We all know the folk wisdom: "cherish like the apple of an eye", which means to protect something most valuable that a person has. And this saying comes straight from the Bible (Deuteronomy, Chapter 32, verse 10). This becomes especially relevant with the development of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. What is this disease, what are its symptoms, causes and how to treat it?
General information
The development of an inflammatory process in the eyes is a kind of protective reaction of our body to the effects of foreign stimuli. Moreover, the organs of vision turn red and watery not only due to external factors, this may also be due to internal reasons. These include influenza, acute respiratory infections and other similar diseases.
Inflammatory process in the lower or upper eyelid occurs in both children and adults, regardless of gender. At the same time, its localization can be directly in theeye or in the periorbital region. Moreover, it can proceed in different forms, based on the reason that caused it. Only here everything does not end with one reddening, there are other symptoms, which we will touch on a little later. To begin with, it is worth understanding the reasons for this undesirable phenomenon.
Description of the disease
In medical language, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is called conjunctivitis. And, in fact, the shell itself has a name - conjunctiva (in Latin - conjunctivae). It covers the inner surface of the eyelids and partially the top of the eyeball. And the existing area between the eye and the eyelid is called the conjunctival sac.
The conjunctiva contains protective cells that create a barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering. In addition, mucus is formed in it, which is part of the tear film. In this shell, a network of small capillaries is well developed, which can respond to external irritating factors, which causes redness of the eyes. And since there are many nerve endings, the shell is characterized by increased sensitivity. And so the inflammatory process is always accompanied by pain.
What causes conjunctivitis
What is the name of the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, we now already know, but where can this disease come from? In the environment there is a wide variety of microorganisms that enter the mucous membrane of the eye. At the same time, most of them want to settle here for a long time and give offspring. But if a person’s immunity is strong, then the realization of their insidiousthe plan fails. At the same time, if the immune system is weakened, then the risk of developing inflammation or suppuration increases markedly.
In addition, during the season of increasing concentration of allergens in the air, some people begin to react accordingly. Moreover, not only the mucous membrane of the eye is affected, but also the upper respiratory tract. In this regard, the main causes of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye can be identified:
- weakened body immunity;
- infectious pathogens (fungi, viruses, bacteria);
- development of allergies;
- interaction with toxic substances.
Usually, the person himself contributes to the occurrence of infection by touching the eyes with dirty hands, or when rubbing them if they itch. And if, with strong immunity, as already mentioned, the human body can fight back, then otherwise it may not have enough strength.
Symptomatics
Based on the causes of the development of the disease, we can conclude that its symptoms may be different. Nevertheless, any form of the disease has common signs in the form of redness of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids and mucous membranes, lacrimation, irritation of the organs of vision. There are several forms of the disease:
- Bacterial.
- Viral.
- Allergic.
- Chlamydia.
- Exposure to irritants and toxic substances.
The bacterial inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is indicated by the very first and surest sign - a cloudy and viscous discharge from the eyes. Because of this eyelidcan stick together, as it happens in the morning. At the same time, such a phenomenon does not occur under the influence of all bacteria, so the absence of this symptom does not yet negate the bacterial nature of the disease. Another sign is the dryness of the mucous membrane of the diseased eye and the skin around it. Also pain and feeling as if a foreign body were in the eye. Sometimes there is a hemorrhage of the eyeball.
Viral conjunctivitis usually occurs against the background of colds. Therefore, among the symptoms you can find an increase in body temperature, pain in the throat, rhinitis and a number of other signs. The discharge here is not viscous and cloudy, as is the case with a bacterial infection. In addition, the patient suffers from discomfort caused by severe lacrimation and itching.
Allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is manifested by typical signs. This is redness and swelling of the eyelids, severe itching, burning. Exposure to a bright light source causes pain. As for the discharge from the eyes, they also happen, and not only mucous, but also a purulent consistency.
Chlamydial disease develops, as you might guess, by the pathogens of the same name - chlamydia. And in most cases, it proceeds without any symptoms. Unless you can observe redness of the eyes, fear of bright lighting, slight tearing. Approximately 3-5 days after infection, the lymph nodes of the auricles are affected in the patient.
Under the influence of toxic substances or other irritating factors, pain occurs, and in some cases maybe photophobia. There are no other symptoms.
Diagnostics
Based on the causes and symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the patient's eye, the diagnosis is conjunctivitis. To identify the cause of the disease, first of all, the doctor determines the likelihood of the patient's contact with the allergen, and also determines the characteristics of the course of the disease. If there is a suspicion of a pathogen, then a bacterioscopic and bacteriological examination of smears and secretions from the affected eye is prescribed. This allows us to assess the sensitivity of microorganisms to the effects of drugs on antibiotic groups.
Features of traditional medicine
It is hardly possible to predict the appearance of the disease, but it is definitely worth getting rid of the disease. At the same time, you can use the services of traditional medicine, which our grandparents always turn to. Just before you start using the folk technique, you should first consult with an ophthalmologist for contraindications to any plants.
If a person is concerned about the symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, then you can use the most effective method of treating conjunctivitis - washing the eyes. In folk medicine, decoctions and tinctures of herbs, teas are used for this. This allows you to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms in a short time.
