Conjunctivitis

Question 1

what is Conjunctivitis

Answer 1

inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva.

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the lining of the eyelids and eyeball caused by bacteria, viruses, allergic or immunological reactions, mechanical irritation, or medicines

Question 2

how does conjunctivitis present

Answer 2

irritated red eye with purulent or watery discharge

Question 3

aetiology of conjunctivitis

Answer 3

INFECTIOUS CAUSES: viral, bacterial infection

NON-INFECTIOUS CAUSES: allergy, mechanical stress, immune-mediated or toxin irritation

Question 4

risk factors

Answer 4

infection (for example dirty hands itching or using contact lenses)

Question 5

common bacterial causative agents

Answer 5

Pneumococcus, Staphylococcus aureus

Question 6

common viral causative agents

Answer 6

varicella, adenovirus and herpes simplex

Question 7

presenting symptoms (History and exam)

Answer 7

discharge (watery, purulent, mucosal), ITCHING, red eye, swollen eyelids, eyelids stuck together in the mornings, photophobia

Question 8

is vision affected in Conjunctivitis

Answer 8

no

Question 9

investigations for Conjunctivitis (1ST LINE)

Answer 9

rapid adenoviral immunoassay

Question 10

treatment (allergic )

Answer 10

supportive measures

mast cell stabilisers and antihistamines

Question 11

treatment (bacterial)

Answer 11

antibiotics