Runny nose and conjunctivitis in a child
Can a child have conjunctivitis from a runny nose?
We answer in the affirmative - maybe. Conjunctivitis often occurs as a result of rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis or other inflammations of the nose. It can also develop as an independent disease: as a result of pathogenic bacteria entering the body or exposure to allergens. In some cases, inflammation of the conjunctiva itself provokes snot, and does not become one of the consequences of a cold. This may be in cases of an allergic reaction, mucosal injury, bacteria, or neglect of the rules for using contact lenses. The disease needs quick and effective treatment, because it indicates the presence of inflammatory processes in the body or allergies. It is important to establish the cause of the disease and begin treatment immediately.
Conjunctivitis with a cold
If a child has a cold, cough, runny nose or nasal infection , then in most cases the disease is caused by bacteria or viruses of the adenovirus family.
Therefore, when visiting a doctor, an adenovirus infection will be diagnosed .
It belongs to the group of respiratory viral infections, which affects the membranes of the respiratory tract, organs of vision and lymphoid tissue.
It is precisely this that occurs with cold symptoms.
Conjunctivitis in a child, treatment
Adenoviral infection is another type of acute respiratory viral infection, one of many diseases in children, which is often confused with the flu. Almost all children under five years of age contract an adenovirus infection, even those who do not attend kindergarten. Adenoviral infection is the most common reason why one child in a family first gets sick, then the second becomes infected, since half of the children suffer this infection again.
Anna Glycogen is 3 years old and should go to kindergarten, and that’s why I decided on my own and that my son would not support it.
Conjunctivitis asks for a transfusion of the mucous engraving of the eye, found. Conjunctivitis tones the mucous membrane of the eye, fixed.
Anna Ingredient 3 patients went a day and incredibly, I decided it myself and no matter what my son said. All about the subtlety of the eye conjunctivitis - elites, cycles, treatment (eye soils). Consultation.
I had staphylococcus in my nose at the hospital for medical examinations and not hundreds of access to the stairs. Hello!! I am asking you for help because I have no one else to consult with. Anna The subject went to kindergarten for 3 days and partly I lost weight myself and so that my son wouldn’t call me. Everything about the possibility of eye conjunctivitis - penumbra, coders, treatment (eye drops). Disorientation.
An unusual catalog of all peoples and minerals for stress monitoring and treatment by a doctor. Instructions.
Which ectopia does the decline begin with: A B C D E G. H I K L M N.
O P R S T U. F X C Ch Sh E Postnasal drip treatment.
What. In my medical examination information, they used staphylococcus in the brain and no more than once to work with.
The story is about how we saw staphylococcus with all the elements))) We examined the staphylococcus. Everything about the andrology eye office - modernization, neuritis, treatment (ocular destabilization).
Why do runny nose and conjunctivitis occur?
The transition of infection from one area to another is due to the structural features of the human body. The nasal cavity communicates with the pharynx, maxillary, frontal sinuses and lacrimal canals. That is why any infection that occurs in the nasopharynx easily penetrates the conjunctiva, provoking its inflammation. Also, the reasons for the development of conjunctivitis in a child include:
- rhinitis;
- adenoviruses and enteroviruses;
- measles and chicken pox;
- allergy.
The proliferation of viruses and bacteria provokes the occurrence of pathology, which develops locally or in a widespread form.
Viral causes of conjunctivitis and runny nose in children
The main cause of a cold, accompanied by a runny nose, cough and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, lies in the deterioration of the child’s immunity. In the vast majority of cases, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes indicates the presence of an adenovirus infection, influenza or ARVI. Conjunctivitis and runny nose are extremely contagious; they are quickly transmitted to other people by contact and airborne droplets.
Bacterial causes of the disease
The development of conjunctivitis does not always occur along with the appearance of a runny nose. Eye inflammation often appears after getting rid of a cold. This happens because the immune system is too weak and cannot resist pathogenic microorganisms. Typically, bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus, streptococcus and diphtheria. This disease is a consequence of a runny nose and can even occur in an infant. Children often rub their eyes during a cold because they feel itchy. This way they bring in bacteria from the nose. But at the same time, conjunctivitis can also be an independent disease that arises as a result of the pathogenicity of the microflora of the visual organs.
