Causes and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

What is allergic conjunctivitis?

• Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process affecting the conjunctiva caused by any allergen, be it a chemical (for example, contact lens solutions) or a natural (for example, pollen) substance.
• Allergic conjunctivitis is probably the most common type I hypersensitivity reaction (IgE-mediated allergy) and affects about 20% of all allergies.
• Although no truly effective treatment has yet been identified, allergic conjunctivitis can be prevented by taking special hygienic and behavioral precautions.
• To reduce its characteristic symptoms - such as itching, redness of the eyes, light intolerance and puffiness of the eyelids - antihistamines and corticosteroids (eye drops/ophthalmic ointments and tablets) are undoubtedly the most suitable treatments.

1. Deepening.

2. Being an allergic form, this type of conjunctivitis also represents an abnormal and exaggerated immune response of the body upon contact with an allergen.

3. Symptoms caused by allergic conjunctivitis begin when pollen, dust or other elements are “misidentified” by the immune system, which identifies them as substances that are potentially harmful to the body.

Severe itching and swelling of the eyelids are caused by the release of histamine and other vasoactive substances secreted by mast cells (localized at the conjunctival level). Together, these molecules stimulate blood vessels to dilate and irritate nerve endings, thereby promoting excessive tear production.

Causes and risk factors

Signs of an unpleasant disease appear instantly after interaction with irritant substances (allergens). Allergens easily reach the mucous membranes of the organs of vision and are activated there, resulting in an inflammatory process.

Allergens that contribute to the occurrence of disease can be divided into four main groups:

• Pollenaceae. It has been established that pollen from any plant can cause an allergic reaction. This allergy is seasonal and appears only during the flowering period; it is also called hay fever. The most dangerous pollens for allergy sufferers are pollen from plants such as:
  • trees: birch, alder, poplar, aspen, apple tree, peach;
  • cereal plants: wheat, rye, oats, bentgrass, wheatgrass, barley;
  • flowers: roses, tulips, asters, lilies, carnations, lilacs;
  • weeds and cultivated plants: sage, ragweed, nettle, wormwood, quinoa.
• Epidermal. These allergens have very strong sensitizing properties. Even a small and short-term interaction with them can cause a severe allergic reaction, including Quincke's edema. The most common intolerance to the epidermis of cats and dogs. Epidermal allergens include:
  • saliva, fur, epidermis, animal secretions;
  • fluff and feathers of various birds.
• Household. Household allergens include everything that is present in a person’s everyday environment, for example, at home:
  • any types of dust;
  • dust mite;
  • food for dogs, cats, rodents, birds or fish;
  • insects;
  • mold fungi.

The composition of the dust allergen may include: various pollen, particles of building materials, epidermis and hairs of animal fur, dust mites.

In autumn and spring, the content of mites in house dust increases, so people susceptible to allergic diseases feel worse. The negative reaction to dust mites is not as acute and rapid as, for example, to the epidermis of a cat. Prolonged interaction with an irritant can contribute to the development of diseases such as bronchitis and asthma.

  Swelling of the cornea of ​​the eye

Mold spores are a strong irritant that is dangerous for people suffering from allergic diseases. It is necessary to prevent mold from appearing in rooms where allergy sufferers live or work, since with everyday interaction with an allergen the risk of developing serious diseases is very high.

• Food. Modern food products, saturated with harmful components, flavors, preservatives and dyes, contribute to the appearance of allergic conjunctivitis. In most cases, especially in children, allergies are caused by products such as:
  • milk protein;
  • honey;
  • chicken and quail eggs;
  • tangerines, oranges, other exotic fruits;
  • Fish and seafood;
  • nuts;
  • wheat, rye, oats;
  • legumes;
  • chocolate, candies and other sweets.

Attention! Allergic conjunctivitis of the eyes very rarely occurs due to the development of food allergies. Basically, its appearance is promoted by contact with allergens such as plant pollen and epidermis or animal hair.

Risk factors

Nowadays, there are a certain number of factors that can provoke the disease or worsen its course:

• Wearing contact lenses , especially if they are poor quality lenses made from substandard materials. They irritate the thin mucous membrane of the eyes and can contribute to the development of allergic conjunctivitis.
• Unfavorable environmental conditions . Polluted air, water, and chemical elements in food products are provocateurs for the development of allergic reactions.
• Hereditary predisposition . If one of the patient’s close relatives suffers from allergies to one degree or another, we can talk about a family history.
• Use of drugs in large quantities . When periodically taking a sufficient amount of medications, especially antibacterial and hormonal ones, the body's immune system suffers.
• The influence of chemicals and low-quality cosmetics . The course of the disease can be worsened by the use of contact lens solutions, the use of ointments, soaps, and cosmetics.
• Operations performed on the organs of vision, the presence of sutures. During the postoperative period, symptoms of the disease may occur, but after a certain time they disappear and usually do not return.
• Chronic infectious diseases.

