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Questions and Answers
What is the first step necessary in managing conjunctivitis according to the treatment guidelines?
Which of the following actions is NOT recommended for managing conjunctivitis?
What should be done if conjunctivitis does not improve within 24 hours of treatment?
Which of the following hygiene practices is important to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis?
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What is a common symptom of unresolved conjunctivitis that patients should be aware of?
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What is the most common type of conjunctivitis?
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Which cardinal symptom is associated with conjunctivitis?
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Which type of conjunctivitis typically presents with thick, yellow, sticky exudate?
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What additional history should be queried for patients suspected of having bacterial conjunctivitis?
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Which exam finding is most commonly associated with viral conjunctivitis?
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When should a patient with conjunctivitis be referred to an ophthalmologist?
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What underlying cause can lead to non-infectious conjunctivitis?
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Which type of conjunctivitis is characterized by severe pruritus without exudate?
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Study Notes
Conjunctivitis Overview
- Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the sclera
- Usually self-limiting
- Most common types: viral, bacterial, or allergic
- Viral accounts for 80% of acute cases, adenovirus most frequent
- Bacterial more common in children, gram positives
- Allergic involves IgE-mediated inflammation, seasonal, vernal, or atopic
- Transmission: close quarters like schools, nursing homes, or camps
- Non-infectious: drug-induced, autoimmune, contact lens irritation
Physical Exam
- Examine eyelids, lashes, surrounding skin, and pupils
- Cardinal Symptoms: itching, watering, redness
- Foreign body sensation, fullness around the eye
- Bacterial: thick, yellow, sticky exudate, worse in the morning, unilateral
- Viral: profuse tearing (minimal itching and exudate), pre-auricular adenopathy, systemic symptoms of viral infection, bilateral
- Allergic: presents bilaterally, severe itching, moderate tearing, no exudate, accompanies allergy symptoms
- Referral to ophthalmologist: visual loss, photophobia, severe eye pain, irregular pupillary response
Diagnostics
- Check visual acuity
- Ophthalmologist performs dilated pupillary exam, fluorescein staining, ultraviolet illumination
- Gram stain and culture if suspecting N. gonorrhoeae or prolonged severe conjunctivitis
Treatment
- Refer to ophthalmologist
- Treatment depends on etiology
- Lubrication with artificial tears, frequent cleansing
- Avoid topical corticosteroids
- Hot or cold compresses for relief
- Patching of the eye not recommended
Patient Education
- Unresolved conjunctivitis can impair vision
- If conjunctivitis worsens within 24 hours despite treatment, urgent referral is necessary
- Proper hygiene is crucial to prevent spread:
- Hand washing
- Clean towels, do not share towels
- Avoid touching eyes
- Avoid contact lenses until infection resolves
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Description
Test your knowledge on the different types of conjunctivitis and their characteristics. This quiz covers the inflammation of the conjunctiva, symptoms, transmission, and physical examination findings. Explore various scenarios including viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis.