Allergic causes of the disease
Allergic rhinitis is a consequence of allergens getting into the eyes or nose. Allergies and accompanying conjunctivitis and snot can be caused by dust, pet hair, household chemicals, and pollen. Foods can also trigger a reaction: citrus fruits, chocolate, dairy products, eggs. Older children suffer from allergies to microorganisms. Conjunctivitis usually accompanies allergic rhinitis.
Hygienic reasons
It happens that conjunctivitis in a child appears as a result of non-compliance with hygiene rules. In such cases, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye becomes the root cause that causes a runny nose. Dirty hands, minor injuries and other reasons cause infection to enter the mucous membrane and spread to the nose.
Treatment
Of course, first of all it is necessary to fight the causative agent of the disease itself .
Important! Only after the bacteria cease to exert their effect on the mucous membranes will the patient’s condition begin to improve.
An important point in treatment is maintaining the correct climate in the room where the child is .
The house should not be hot. The optimal temperature is 22 degrees.
It is also very bad if the air in the apartment is dry. In this case, you should turn on the humidifier.
If you don’t have one, you can use other methods of humidifying your apartment. For example, hang wet towels, put dishes with water.
It is important to maintain a drinking regime . The child needs to drink more regular water. Not very sweet compotes and teas are acceptable.
Your baby should not drink carbonated water, juices or other too-sweet drinks. If a child refuses to drink liquid, parents need to figure out how to convince him of this.
You should know! Foot baths and mustard plasters will also help improve the child’s condition in the initial days of the disease.
What medications are recommended?
Doctors usually use the following treatment regimen:
- Antibiotics and antiseptics , such as Albucid, furatsilin, tetracycline ointment.
- Remedies for fever. Children are usually prescribed ibuprofen and paracetamol.
- Nasal drops: Nazivin, Otrivin.
- Immunomodulators , for example: interferon, IRS-19 and Derinat.
Parents should remember that now many medications are dispensed from pharmacies only with a prescription from a doctor.
It is this fact that warns against self-prescribing drugs such as antibiotics and others.
Discharge from the eyes should be removed properly. In this case, it is effective to use infusions of chamomile and tea .
Remember! In this case, you need to use clean cotton pads. Remove from different eyes with different cotton pads. After which they need to be thrown away.
How to prepare a chamomile solution:
- You need to take one tablespoon of chamomile flowers and pour one glass of boiling water.
- Let it brew for about one hour. During this time, the infusion will cool and brew.
- Then you need to strain it and wipe your eyes with the resulting water.
In some situations, the doctor recommends visiting UHF and UV irradiation.
Children's ophthalmologist Natalya Kazinskaya. Conjunctivitis in children: prevention and treatment
Instead of fighting the emerging disease, it is best to provide yourself with certain precautions. This will help you choose in advance ways to combat a runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis, or even prevent their occurrence.
To do this, you need to place the patient in a separate well-ventilated room. In this case, a gauze bandage will not be superfluous. But we must remember that she dresses not for a healthy person, but for a sick person. Source
Symptoms of conjunctivitis development
The symptoms of conjunctivitis in a child and an adult are practically the same. However, in children, symptoms may be more pronounced, causing them to suffer from even greater discomfort.
Each type of conjunctivitis has its own symptoms, but there are some common ones among them, for example:
- redness of the eyes and swelling of the eyelids;
- mucous or purulent discharge that sticks the eyelashes together;
- high sensitivity to light;
- tearfulness.
The child also becomes lethargic, restless, his appetite decreases and he begins to be capricious.
Causes
Conjunctivitis against the background of a cold develops due to viruses of various nature entering the body. The infection that forms during colds can spread to other mucous membranes: the organs of vision, breathing, and oral cavity.
Depending on the nature of the pathogenic bacteria, there are several types of viral conjunctivitis:
- Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a complication of respiratory diseases. Formed under the influence of adenoviruses.
- When hit by a Koch-Wicks stick. The source of the spread of bacteria is a person who is sick with viral diseases, insects, flies.