Symptoms and complications

The disease occurs both in acute form (occurs unexpectedly, lasts a short period of time, passes quickly), and in chronic form (lasts a long period and has a less aggressive form).

The main signs of allergic conjunctivitis:

• pronounced redness of the whites of the eyes (see photo above);
• fear of sunlight;
• excessive and uncontrollable lacrimation;
• severe swelling of the eyes;
• burning sensation in the eyes;
• partial visual impairment;
• inflammation of the eyelids;
• general malaise, fatigue.

Allergic conjunctivitis in adults occurs in the same way as in children. However, in small allergy sufferers, the disease may be accompanied by allergic rhinitis caused by allergic reactions.

If the signs of the disease are minor and last more than six months, a chronic form of conjunctivitis is diagnosed. Usually, with this form, the patient is also worried about other diseases, for example, atopic dermatitis or bronchial asthma.

Conjunctivitis often becomes chronic, since its symptoms can be so subtle that it is not always possible to immediately detect and treat them in a timely manner.

In the acute form of this disease, the patient immediately becomes ill: the eyes become red and watery, there is severe itching and burning, and the face swells. If you do not provide timely medical attention to an allergy sufferer, severe swelling may occur, and subsequently threatens loss of vision.

If symptoms indicating the presence of allergic conjunctivitis occur, you should consult an ophthalmologist to determine an accurate diagnosis. If the allergic nature of the disease is confirmed, it is necessary to visit an allergist-immunologist to prescribe comprehensive treatment.

Complications

Without proper professional treatment, allergic eye disease can lead to complications such as:

• mechanical injury to the transparent membrane of the eye;
• the occurrence of a bacterial or viral infection;
• loss of clarity of vision;
• addition of other allergic reactions.

  Pain in the eye, as if something is blocking it, and redness

Diagnostics

Unlike other forms of inflammation of the conjunctiva, allergic conjunctivitis is relatively easy to diagnose: the symptoms are quite characteristic and easily recognizable.

Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by severe swelling and severe itching that occurs suddenly after exposure to allergens. However, objective observation by a physician is necessary both to establish suspected allergic conjunctivitis and to determine the allergen involved in the allergic reaction.

Let's briefly remember that allergic conjunctivitis varies based on the causative agent (i.e., the allergen causing it): pollen, dust mites, epithelium of pets, or certain substances contained in contact lenses or some cosmetics can cause allergic reactions to the conjunctiva in sensitive patients.

The first step is to identify the allergen. For this purpose, different versions of skin allergy tests . These can be skin and provocative tests, in addition, you can take a blood test for the presence of antibodies to allergens.

During the test procedure, the doctor will make small scratches on clean skin and drop a few different allergen irritants onto them. The result is assessed after 20-30 minutes. Itching, red spots and burning that appear at the site of scratches indicate the presence of an allergy.

Treatment can be started only after a specific diagnosis has been made and the patient’s allergy has been confirmed, otherwise the opposite effect can be achieved and unpredictable complications may develop.

How to get rid of allergic conjunctivitis

Once one or more allergens are identified, it will be recommended to eliminate them immediately. For example, if you are allergic to the fur and epithelium of a dog or cat, it is better to give the animal away in order to avoid further development of the disease.

If a dust mite is detected, you need to clean the apartment of carpets, feather pillows, unnecessary items and carry out wet cleaning daily.

Sometimes it is not possible to completely eliminate the allergen, for example, to protect yourself from birch pollen during its flowering period. At this time, it is recommended to be outside less often and close all windows. It is advisable to purchase a humidifier with a purification function.

After removing irritating factors from the patient’s life, in simple cases allergists carry out local treatment, and in advanced and severe cases of the disease - complex treatment.

To strengthen the general condition of the body, therapy is additionally prescribed to strengthen the immune system and eliminate allergic symptoms. In case of a long process, antibacterial agents are prescribed.

Medications

To block histamine, which contributes to allergic symptoms, doctors prescribe antihistamines:

• Zodak (in tablets or drops);
• Zyrtec;
• Cetrin.

New generation drugs that have virtually no side effects and do not cause drowsiness or lethargy.

Anti-allergenic eye drops are also used to relieve unpleasant symptoms:

• Opatanol;
• Visine;
• Lecrolin;
• Allergodil.

Drops are used to improve the cell membrane

• Lecrolin (Cromohexal);
• Zaditen (Ketotifen).

