Does conjunctivitis require isolation?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Infectious conjunctivitis can lead to epidemic infection, therefore it is essential to take preventive measures. Conjunctivitis is often spread through contact, thus it is advocated to frequently wash hands and faces, and avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Patients with infectious conjunctivitis must be isolated, and any toiletries used by the patients must be isolated and disinfected. Medical staff should also wash and disinfect their hands after examining patients to prevent cross-infection.

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Conjunctivitis symptoms

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation that occurs in the thin layer of structure on the surface of the white eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, fungi, parasites, etc., and by environmental factors like sand, smoke, ultraviolet exposure, and chemical injuries from acids, alkalis, or toxic gases. It can also be an inflammatory response of the conjunctiva due to allergic or systemic diseases including tuberculosis, syphilis, thyroid disorders, or surrounding tissues of the eye such as the cornea, sclera, eyelids, nasal cavity, and sinuses. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include red eyes, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, burning, itching, photophobia (sensitivity to light), tearing, and increased discharge. Sometimes it can also cause eye pain.

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Conjunctivitis Irrigation Method

The treatment principles of conjunctivitis focus on treating the cause, primarily administering local medications, with systemic medication when necessary, and washing the conjunctival sac. When there is a significant amount of secretion in the conjunctival sac, an non-irritating wash solution such as saline or 3% boric acid solution can be used for washing one to two times a day, to clear the secretions from the conjunctival sac. Care should be taken to avoid the washing solution from entering the healthy eye to prevent cross-infection.

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Does conjunctivitis require an IV drip?

Conjunctivitis generally does not require intravenous treatment; it is mainly treated according to the cause, with local administration of medication being the primary approach. Systemic medication may be required when necessary. Eye drops are the most basic method of administering medication for conjunctivitis. Eye ointment can also be applied to the eyes; since it remains in the conjunctival sac for a longer duration, it is advisable to use it before bedtime. When there is a lot of secretion in the conjunctival sac, a non-irritating rinse solution can be used to wash the conjunctival sac. In severe cases of conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis and chlamydial conjunctivitis, systemic antibiotics or sulfa drugs are needed in addition to local treatment.

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How to deal with acute conjunctivitis?

Acute conjunctivitis can also be called pink eye. It is an acute inflammatory reaction of the conjunctiva, mainly caused by bacterial infection, commonly by Staphylococcus aureus. The treatment mainly involves local anti-infection treatment, using antibiotic eye drops such as chloramphenicol eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, or tobramycin eye drops. While using topical antimicrobial drugs, it is important to avoid rubbing the eyes with hands and avoid prolonged use of the eyes.

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Should people with conjunctivitis avoid certain foods?

Patients with conjunctivitis should avoid spicy foods, such as onions, leeks, garlic, chili peppers, lamb, dog meat, and other heat-inducing comfort foods, which are not conducive to the early recovery of the disease. Additionally, they should consume less shrimp, crab, and other seafood that may exacerbate the condition. Smoking is also prohibited due to the presence of nicotine in cigarettes, which constricts blood vessels and can worsen red eye, thus smoking must be strictly avoided. Furthermore, alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can prolong the disease.