- The disease can develop due to the appearance of the herpes virus. Bubbles of various sizes appear on the surface of the conjunctiva, filled with liquid.
The reasons for the development of conjunctivitis include:
- conjunctival injury;
- foreign body entering the organ of vision: dust, dirt, litter;
- blockage of the lacrimal canal of the conjunctiva of the eyeball;
- runny nose, sinusitis;
- evaporation of chemical compounds.
Important! The lack of effective treatment for conjunctivitis can lead to impaired visual acuity and the development of diseases of an infectious nature.
What diseases can conjunctivitis and runny nose indicate in children?
Measles: conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough. In the first days of its onset, this disease is characterized by general fatigue, slight redness of the throat and a slight cough. Then there is a significant increase in body temperature, rhinitis and a dry cough appear. The disease is always accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membrane.
ARVI: runny nose, conjunctivitis, cough, fever. Diseases like ARVI are associated with adenovirus. They are characterized by rapid development, and the incubation period lasts no more than a week. In this case, catarrhal, membranous or follicular adenoviral conjunctivitis occurs. Other symptoms of the disease include dry cough, nasal congestion, and swollen lymph nodes.
Allergic rhinitis: conjunctivitis, runny nose, rash. The speed at which symptoms develop depends on the concentration of allergens and the speed of the body's reactions. Usually rhinitis occurs very quickly, the longest period is two days, and sometimes even a couple of minutes is enough. Signs: nasal congestion and yellow snot, excessive production of tears, burning of the eyelids, sneezing, redness of the eyes. All symptoms disappear when the allergen is eliminated.
Types of conjunctivitis
Depending on the causes of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, conjunctivitis is classified into several types and is often accompanied by symptoms of concomitant diseases.
Associated symptoms may include
- Increased body temperature;
- Muscle and headache;
- General weakness;
- Unusual fatigue.
Cough;
Having discovered unpleasant symptoms in the form of weakness, dizziness, sore throat, which then develop into a runny nose and cough, a person usually says that he has a cold. Indeed, the provocateurs of ARVI are cold weather and wind, but the reason lies in the virus.
Accordingly, with a cold, conjunctivitis is always viral.
Having established the cause of the disease, the doctor prescribes appropriate medications.
Reasons and recommendations for parents during treatment
Often the root cause of conjunctivitis is infection through contact with a patient . With the disease, intensive formation of a thick secretion is observed, gluing the eyelashes. This is noticeable upon waking up and makes it difficult to open your eyes.
If, against the background of conjunctivitis, flu-like symptoms occur in the form of cough, fever, nasal discharge, and runny nose, then conjunctivitis is secondary. Its development occurs with the onset of the main pathology and after its completion.
Presence of hyperthermia
Conjunctivitis in children is often accompanied by hyperthermia (fever). This is a consequence of an imperfect immune system and a violation of the basics of personal hygiene.
The child’s temperature rises with the development of complications and consequences of conjunctivitis, that is, the appearance of another infection.
When it enters the body, the immune system is activated. In response, interferons are produced and body temperature rises. Viruses and bacteria cannot withstand hyperthermia of 38 °C or more . This is how the body fights inflammation.
The occurrence of viral conjunctivitis in children occurs simultaneously with a current respiratory tract infection, acute respiratory infections, influenza, measles, in this case the temperature level is initially 37-37.8 ° C. After some time (up to 12 hours) it increases to 38 °C. Adenoviral conjunctivitis is characterized by particularly persistent hyperthermia.
Even newborns are susceptible to bacterial conjunctivitis. It is also characterized by high hyperthermia - about 39 °C. In particularly difficult cases (pyretic fever), the temperature rises to 39-41 ° C and is resistant to antipyretics. To reduce it, a course of antibacterial treatment is carried out. Duration of fever is 4 days or more.
If your baby is coughing
With symptoms such as conjunctivitis accompanied by cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, an adenoviral infection most often occurs.
If you have a combination of cough, runny nose, watery eyes and conjunctivitis, use antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor.
But to alleviate the baby’s condition, the following methods are also suitable:
- A strong dry cough is relieved with the help of throat softening agents: syrups, tinctures, hot drinks - tea, herbal decoctions, infusions.