To moisturize the mucous membrane of the eyes, use:

• Oksial;
• Systane;
• Hyphenation;
• Ophtolic;
• Visine;
• Inoxa.

Eye drops containing corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone , are used to treat severe forms of the disease. Such drugs are used with caution, in precise dosages and are discontinued only as prescribed by the attending physician.

In order to cleanse the body of allergens and their metabolic products that form toxic substances, sorbents are prescribed:

• Activated carbon;
• Polysorb;
• Enterosgel;
• White coal.

Attention! All drugs for allergic conjunctivitis of the eyes in the prescribed dosage can be prescribed and discontinued only by a qualified specialist. Self-medication is unacceptable here, as it can lead to irreversible consequences, such as the addition of a secondary bacterial infection and the occurrence of purulent conjunctivitis.

Specific immunotherapy (ASIT)

For a sluggish, long-term form of allergic conjunctivitis, specific immunotherapy is used.

Modern medications often immediately cope with the severe symptoms of allergic reactions, but after their withdrawal the disease returns again.

ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy) makes it possible not only to temporarily get rid of the symptoms, but also to eliminate them forever. At the moment, this is the only way to eliminate allergic diseases such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and bronchial asthma.

ASIT is prescribed only by an allergist-immunologist in certain doses. The essence of allergen-specific immunotherapy is that the allergen is gradually introduced into the human body, increasing the dose each time. Over time, addiction to the incoming allergen occurs, and the disease recedes, as the immune response to external stimuli ceases to be so acute.

Treatment with ASIT is a very long and labor-intensive process, taking 3-5 years. There are a number of contraindications to this therapy. ASIT should not be performed in children under 5 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in renal failure.

Prevention and recommendations

Special methods to prevent the occurrence and development of conjunctivitis have not yet been developed. To relieve the symptoms of an already existing disease, simple and well-known preventive measures are used:

• exclusion or limitation of contact with the allergen;
• hypoallergenic life;
• playing various sports;
• proper nutrition;
• exclusion of smoking and alcohol;
• walks in the open air.

Forecast

Nowadays, allergies can easily be called the “Disease of the Century,” since about 90% of the population suffers from various allergic diseases. An allergen that enters the human body causes an inadequate immune response, which manifests itself in various symptoms.

Diseases caused by allergies, including conjunctivitis, are chronic in nature and cannot be completely cured. Signs may reappear after a long remission, after 5-10 or even 20 years , or they may not return at all.

Careful implementation of all the recommendations of an allergist-immunologist and a healthy lifestyle are the key to successful long-term relief from allergic conjunctivitis.

Source: https://tvojajbolit.ru/oftalmologiya/allergicheskij-konyunktivit/

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a reactive inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by immune reactions in response to contact with an allergen. With allergic conjunctivitis, hyperemia and swelling of the eye mucosa, itching and swelling of the eyelids, lacrimation, and photophobia develop. Diagnosis is based on collecting an allergic history, performing skin tests, provocative allergy tests (conjunctival, nasal, sublingual), and laboratory tests. In the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamines (orally and locally), topical corticosteroids, and specific immunotherapy are used.

H10.1 Acute atopic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs in approximately 15% of the population and is a significant problem in modern ophthalmology and allergology.

Allergic damage to the organ of vision in 90% of cases is accompanied by the development of conjunctivitis, less often - allergic blepharitis, eyelid dermatitis, allergic keratitis, uveitis, iritis, retinitis, neuritis.

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs in both sexes, mainly young people. Allergic conjunctivitis is often combined with other allergies - allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis

What is common in the etiology of all forms of allergic conjunctivitis is increased sensitivity to various environmental factors. Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure and location of the eyes, they are most susceptible to contact with exogenous allergens. Depending on the etiology there are:

• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis . Hay fever, pollen allergy) caused by pollen allergens during the flowering of grasses, trees, and cereals. Exacerbation of hay fever conjunctivitis is associated with the flowering period of plants in a particular region. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in 7% of patients worsens in the spring (late April - late May), in 75% - in the summer (early June - late July), in 6.3% - in the off-season (late July - mid-September), which accordingly, it coincides with the pollination of trees, meadow grasses and weeds.
• Spring conjunctivitis . The etiology of spring conjunctivitis has been little studied. The disease worsens in spring - early summer and regresses in autumn. This form of allergic conjunctivitis usually resolves spontaneously during puberty, which suggests a certain role of the endocrine factor in its development.
• Large papillary conjunctivitis . The main development factor is considered to be the wearing of contact lenses and ocular prostheses, prolonged contact of the mucous membrane with a foreign body of the eye, the presence of sutures that irritate the conjunctiva after cataract extraction or keratoplasty, calcium deposits in the cornea, etc. With this form of allergic conjunctivitis, the inflammatory reaction is accompanied by the formation of upper centuries of large flattened papillae.
• Drug-induced conjunctivitis develops as a local allergic reaction in response to topical (90.1%), less often systemic (9.9%) use of drugs. The occurrence of drug-induced allergic conjunctivitis is facilitated by self-medication, individual intolerance to the components of the drug, polytherapy - a combination of several drugs without taking into account their interaction. Most often, drug-induced allergic conjunctivitis is caused by the use of antibacterial and antiviral eye drops and ointments.
• Chronic allergic conjunctivitis . Accounts for more than 23% of cases of all allergic eye diseases. With minimal clinical manifestations, the course of chronic allergic conjunctivitis is persistent. Direct allergens in this case are usually house dust, animal hair, dry fish food, feathers, fluff, food products, perfumes, cosmetics and household chemicals. Chronic allergic conjunctivitis is often associated with eczema and bronchial asthma.
• Atopic keratoconjunctivitis . It is an allergic disease of multifactorial etiology. It usually develops during systemic immunological reactions, therefore it often occurs against the background of atopic dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, and urticaria.

The pathogenesis of allergic conjunctivitis is based on an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.

The triggering factor for allergic conjunctivitis is direct contact of the allergen with the conjunctiva, leading to degranulation of mast cells, activation of lymphocytes and eosinophils and a clinical response followed by an inflammatory-allergic reaction.

Mediators released by mast cells (histamine, serotonin, leukotrienes, etc.) cause the development of characteristic symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

The severity of allergic conjunctivitis depends on the concentration of the allergen and the reactivity of the body.

The rate of development of a hypersensitivity reaction in allergic conjunctivitis can be immediate (within 30 minutes from the moment of contact with the allergen) or delayed (after 24-48 or more hours).

This classification of allergic conjunctivitis is practically significant for the choice of drug therapy.

Allergic eye lesions can occur in the form of hay fever conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, large papillary conjunctivitis, drug conjunctivitis, chronic allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis can be acute, subacute or chronic; by time of occurrence - seasonal or year-round.

Allergies usually affect both eyes. Symptoms develop within a period of several minutes to 1-2 days from the moment of exposure to the allergen. Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by severe itching of the eyes, burning under the eyelids, lacrimation, swelling and hyperemia of the conjunctiva; in severe cases – development of photophobia, blepharospasm, ptosis.

The itching in allergic conjunctivitis is so intense that it forces the patient to constantly rub his eyes, which, in turn, further intensifies other clinical manifestations.

Small papillae or follicles may form on the mucosa. The discharge from the eyes is usually mucous, transparent, sometimes viscous, thread-like.

When the infection develops, a purulent secretion appears in the corners of the eyes.

In case of drug allergies, damage to the skin of the eyelids, cornea, retina, choroid, and optic nerve may occur.

Acute drug-induced conjunctivitis is sometimes aggravated by anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, acute urticaria, and systemic capillary toxicosis.

In chronic allergic conjunctivitis, the symptoms are poorly expressed: complaints of periodic itching of the eyelids, burning of the eyes, redness of the eyelids, lacrimation, and a moderate amount of discharge are typical. Chronic allergic conjunctivitis is said to occur if the disease lasts 6-12 months.

In the diagnosis and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, coordinated interaction between the treating ophthalmologist and the allergist-immunologist is important. If the history shows a clear connection between conjunctivitis and exposure to an external allergen, the diagnosis is usually not in doubt. To confirm the diagnosis, the following is carried out:

• Ophthalmological examination . Detects changes in the conjunctiva (edema, hyperemia, papillary hyperplasia, etc.). Microscopic examination of conjunctival scrapings in allergic conjunctivitis reveals eosinophils (10% and above). In the blood, an increase in IgE of more than 100-150 IU is typical.
• Allergy examination . To determine the cause of allergic conjunctivitis, tests are carried out: elimination, when against the background of clinical manifestations, contact with the suspected allergen is excluded, and exposure, which consists of repeated exposure to this allergen after the symptoms subside. After the acute allergic manifestations of conjunctivitis subside, skin allergic tests (application, scarification, electrophoresis, prick test) are performed. During the period of remission, they resort to provocative tests - conjunctival, sublingual and nasal.
• Laboratory examination . In case of chronic allergic conjunctivitis, examination of eyelashes for demodex is indicated. If an eye infection is suspected, a bacteriological examination of a smear from the conjunctiva for microflora is carried out.

