Swollen upper eyelids is one of the most common reasons for visiting an optometrist. This symptom is often found in ophthalmology. If the upper eyelid is swollen, this may indicate inflammation or an allergic reaction. In any case, you cannot self-medicate. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of the pathological process.
Allergy
Hives are a common skin reaction to a particular irritant. Itchy blisters begin to appear on the body. They disappear after taking an antihistamine. If the patient is not provided with timely assistance, it is possible that he will have to face Quincke's edema. This is a life-threatening condition. If the upper eyelid is swollen and hives appear on the body, you should immediately call an ambulance.
Quincke's edema is based on an allergic reaction of an immediate type. If the upper eyelid of the eye is swollen, this may be due to increased vascular permeability. This condition can develop at any age. About 10% of allergy sufferers have experienced swelling at some point. Quincke. A negative reaction of the body can be provoked by some food products, plant pollen, animal hair, etc. It will be possible to determine the irritant only after conducting allergy tests in the laboratory.
Help with angioedema
Allergic tissue swelling is a dangerous symptom that can threaten the patient's life. Therefore, if the upper eyelid is swollen, you should know how to provide first aid. The situation may change within minutes. Initially, you should eliminate the allergen, which provokes a negative reaction of the body. Without waiting for the arrival of an ambulance, the patient should be given an antihistamine. It is recommended to use the medicine in the form of a solution. Such a medication is administered intramuscularly.
Suprastin will help to quickly remove allergic edema. Chloropyramine is used as the active ingredient. This substance blocks histamine receptors in a matter of minutes, the patient's condition improves. You can also use tablets "Tavegil", "Diazolin". Allergy sufferers should definitely keep such medicines in their first aid kit.
Blepharitis
The causes of swollen upper eyelids may be due to infection. Blepharitis is a bilateral inflammation of the ciliary edge. The eyes begin to water, the eyelids become red and swollen. There is an unpleasant itch. In addition, the patient begins to complain of increased eye fatigue. Both adults and children are equally affected by the development of blepharitis. The risk of inflammation is increased in immunocompromised patients. These are people suffering fromdiabetes mellitus, chronic diseases, oncological pathologies.
Blepharitis can be provoked by various infectious agents. Most often it is bacteria. However, fungi and viruses can also contribute to the development of inflammation of the ciliary edge. In some cases, the cause of the disease is a parasite - a mite of the genus Demodex. If the upper eyelid is swollen and itches a lot, it is possible that this pathology had to be faced. Significantly increased itching at night. At this time, female parasites come to the surface of the skin, lay eggs.
At the initial stage of the disease, symptoms may be mild. In this regard, not everyone seeks help in a timely manner. Meanwhile, blepharitis can progress rapidly. If the upper eyelid is swollen and sore, most likely a secondary infection has joined.
Blepharitis treatment
Therapy is prescribed by a specialist after a thorough examination of damaged tissues. A preliminary diagnosis can be made already at the first examination. However, the ophthalmologist must find out what the disease is associated with, what pathogenic microflora provokes the inflammatory process. The condition of the edges of the eyelids can be assessed by biomicroscopy of the eye. In the work, the specialist uses lenses that multiply the surface being studied. Additionally, a microscopic examination of eyelashes for the presence of Demodex mites can be carried out.
The treatment of blepharitis is long enough. The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of avoidingcomplications. Therefore, if the upper eyelid is swollen, it is worth making an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. The method of treatment is selected in accordance with the form of the disease. Antifungal or antibacterial ointments may be prescribed. In the most difficult cases, external preparations are used, which include hormones.
Additionally, vitamin therapy is carried out. In addition, the patient should follow a diet. It is necessary to give up too spicy and s alty dishes, to minimize the use of sweets.
Conjunctivitis
With inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids, edema can also be observed. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases. Almost everyone faces such a pathology sooner or later. People with weak immunity are more susceptible to the disease. The conjunctiva performs a protective function. Inflammation can also develop when dust gets into the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is also common.
Manifestations of the disease depends on its form. However, many complain that the upper eyelids are swollen. What to do? First of all, you should seek help from an ophthalmologist. You cannot self-medicate. In addition to swelling and hyperemia of the mucosa, other symptoms may also be observed. Some patients complain of a burning sensation in the eyes, photophobia, increased tearing.
Conjunctivitis treatment
The ophthalmologist prescribes therapy based on complaints and clinical manifestations. Additionally, laboratory tests may be ordered. Necessarilya bacteriological examination of a smear of the conjunctiva is carried out. It is important to understand what pathogenic microflora provokes the disease. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed. Tetracycline ointment shows good results. This medicine is used even in pediatric practice.
Washing the conjunctival cavity helps speed up the recovery process. With the help of a special solution, pus and accumulated mucus are removed from the eyes, and an antiseptic treatment of the damaged surface is carried out. Most often, normal saline is used. Even before going to the doctor, you can treat the mucosa with a high-quality antiseptic.
Barley
The infectious process on the eyelids is associated with the development of inflammation in the hair follicle of the eyelash. Almost everyone has experienced the disease. If the upper eyelid is swollen, the reasons may lie precisely in this pathological process. Statistics indicate that 80% of the population will experience barley during their lifetime. However, self-diagnosis and therapy should not be started. Styes can be confused with other eyelid diseases such as chalazion or cyst.
Barley is caused by a bacterial infection. Most often it is Staphylococcus aureus. However, inflammation can also be triggered by other pathogenic microflora. It can be all the same tick or mushrooms. Viruses rarely provoke barley. Pathogenic microflora penetrates the cavity of the hair follicle and begins to multiply rapidly. The patient begins to complain that he is swollenupper eyelid, pain appeared. Chronic infections in the body, as well as disruption of the endocrine system, can contribute to the development of the disease.
Treatment
Never try to squeeze out the contents of ripe barley yourself. This can lead to the development of serious complications. If the upper eyelid of the eye is swollen, what should I do first? It is worth seeking help from a qualified specialist. Improper therapy can lead to an abscess of the eyelid. There is a risk of loss of vision. Moreover, purulent masses can reach the meninges. This condition is dangerously fatal.
To avoid complications, it is necessary to treat the problem focus with a high-quality antiseptic several times a day. Alcoholic solutions are not recommended. You can use the means "Miramistin", "Chlorhexidine". Additionally, antibacterial eye ointments are prescribed. Dry heat will help speed up the ripening process of barley. The patient may be prescribed a course of UHF.
Other causes of eyelid swelling
If the upper eyelid is swollen, the reasons may be malnutrition. So, eating too fatty, s alty or spicy foods leads to the fact that the kidneys experience a strong load. This slows down the process of removing fluid from the body. Patients with kidney pathologies must follow diet number 7. You will almost completely have to give up s alt, spices, convenience foods and fast food. You will also have to forget about alcohol.
Important isdrinking regime. An adult should consume at least one and a half liters of pure water per day. However, three hours before bedtime, it is no longer advisable to drink a lot. At night, all organs and systems must rest. Failure to do so may result in unattractive puffy eyelids.