For a runny nose and sneezing, use sprays, drops, and rinsing. If there is a dry cough, it is soothed with hot tea with mint.
If you have a stuffy nose or yellow or green mucus due to illness
Fighting a runny nose at the onset of the disease is wrong. Harmful substances are removed from mucus, so it is necessary to preserve its necessary properties. The use of special drugs is undesirable.
To keep the nasal passages constantly moistened, drinking plenty of fluids, ventilating the room, and clean air is enough.
Snot in children appears even due to temperature changes, infectious diseases, and weak immunity. Treatment is carried out using saline solution, decoction or infusion of chamomile, sea salt. In newborns, they are treated by lubricating the mucous membranes with various oils with vitamins A and E.
Vasoconstrictor medications can worsen the baby's condition.
To quickly relieve a child’s well-being, the use of special nasal drops is effective:
What medications are used for conjunctivitis, which is accompanied by a cough?
Treatment of conjunctivitis and cough in children aged 3 years is carried out by using general strengthening drugs, which include interferon. To prevent the addition of a bacterial infection, you need to wash the affected organs of vision with antiseptic solutions.
See the list of the most effective drops for conjunctivitis in children here.
Warm compresses from herbal infusions of chamomile or calendula, which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, can achieve a good therapeutic effect.
If a child suffers from convulsive exhalations with wheezing due to bacterial conjunctivitis, doctors prescribe the use of local antibiotics in the form of ointments or drops.
Drops containing the substance miramistin (Ocomistin) have proven themselves to be excellent, which not only helps eliminate most bacteria and fungi, but also strengthens local immunity. Such drops are recommended for use for convulsive exhalations with wheezing and runny nose.
If you experience a cough without fever during conjunctivitis, this may indicate an allergic form of eye pathology. In this situation, it is necessary to identify the causative agent of inflammation and destroy it. To reduce the intensity of the symptoms of the disease, children are prescribed antihistamines (Suprastin).
I would like to remind you that independently prescribing medications to a child is fraught with serious consequences, since taking a particular medication should be prescribed taking into account the cause of the inflammatory process, and only a qualified ophthalmologist can determine it!
Runny nose, rhinitis and conjunctivitis in a child: effective treatment
First of all, it is necessary to establish what is the cause of conjunctivitis, nasal congestion and runny nose. To do this, you should consult a doctor who will help identify the pathogen and prescribe effective treatment.
As a rule, therapy comes down to eliminating conjunctivitis, fever and runny nose separately. Although all measures are directly dependent on the disease that provoked them.
Increasing air humidity will help cure a runny nose with rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis requires eliminating allergens and taking antihistamines; Blood purification may also be performed. Cold rhinitis is treated with antiseptic and antibiotic sprays, vasoconstrictor drops, and immunomodulators. Inhalations will be useful.
Treatment of conjunctivitis should be comprehensive. Depending on the reasons that provoked the disease, it includes antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic drugs, immunomodulators and antihistamines.
The most difficult treatment for conjunctivitis is in young children, since they often touch their eyes. Therefore, they need to be washed as often as possible with saline solution or chamomile infusion. Inflammation of the conjunctiva during ARVI is treated with topical antibacterial agents, compresses and vasoconstrictor drops.
Symptoms of bacterial infection
How to recognize that you have a bacterial infection? If you have moderate nasal discharge, a severe sore throat, the body’s temperature rises (to an average of 38.5°C), the disease is accompanied by a cough with copious sputum, the lymph nodes on the sides of the lower jaw are enlarged - all these symptoms together indicate the presence of a bacterial infection .
The disease is characterized by symptoms of inflamed conjunctiva: redness, profuse lacrimation, burning, itching. The disease caused by an adenovirus is accompanied by all the accompanying symptoms characteristic of ARVI: high fever, headache, sneezing, nasal congestion, pharyngitis. Doctors call this phenomenon adenopharyngoconjunctival fever.
Sometimes bacteria are attached to the virus. Having established this, the doctor makes changes to the nature of the treatment of conjunctivitis. Cases where only the eyes are inflamed are extremely rare. This sign most eloquently indicates that the cause of the disease is herpes.
