HEENT 15: Conjunctivitis Flashcards
1
Q
SCHOLAR
Symptoms
A
- red and/or irritated eye (present 360º vs. sectoral)
- discharge (purulent, watery)
- itchiness
- associated symptoms – ie. fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy
2
Q
SCHOLAR
Characteristics
A
- watery serous or mucoid discharge vs. purulent, - mucopurulent, or hyperpurulent discharge
intensity of itch, burning, fatigues eyes
3
Q
SCHOLAR
History
A
- contact lens wearer
- exposure to person with red eye
- upper respiratory tract infection
- past history of conjunctivitis, prior HSV infection, chicken pox or shingles
- exposure to allergen, chemical, UV light
4
Q
SCHOLAR
Onset
A
- acute: 1-2 days
- chronic: 3-4 weeks or recurrent
5
Q
SCHOLAR
Location
A
- conjunctiva vs. eyelid (hordeolum or chalazion) or rash/blisters or swelling around eye
6
Q
MACS
Medications
A
- prescriptions (anticholinergic, beta-blockers, hormonal based therapy, antineoplastics) may cause dry eyes
- ophthalmic medications for infection or allergy that may cause allergic reactions
- oral anticoagulants may cause subconjunctival hemorrhage
7
Q
Hyperacute Conjunctivitis
A
- rapid onset
8
Q
Acute Conjunctivitis
A
less than 3-4 weeks
- primarily bacterial or viral
9
Q
Chronic Conjunctivitis
A
> 4 weeks
- allergic
10
Q
When should you follow-up with patients?
A
- bacterial conjunctivitis: within 2 days
- allergic conjunctivitis: within 3 days
- viral conjunctivitis: within 1 week
11
Q
What is the most common type of conjunctivitis?
A
viral
- assume viral unless mucopurulent discharge, eyelids matting together in AM, no itchiness, no history of conjunctivitis
12
Q
Is treatment required for conjunctivitis?
A
most cases resolve spontaneously
- treatment may reduce duration
13
Q
What is allergic treatment?
A
allergen avoidance + preventing histamine release
- mast cell stabilizers are slow-acting + long-term prevention
- antihistamines are fast-acting
