particle in your eye
- An urge to rub your eyes continuously
- Burning sensation in eye
- Irritation and itchiness
- Thick discharge which can be either pus or mucus
- Sticking of eyelashes, especially in the morning
These are some of the most commonly observed symptoms of pink eye infection. If these signs are left unattended by the healthcare professionals and the patients, it might lead to severe complications and may even cause blindness. Symptoms usually differ due to different causes like:
Infective Conjunctivitis
If a person is suffering from infective conjunctivitis, he or she may experience the following symptoms:
- A sense of burning in his or her eye
- A feeling of foreign particle in his or her eye
- Stickiness on the eyelashes, especially in the morning
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is accompanied by many symptoms such as:
- Pain in the eye
- Irritation and itchiness in eye
- Redness in the conjunctiva
Complications of Conjunctivitis
Complications of pink eye depend upon its causes. There are many complications that result from conjunctivitis or pink eye infections. Some of them are listed below:
Meningitis
There are three protective layers that cover and protect brain and spinal cord called meninges. An infection in these membranes is referred to as meningitis. Pink eye infection may help in causing or worsening meningitis.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a type of infection caused in deep skin and tissues which results in the occurrence of inflammation and redness on the skin surface. If this condition is not treated in time, it may result in a very serious complication.
One of the main causes of cellulitis is conjunctivitis. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat cellulitis.
Septicaemia
Septicaemia is commonly known as blood poisoning.
Septicaemia occurs when bacteria enter the blood and starts infecting various tissues and organs in the body. It can also be caused due to pink eye infection.
Otitis media
Otitis media is a type of ear infection that occurs for a short duration of time. It usually occurs in small children who are more prone to conjunctivitis caused by Haemophilus influenza bacteria.
The complications of conjunctivitis depend upon the severity of the infection. If not treated in time, these complications can become life threatening. It is always advisable to observe the symptoms as early as possible and consult the doctor for the best treatment option.
