Conjunctivitis: Do I need antibiotics?

Scientists have tried to answer the question whether it is necessary to use antibiotics in inflammation of the eyes, and when. Researchers at Jacobi Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York conducted a study whose data were published in the March issue of the "Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine."

They made an attempt to determine which children below the risk of bacterial conjunctivitis . The study involved 368 children aged 6 months to 17 years who had symptoms of redness of the eyes, one eye or both. For the study they were taken on swabs conjunctivitis .

In 130 cases, the result was negative. On the positive side, 68 per cent showed the presence of Haemophilus influenzae, and 20 percent - the pneumococcus. The analysis was based on several factors. It has been established that the child is 6 years or older with onset of symptoms between April and November, with the "watery" eyes are more prone to negative bacterial   cultures. The study was conducted in order to help physicians identify children at low risk Bacterial infection To prevent excessive use of antibiotics.

Conjunctivitis   - Is an eye disease caused by an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The most common cause of the disease - viral or bacterial infection or allergic reaction. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis - this watery eyes, itching, loss of one eye with transition subsequently to another. In bacterial conjunctivitis of the following symptoms - watery eyes with a yellowish or greenish discharge, irritation. Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by strong itching and watering. Bacterial   and viral conjunctivitis   highly contagious. Antibiotics It can only be used prilechenii bacterial infection.

Treatment and prevention

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