The basic principles of treatment of allergic conjunctivitis include: elimination (exclusion) of the allergen, local and systemic desensitizing therapy, symptomatic drug therapy, specific immunotherapy, prevention of secondary infections and complications. In case of large papillary conjunctivitis, it is necessary to stop wearing contact lenses, eye prostheses, remove postoperative sutures or remove a foreign body.

For allergic conjunctivitis, oral antihistamines (claritin, ketotifen, etc.) and the use of antiallergic eye drops (levocabastine, azelastine, olopatadine) 2-4 times a day are prescribed.

Topical use of cromoglycic acid derivatives (mast cell stabilizers) in the form of drops is also indicated.

Severe forms of allergic conjunctivitis may require the use of topical corticosteroids (eye drops or ointments with dexamethasone, hydrocortisone), topical NSAIDs (eye drops with diclofenac). Persistently recurrent allergic conjunctivitis is the basis for specific immunotherapy.

In most cases, once the allergen is identified and eliminated, the prognosis for allergic conjunctivitis is favorable. In the absence of treatment, an infection may develop with the development of secondary herpetic or bacterial keratitis and a decrease in visual acuity.

In order to prevent allergic conjunctivitis, contact with known allergens should be avoided whenever possible. In case of seasonal forms of allergic conjunctivitis, preventive courses of desensitizing therapy are necessary.

Patients suffering from allergic conjunctivitis should be observed by an ophthalmologist and an allergist.

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/ophthalmology/allergic-conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis: what it is, causes, symptoms, treatment

Allergic conjunctivitis, according to the logic of the name, affects those people who have increased sensitivity to any allergen. Allergy itself is a rather unpredictable problem that can “climb out” in a variety of places in the body.

Since the conjunctiva of the eye comes into contact with the outside world in the forefront, it is also the first to be attacked by allergens.

Most often, the conjunctiva perceives plant pollen as an allergen. For this reason, this type of conjunctivitis can be perceived as a seasonal disease.

However, in addition to pollen, allergy sufferers also have reactions to pet hair, dust, and medications. And this is not the whole list.

The impact of allergens on the conjunctiva of the eye can be guessed almost immediately by the appearance of severe itching - one is tempted to rub the eyes. In some cases, itching is accompanied by pain and slight swelling of the eyelids. And this problem can become chronic.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Nowadays, it is difficult to find a person who would not experience some kind of allergic reaction. It can appear on any organ: the respiratory system, skin, digestive tract.

Today there is a significant increase in the number of allergic diseases accompanied by eye damage. These include allergic conjunctivitis in children and adults.

In terms of frequency of occurrence, they occupy one of the first places.

Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the variants of the body’s allergic reaction to any external irritants.

This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is inflammatory in nature, caused by the human body’s reaction to some allergen. The disease is quite common and is an important clinical problem.

The main thing is that the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis can be both permanent and seasonal. The disease can occur acutely, subacutely and chronically.

Is the disease transmitted from person to person?

Regarding the contagiousness and infectivity of conjunctivitis - is it contagious or not? This question arises for many people whose relatives, friends or colleagues suffer from this disease. Since conjunctivitis forms after close contact with an allergen and is a strictly individual reaction of the body, it is not considered contagious and is not transmitted from a sick person to healthy people.

When answering the question whether allergic conjunctivitis is contagious, doctors answer in the negative - this disease is inflammatory in nature, and therefore cannot in any way be contagious.

Cause of allergic conjunctivitis

The cause of development is contact with the conjunctiva of the eye of a certain allergen and the subsequent development of an inflammatory reaction. Among the main factors predisposing to the manifestation of pathology are:

• animal hair and dander;
• food for fish;
• house and library dust;
• chronic microbial infection;
• pollen of various plants;
• contact lenses;
• medications;
• household chemicals;
• heredity;
• low-quality cosmetics.

In rare cases, food allergies can cause the development of conjunctivitis.

Causes of the disease

The main factor that influences the occurrence of conjunctivitis is a special reaction of the immune system. The development of the disease is provoked by an allergen - an irritant substance. There are no universal allergens: each person has different substances that provoke the disease.

The most common cause of conjunctivitis is:

• dust;
• wool, saliva, feathers or industrial pet food;
• plant pollen (often causes seasonal conjunctivitis);
• contact lenses or solution for them;
• for women - eye cosmetics (decorative - mascara, eyeliner, shadows, as well as skincare - anti-wrinkle creams and serums);
• medications - drops that are used to treat ophthalmic diseases;
• the activity of viruses and bacteria in the upper respiratory tract, the toxins they produce (the main cause of red eyes and watery eyes during ARVI and influenza).

It is difficult to independently determine the cause of conjunctivitis in adults and children; this should be done by a doctor.

