The thin tissue that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids is known as the conjunctiva, and conjunctivitis is the inflammation of this area. Neonatal conjunctivitis is the term used to describe conjunctivitis that affects newborns within the first 28 days of life. Conjunctivitis in newborn is spreading widely in recent times.
Signs & Symptoms Of Conjunctivitis In Newborn
The following are typical signs of newborn conjunctivitis:
- Eyelid swelling
- Eye discharge
- Redness in the eyes
- Some infants may occasionally have fever
If the infection is viral, blood traces and watery discharge can be seen. Usually, the eye will be runny, irritated, and red.
It may begin in one eye if your child has bacterial conjunctivitis, but typically both eyes will be affected. Usually, their eyes will feel like there is sand in it, have yellow discharge, and crusting.
In most cases, if your child has allergic conjunctivitis, they will also have additional allergy symptoms like sneezing and an itchy or runny nose. Because of the scratchiness and watering in their eyes, they will probably rub them. These are the symptoms that may cause due to conjunctivitis in newborn.
Why Does Conjunctivitis In Newborns Occur?
Conjunctivitis may result from:
- Bacteria from the mother’s vagina during delivery
- Clogged tear ducts
- Exposure to irritants or chemicals
- Other bacteria or viruses picked up after birth from a family member in close contact with the newborn
Conjunctivitis is typically a minor condition that will go away on its own. In the event that it is brought on by a sexually transmitted illness, it may be dangerous in a newborn child. This may occur if the mother is carrying an STD that is not treated and the baby’s eyes become infected after birth. In such circumstances, it’s crucial to stay in touch with the best pediatrician in Ahmedabad and even with the gynecologist. This will help in preventing conjunctivitis in newborn.
How Can I Assist My Child?
You can delicately wash out their eyes. Use a cotton ball soaked in warm water to gently wipe your child’s eye to remove any discharge. Wipe the eye from the interior-outward. Discard the cotton ball. Utilize a fresh cotton ball if you need to clean again. If you need to wash the opposite eye, use a fresh cotton ball. Things to do:
- Avoid cleaning inside the eyelid; doing so could be harmful.
- Cold compresses and artificial tears eye drops may be beneficial.
- Ask your doctor, a maternal health nurse, or a pediatrician for advice if your infant develops an eye discharge.
As a parent you need to ensure that as soon as you notice conjunctivitis in newborn. Get in touch with the top pediatrician in Ahmedabad.
What Kind Of Conjunctivitis Treatment Does My Child Require?
The type of conjunctivitis your child gets will determine how it is treated.
- Your youngster could require antibiotic drops or ointment if the conjunctivitis is bacterial. Drop the liquids into both eyes. Use the drops for further two days after the discharge has stopped.
- If it’s viral, antibiotics are not necessary. Viral conjunctivitis has no specific therapy, but it typically gets better on its own without it.
- The following items could be helpful if it’s allergic:
- Preventing exposure to anything that causes the adverse reaction
- Antihistamine syrup or eye drops. If your child can take antihistamines, check with the best pediatrician in Ahmedabad
- Eye drops for lubrication
- Immunotherapy against allergens for severe instances
Preventive Measures For Conjunctivitis In Newborn
The following advice can assist in avoiding conjunctivitis in newborn:
- To reduce the risk of disease transmission during vaginal birth, sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonococcal infections must be treated in pregnant women.
- All newborns are given eye drops in the delivery room and immediately following birth to help avoid different illnesses.
- Get yourself treated for genital infection before or during pregnancy. Pregnant women with active herpes sores at the time of delivery should have a C-section to prevent serious sickness in the baby. If you or your spouse has an untreated STD, you should postpone getting pregnant.
- Keep your baby’s environment clean to avoid bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Never forget to give your child the eye drops that the doctor ordered.
Consultation With A Medical Professional For Newborn Conjunctivitis
Contact the top pediatrician in Ahmedabad if your child’s conjunctivitis doesn’t go away after a few days of treatment or a week without it. Watch the baby’s symptoms carefully; if there is more redness, swelling, or discomfort in the area around the eye or in the eyelids, the infection has likely gone beyond the eyes and will need more aggressive treatment.
