Conjunctivitis occurs when the tissues that line your eyelids and cover the white of your eye are inflame. Redness, itching, and watery eyelids can be cause by conjunctivitis. It is also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis may be cause by an allergy such as pet dander or pollen. This condition is known as conjunctivitis, or allergy to the eyes.
Some types of conjunctivitis can be contagious. What about allergic conjunctivitis, though? Continue reading to find out the answer to this question, as well as many more.
Is allergic conjunctivitis infectious?
Allergic conjunctivitis cannot transmit from one person to another. It’s because the condition is cause by an allergy reaction, not an infectious organism like a bacteria or virus.
10–30 percent of people are affect by allergic conjunctivitis. This condition is common in people who have other allergies, including hay fever, skin rashes, and asthma.
What is the cause?
Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to many allergens. These include:
- pollen
- mold
- dust mites
- pet dander
- Cosmetics
- Contact lenses or lens solutions
Your body produces immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) when an allergen contacts your eye. It activates immune cells, which then produce inflammatory molecules like histamine.
Allergy conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes.
- eye redness
- Itching intense
- watery Eyes
- The swelling of the eyelids and around the eyes
- sneezing
- itchy or runny nose
It can occur at any time of the year or only during certain seasons. It depends on which allergen is causing your symptoms. Many types of pollen are seasonal, while pet dander and dust mites can be present all year.
Allergic conjunctivitis vs. viral and bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacteria and viruses may also cause conjunctivitis. These types of conjunctivitis can be very contagious, unlike allergic conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis occurs more often than bacterial.
In tears, eye discharge, and respiratory secretions, microbes are present. They can spread by touching an object or surface that is contaminate and then touching someone else’s eyes.
Treatments
The type of conjunctivitis that you have can affect the treatment. Cool compresses and artificial tears can help ease symptoms, regardless of their cause.
Many medications are available to treat allergic conjunctivitis. Some are available OTC, while others need a prescription. These are often available in the form of eye drops and include:
- antihistamines
- mast cell stabilizers
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Short-duration corticosteroids
Antibiotics do not work on viral infections. Viral conjunctivitis should be allow to progress. Sometimes antibiotic eye drops are prescribe to people with bacterial keratitis.
How to prevent pinkeye
You can take several steps to prevent conjunctivitis. They are in center around preventing allergens and microbes from getting into your eyes.
Here are some tips to prevent allergic conjunctivitis:
- Find out which allergens cause your allergic conjunctivitis and how to avoid them.
- Hands should be wash frequently to remove allergens.
- Avoid touching your eyes, as this can cause your eyes to come into contact with allergens.
- Wash towels, pillowcases, and bed linens with hot water regularly.
- Dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mold in your home.
- Close the windows and doors to your car and home, especially during pollen season.
- When you are outside, wear eyeglasses and sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.
- Do not allow pets in your bedroom, and wash your hands immediately after petting animals.
- Hardwood floors are a better option than carpets, which can trap allergens.
Some tips to avoid catching bacterial or viral conjunctivitis are:
- Hands should wash frequently.
- Avoid touching your eyes.
- Do not share personal items such as towels, cosmetics, or contact lens solutions.
- Use clean towels to wash or dry your face and eyes.
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When should you see a doctor?
Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing allergic conjunctivitis and it is not clearing up after using home remedies. Your doctor can determine what allergies are causing your condition and prescribe stronger medications to relieve your symptoms.
If you think you may have bacterial conjunctivitis, you should consult your doctor. You may prescribe antibiotic eye drops. The most common symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis are thicker discharge and your eyelids sticking together.
Some symptoms may indicate a serious eye problem. If any of these symptoms apply to you, seek medical assistance immediately.
- Eye Pain
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
- blurry vision
- light sensitivity
The bottom line
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when your body reacts to an allergen in contact with your eyes. Pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are some of the most common allergens.
Conjunctivitis due to allergies is not contagious. Conjunctivitis, caused by bacterial or viral agents, is contagious.
You can change your lifestyle if you suffer from allergic conjunctivitis to avoid coming into contact with the allergens that cause your symptoms. Different OTC and prescription medications may also relieve symptoms.
Credit: thewebhealth.com & drugsdiscussion.com
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