• Only he can distinguish infectious inflammation from allergic inflammation, be able to accurately determine the type of allergen and prescribe effective treatment.
• Article on the topic: Allergy to perfume and perfume: symptoms and treatment
• Forms of conjunctivitis

Types of allergic conjunctivitis

Depending on the manifestations, the cause of development and the nature of the course of the disease, several clinical forms are distinguished. Based on long-term studies, a classification of conjunctivitis has been developed, which presents the following clinical types:

1. Drug-induced conjunctivitis develops in almost all cases of long-term use of medications. It may appear gradually, or it may appear in an acute form within a short period of time after the first administration of a new drug. This is the most common disease among all allergic eye diseases.
2. Year-round and seasonal conjunctivitis are the most common types of allergic eye damage. Year-round allergic conjunctivitis is provoked by dust, mites, feathers and down of birds, and animal hair. These factors are constantly present in the environment, and therefore can constantly cause an allergic reaction. The development of a seasonal disease is associated in most cases with flowering of plants. They appear in spring and early autumn. Such symptoms recur annually and gradually weaken with age.
3. Spring conjunctivitis is observed mainly in male children from 5 to 12 years old. It occurs in a severe form. Symptoms begin to increase in the spring and gradually subside by autumn. Most often, children outgrow this pathology by puberty and this allergic reaction does not bother children in the future.
4. Giant papillary conjunctivitis - develops as a result of prolonged contact of the conjunctiva with a foreign body. Once the stimulus is removed, the symptoms disappear. The foreign body is most often suture material used by ophthalmologists during operations, or contact lenses.

What kind of disease is this?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory eye disease in which the pathological process involves the conjunctiva, i.e. the outer mucous membrane of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Depending on the cause, conjunctivitis is divided into viral, bacterial, chlamydial, dystrophic and allergic. The source of allergic conjunctivitis is allergens, which can be food, medications, chemicals, cosmetics, poplar fluff, animal hair and other substances.

  Erosive esophagitis: causes, symptoms, treatment, diet

REFERENCE! If rhinitis is associated with the disease, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is diagnosed.

The disease begins with the entry of an allergen into the body (through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, or directly onto the skin and mucous membranes), after which the latter actively produces histamine. It and other biological substances provoke dilation of blood vessels, irritate nerve endings and increase the secretion of tear fluid.

Causes

Allergy is based on an immediate hypersensitivity mechanism. This is a special reaction of the immune system in which symptoms appear immediately. The anatomical features of the eye facilitate the penetration of allergens into the mucous membrane, after which the inflammatory process begins immediately.

The causes of allergic conjunctivitis can be any substances and components, but they are combined into several large groups:

• household (dust);
• epidermal (animal fur, bird feathers, insect secretions that are released when bitten);
• pollen (plant pollen).

These are the most common, but not exhaustive causes of the disease. They are distinguished precisely by the fact that they fall directly on the mucous membrane of the eye.

Allergies to medications, food, cosmetics, varnishes, paints, and fabrics can also cause allergic conjunctivitis, but this occurs much less frequently.

The rarest types of allergies are allergies, for example, to the sun or cold.

Forms of the disease and symptoms

There are several types of allergic conjunctivitis, each of which has its own characteristics of manifestation.

Each of them is characterized by classic symptoms:

• tearfulness;
• redness of the eyes;
• swelling;
• discomfort when blinking;
• separation of purulent or mucous exudate from the eyes;
• foreign body sensation;
• photophobia;
• decreased clarity or visual acuity (rare).

The severity and characteristic features of the disease in each specific case are determined by the form of allergic conjunctivitis. The most common types are presented in the table below.

Form	Seasonality	Age	Itching	Inflammation of the eyelids, corneas	Discharge from the eyes	Tearing
Drug	No	any	Yes	eyelid skin, cornea, choroid, retina, optic nerve	liquid	Yes
Pollen (polynose)	spring-summer period, the time of flowering of flowers, trees, grasses	any	strong	No	mucous	strong
Spring	exacerbation in summer and spring	more often after 14 years	Yes	cornea	viscous viscous	may or may not be
Tuberculosis-allergic	No	more often in children under 3 years of age and in young people	strong	conjunctiva, cornea, eyelid margins, transitional folds	mucopurulent	strong

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of a disease such as allergic conjunctivitis is under the close attention of doctors of two medical specialties: an ophthalmologist and an allergist-immunologist.

When the first signs appear, they should be visited first.

You need to start with an ophthalmologist, since many eye diseases are accompanied by similar symptoms to those of allergic conjunctivitis.