In addition, they resort to compresses, which are prepared in the same way as rinses, only used differently. Aromatherapy is quitecontroversial method, and therefore it is desirable to use it in conjunction with other means. Plant-based eye drops can also help.
Healing lotions and washings
Currently, many people are concerned about inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. What to do in this case? You can prepare decoctions based on medicinal herbs:
- Pharmacy chamomile - to prepare it, you need to take two bags of herbs and dilute them in a glass of boiling water. After that, you should remove the infusion in a dark place for 10 minutes and you can rinse your eyes. Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps to relieve swelling and itching. It can be used in any form of the disease.
- Rosehip - two teaspoons of fruit are taken in a glass of water (200 ml) and the mixture is boiled for several minutes (usually 5 minutes is enough). After that, the broth must be removed from the heat and placed in a dark place for half an hour. The tincture will be useful even in the case of an advanced stage of bacterial conjunctivitis. Pain is relieved, purulent masses are removed.
- Plantain - or rather its seeds. Two tablespoons are poured into a glass of cold water (200 ml), after which you need to add 100 ml of boiling water and let cool. The resulting product is used for lotions. With it, you can defeat a viral disease. In fact, it is a good antiseptic.
- Sage - prepared in the same way as chamomile infusion. At the same time, the decoction is able to relieve puffiness during inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye (a photo of the disease can be found below in the text),relieve pain, remove redness of the eyes. In addition, it is also a good sedative.
- Honey is not only a favorite delicacy, but also an excellent preparation of natural origin, both external and internal use for the treatment of many diseases, including conjunctivitis. One part of the medicine is diluted with two parts of warm water (it is with it, and no other liquids), not more than 40 ° C. The resulting product can be used in lotions or used as eye drops.
- Echinacea - take a tablespoon of raw materials (dry crushed plant root), pour a glass of hot water (250 ml), put on fire and bring to a boil. After the broth should be set aside for an hour in a dark place. With this infusion, you can make lotions or take orally 4 times a day, 2 tbsp. l.
Burning and itching, which usually always occur with almost any form of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, can be relieved by eating blueberries fresh or frozen. For a day you need to eat 1 tbsp. l. berries.
Other methods
Previously, conjunctivitis was fought with cottage cheese, and such treatment was carried out more often in relation to children. To do this, the product was wrapped in a small piece of gauze and applied to the affected eye for several minutes.
Garlic, which was used after the eyewash procedure, is no less effective. 5 cloves need to be crushed until a porridge-like consistency is formed. After that, all this should be placed in some container and breathe fumes with wide openeyes. In this case, inhalation should be done through the nose, and exhalation through the mouth.
Often, not only plants, but also vegetables help out inflammation. Cucumber juice, with which lotions are made, will be effective for allergic conjunctivitis. This tool can soothe the organs of vision, helps to relieve swelling and irritation. Only freshly prepared extract should be used.
In the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, potatoes have proven themselves well. The root crop must be grated (preferably coarse), and then placed in gauze bags for compresses. Keep on the affected eyes should be 20 minutes, no more. Potato not only heals wounds, but also has a calming effect. In addition, it inhibits the reproduction of pathogens.
Perhaps this will disappoint someone, but urine therapy is no less effective. Moreover, urine taken in the morning is used. For treatment, it has the necessary properties: anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antiseptic action. Lotions are made that are held on the affected eye for 5 minutes (this will be enough).
Child Therapy
Use herbal remedies to treat inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye in infants or children a little older should be very careful, and here, too, you can not do without consulting a specialist. As an effective remedy for curing a disease in a child, tea brewing can act here. She can not only wash her eyes, but also apply compresses. And since teainherently a natural antiseptic, it can be used to combat any form of disease.
You can relieve itching and peeling in a child with the help of curly parsley juice. Lotions should be made 4 times a day, and kept for 10 minutes, no more. In addition, bay leaves can also be used. Five leaves in a glass of boiling water, and after the infusion becomes warm, you can proceed directly to the procedures (lotions).
Eyebright is also suitable for this, which in most cases serves as a sure remedy against the viral form of conjunctivitis. For cooking, take two tablespoons of herbs (dried), add a glass of water, bring to a boil and cook over high heat for several minutes. Then let the broth brew for 20 to 50 minutes. The frequency of the procedure is 2-4 times a day.
And how to treat inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye in children? Another effective way to treat eye disease in children is to use blueberry tea. And it's not about lotions and compresses. This is a healing drink that copes well with pathogenic microorganisms and strengthens children's immunity. To prepare medicinal tea, you need to take a tablespoon of berries, pour them with a glass of boiling water and heat them over low heat for 2-5 minutes. Probably, the child may not like the taste, then adding a teaspoon of honey or even jam will correct the situation.
As a conclusion
All of the above in this article will help protect yourself from developmentcomplications after conjunctivitis. However, it should be understood that the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye with folk remedies should not be the main one, but act as an auxiliary. In this case, both adults and children will undergo effective therapy to get rid of an eye disease that causes a lot of trouble and discomfort for many people, regardless of gender, age, social status and other factors.