Photo 1. An eye with signs of viral conjunctivitis during a cold: severe redness and lacrimation are observed.
If you find a combination of symptoms such as cough, conjunctivitis, runny nose, lacrimation and fever, consult a doctor to prescribe the correct treatment. It usually takes several weeks.
The disease can be identified by clinical manifestations. At the appointment, the doctor clarifies the complaints of the child and parents, finds out when the changes began and how the pathology progressed. And based on the results of the examination, the information becomes objective and becomes the basis for a preliminary diagnosis.
Prevention measures
A timely visit to a specialist will help relieve inflammation. Each disease has its own set of symptoms, and the task of parents is to closely monitor the baby’s condition. A runny nose should not be ignored, as it can lead to eye inflammation. It is necessary to strengthen the child’s immunity by providing him with adequate nutrition and monitoring the intake of necessary vitamins.
It is also worth paying attention to the observance of personal hygiene rules. The child should wash his hands regularly and use only his own towels, washcloths and other hygiene items.
If you notice even the slightest change in your child’s condition, consult a doctor immediately. This will help to quickly cure the disease and prevent the development of serious complications.
Features of the treatment of conjunctivitis with fever
Treatment of any disease should begin in the therapist’s office. If the doctor determines that the child has signs of conjunctivitis, he will refer him to an ophthalmologist. Depending on the form of the disease, the following treatment methods are used:
- eye drops;
- antibiotics to treat a bacterial type of disease;
- antiviral agents;
- antihistamines for allergic forms of the disease.
If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, you should resort to the use of medications to relieve fever. Be sure to strengthen your immune system and drink plenty of fluids. The liquid not only helps prevent the development of dehydration, but also accelerates the process of removing pathogenic viruses and bacteria from the body. In conclusion, it is important to note that temperature with conjunctivitis is a secondary symptom through which the presence of a serious illness can be assumed. Parents should monitor the temperature and not allow it to rise above 38 degrees.
Causes and mechanisms
If the patient's eyes itch, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or signs of conjunctivitis appear, then this may also be a sign of an allergic reaction. To find out this, you need to contact an allergist. The peculiarity of this disease is the absence of elevated body temperature.
- If your eyes are very watery and purulent, and signs of conjunctivitis are observed, then additional measures are needed to get rid of this disease. To do this, use all kinds of drops and wiping solutions. Traditional medicine uses infusions of medicinal herbs and fruits.
- Taking immunostimulants that will provide the body’s natural protection from external influences.
- Constant wet cleaning and disinfection of the premises will help save you from infection.
In order to determine the cause of the cough, you must consult a specialist. If you have a viral infection, professional treatment is necessary, as the complications from it are very serious. Do not neglect the advice of doctors and take care of your health.Many parents notice that their child often develops conjunctivitis due to a runny nose. The snot, which was initially transparent, suddenly turns green, and the eyes fester and turn red. Such a situation should not be overlooked, because there is a risk of serious consequences. The doctor will tell you what is the reason for what is happening and how to help the baby.
How to treat the disease
Once the cause is determined, you can begin to fight the pathology. If problems arise in determining the nature of the pathogen, a series of laboratory tests are prescribed.
Conjunctivitis with a runny nose in a child should be treated comprehensively. Medicines are indicated for internal and external use.
Any therapy involves the use of drops in the nose and eyes. For congestion, Otrivin, Nazivin are prescribed, but not longer than 5 days, preferably at night, so as not to cause addiction.
Rinsing will help to quickly cope with the symptoms of rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Saline solutions are perfect for the nose, and decoctions of chamomile and calendula can be used for the eyes. If the child is over 2 years old, then it is allowed to rinse with 2% boric acid or Furacilin. It is advisable to carry out the procedure 3-4 times a day.
If the risk of complications increases or a bacterial infection occurs, then you cannot do without taking antibacterial agents. In the treatment of children, it is allowed to use the antibiotic Flemoklav, Sumamed, Fromilid. The drugs are available in the form of a sweet suspension, so giving it to a child will not be difficult.