Doctors recognize the disease by its typical external symptoms and signs. The disease is treated with eye drops. And artificial tear medications help relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis. If such treatment is ineffective, then antiallergic drugs are prescribed. It is important to use drops under medical supervision.

Prevention

Prevention of the disease eliminates contact with common allergens.

It is recommended to constantly follow a hypoallergenic diet and not to consume potentially hazardous foods, which most often provoke allergic reactions.

If you are prone to conjunctivitis, you must periodically visit an ophthalmologist, conduct preventive studies and comprehensive ophthalmological diagnostics.

Medvezhova Evgenia Yurievna, specialist for the website glazalik.ru Share your experience and opinion in x.

Source: https://gb4miass74.ru/bolezni/allergicheskij-konyunktivit.html

Allergic conjunctivitis: features of the disease and how to treat it

Allergic conjunctivitis is a local reaction of the mucous membrane of the eyes to contact with an allergen. The disease can be combined with skin reactions, symptoms of rhinitis, and occurs mainly in young people.

At the first signs of allergic conjunctivitis, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Allergies can be unpredictable, accompanied not only by redness of the mucous membrane and swelling of the eyelids, but also bronchospasm, Quincke's edema and urticaria.

Classification

Main types of disease:

• hay fever;
• spicy;
• chronic;
• seasonal keratoconjunctivitis;
• drug;
• atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

Depending on the course of the pathological process, conjunctivitis can be acute or chronic. Experts also identify subacute conjunctivitis of both eyes. Without treatment, the disease in its acute form becomes chronic, can give frequent relapses, cause purulent infections and a decrease in local immunity.

Symptoms

How does allergic conjunctivitis manifest? The disease often occurs chronically, with exacerbations in the spring months. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis appear immediately after contact with the allergen. Manifestations of the disease can be triggered by allergic foods, pollen, use of medications, exacerbation of chronic rhinitis or bronchitis.

The main symptoms of chronic allergic conjunctivitis:

• severe itching, burning of the eyelids;
• lacrimation;
• swelling and redness of the conjunctiva;
• photosensitivity.

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in an adult occur within 24 hours after exposure to the allergen.

Intense itching forces the eyes to rub vigorously, which can lead to a secondary infection and cause suppuration of the eyelids.

The most characteristic symptom of allergic conjunctivitis is severe redness of the mucous membrane. Individual enlarged follicles and purulent crusts may appear on it.

Causes

The main cause of allergic conjunctivitis is contact with an allergen. Various exogenous allergens can provoke an exacerbation of the disease. Most often, relapse of the disease is associated with flowering plants in the spring. It is in the spring months that many diseases of an allergenic nature worsen.

In the chronic relapsing form of the disease, house dust, animal hair, cosmetics and food products are allergens. The disease is often combined with bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, obstructive bronchitis and chronic eczema.

Is allergic conjunctivitis contagious?

Is allergic conjunctivitis transmitted to others? Since the disease is based on an allergic reaction that is not spread by airborne droplets or any other means, the disease is considered not contagious. But sometimes allergic conjunctivitis worsens after suffering respiratory viral diseases, which are highly contagious and can pose a threat to others.

Complications and consequences of the disease

With timely treatment of allergic conjunctivitis of the eyes, the prognosis is favorable. If the doctor identifies the allergen and does everything to prevent the patient’s body from contacting it, the disease will recur extremely rarely.

But in the absence of effective therapy or untimely use of medications for allergic conjunctivitis, a secondary infection may occur with the appearance of copious purulent discharge.

Another complication is bacterial keratitis, which can lead to decreased visual acuity.

Diagnostics

To select an effective treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. An examination is prescribed by an ophthalmologist or allergist.

To determine the exact allergen, skin provocative tests, allergy tests, prick tests and other informative studies are performed. Additionally, it may be necessary to take a smear from the conjunctiva to determine the microflora and identify infectious pathogens.

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis

How to treat allergic conjunctivitis in adults? The most important thing is to avoid contact with allergens. This helps to quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease and improve the patient’s condition. Specific medications for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis are selected by an ophthalmologist. They mainly use local agents that have antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects.

If the risk of a secondary infection increases, antibacterial drops for allergic conjunctivitis are prescribed. They destroy infectious pathogens, stop their active reproduction and prevent the spread of the infectious process to neighboring tissues.

Regardless of the severity of the clinical manifestations of the pathology, ophthalmologists prescribe antihistamines orally and in the form of ointments, drops, gels and tablets (Claritin, Zyrtec, Lecrolin, Opatanol).

Such products are used several times a day. They relieve itching, swelling and other manifestations of the disease.

