Conjunctivitis

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Revision as of 22:56, 19 November 2007 by imported>Robert Badgett (→‎Diagnosis)
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Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the surface lining (conjunctiva) of the eye.

Classification

Conjunctivitis may be classified into:[1]

  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic
  • Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
  • Conjunctivitis, Viral
  • Keratoconjunctivitis
  • Reiter Syndrome

Etiology/cause

Acute conjunctivitis may be caused by bacteria in half of cases with the most common bacteria being Haemophilus influenzae (19%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (11%), and Staphylococcus aureus (8%).[2]

Diagnosis

A bacterial cause of acute conjunctivitis is more likely if there is early morning glued eye(s) and the lack of itching.[3]

Treatment

Delayed antibiotics, in which the patient is given about the course of conjunctivitis and a prescription to fill at their discretion over the next three days, may be the most appropriate strategy in primary care.[2]

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Conjunctivitis. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Everitt HA, Little PS, Smith PW (2006). "A randomised controlled trial of management strategies for acute infective conjunctivitis in general practice". BMJ 333 (7563): 321. DOI:10.1136/bmj.38891.551088.7C. PMID 16847013. Research Blogging.
  3. Rietveld RP, ter Riet G, Bindels PJ, Sloos JH, van Weert HC (2004). "Predicting bacterial cause in infectious conjunctivitis: cohort study on informativeness of combinations of signs and symptoms". BMJ 329 (7459): 206–10. DOI:10.1136/bmj.38128.631319.AE. PMID 15201195. Research Blogging.