Severe conjunctivitis requires the use of corticosteroids with dexamethasone or hydrocortisone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In case of frequent relapses, specific immunotherapy is necessarily carried out, the purpose of which is to rid the patient of an allergic reaction by introducing gradually increasing doses of the allergen into the body.

But this technique is carried out only in a medical institution.

Specific immunotherapy is carried out by trained specialists who, if necessary, can provide emergency medical care and help quickly suppress an acute allergic reaction.

Diet

Following a diet for conjunctivitis of an allergic nature makes it possible to improve the general well-being of the patient. Many patients with this disease exhibit hypersensitivity to certain foods. Diet is part of a comprehensive treatment.

Citrus fruits and chocolate are excluded from the diet - these are the foods that are highly allergic. Some experts recommend avoiding honey if the body does not tolerate bee products well.

An ophthalmologist should tell you what products are suitable for allergic conjunctivitis in a particular patient. Usually strict restrictions are not required. It is enough to avoid eating citrus fruits and a lot of sweets.

Treatment with folk remedies

Is treatment with folk remedies for allergic conjunctivitis effective? Home remedies can only be used as a complement to classical therapy.

It is not recommended to completely switch to traditional medicine due to the high risk of increased signs of an allergic reaction. Without antihistamines and local treatment, it is impossible to get rid of inflammation, itching and redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes.

But traditional methods can be used as a reasonable addition to basic drug therapy. Here are some proven and effective recipes:

• if itching, swelling of the eyelids and redness of the eyes occur, wash them with aloe juice, which must be diluted slightly with water;
• apply black tea bags to your eyes;
• make lotions from infusions of chamomile and other medicinal herbs (sage, St. John's wort, linden);
• wash your eyes with an infusion of medicinal marshmallow (rinse 2 roots, cut them and pour boiling water for 8 hours).

It helps fight inflammation and prevent the development of an infectious process. It can be used to wash the eyes several times a day. Infusions and lotions are also made from anti-inflammatory herbs. It is important to use them regularly during the first days after the onset of symptoms of an exacerbation of the disease.

If the pathology recurs again and again, perhaps, in addition to allergies, a hidden infection is progressing. It’s better to get all tests done to identify the pathogen.

Infectious diseases themselves can provoke the development of allergies. In this case, you cannot do without antibiotics.

But folk recipes will be useful even with an infectious-allergic nature: they relieve itching well and disinfect tissues.

Course of the disease in children

With allergic conjunctivitis in children, the general well-being of the child greatly deteriorates. He becomes moody, sleeps poorly, and refuses to eat. The disease is accompanied by severe swelling of the mucous membrane, itching and redness of the eyes, and active lacrimation.

Allergies can be triggered by food, plant pollen, household dust, animal dander, medications and foreign bodies. Symptoms of the disease appear almost instantly after contact with the allergen. Both eyes are involved in the pathological inflammatory process. In severe cases, photophobia occurs.

In children, chronic allergies in the eye mucosa are often complicated by secondary infection. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor infection safety and prohibit the child from touching or scratching his eyes with his hands. To prevent infectious complications with frequent relapses, antibacterial drops are prescribed from the first day of the disease.

They are precisely antihistamines.

The course of allergic conjunctivitis in pregnant women

During pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in the body, and immune activity naturally decreases to protect the fetus from the threat of miscarriage.

As a result of these changes, the preconditions are created for the appearance of hyperactivity of the immune system and the development of allergies. Many women are not even aware of their sensitivity to certain foods, medications or pollen.

New cosmetics can also cause an inflammatory reaction.

The main manifestations of pathology during pregnancy:

• itching in the eyes;
• lacrimation;
• redness of the mucous membrane and skin around the eyes;
• swelling and sticking of the eyelids.

It is quite difficult to treat allergies during pregnancy. Common medications that quickly relieve the symptoms of the disease are prohibited, but it is possible to find a suitable remedy, and this will be done by a doctor.

Every year, experts conduct research in the field of modern pharmacology, find out which drugs have a teratogenic effect on the fetus and can threaten pregnancy. Only doctors have such information, and they are the ones who can choose a treatment regimen that will not harm the health of the unborn child.

Prevention

Prevention of the disease eliminates contact with common allergens.

It is recommended to constantly follow a hypoallergenic diet and not to consume potentially hazardous foods, which most often provoke allergic reactions.

If you are prone to conjunctivitis, you must periodically visit an ophthalmologist, conduct preventive studies and comprehensive ophthalmological diagnostics.

Medvezhova Evgenia Yurievna, specialist for the website glazalik.ru
Share your experience and opinion in x.

Source: https://GlazaLik.ru/bolezni-glaz/konyunktivit/allergicheskij-konyunktivit-osobennosti-bolezni-i-chem-lechit/