Does conjunctivitis require isolation?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Infectious conjunctivitis can lead to epidemic infection, therefore it is essential to take preventive measures. Conjunctivitis is often spread through contact, thus it is advocated to frequently wash hands and faces, and avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Patients with infectious conjunctivitis must be isolated, and any toiletries used by the patients must be isolated and disinfected. Medical staff should also wash and disinfect their hands after examining patients to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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How many days can conjunctivitis heal?

Conjunctivitis can be categorized by the speed of onset into hyperacute, subacute, acute, and chronic types. It can also be classified by severity into mild, moderate, and severe. Acute conjunctivitis usually is self-limiting, with the condition lasting about two weeks. Effective localized treatment and administration of sensitive antibiotics can lead to recovery within a few days. In contrast, chronic conjunctivitis is not self-limiting and is more challenging to treat.

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Written by Zhou Qing
Ophthalmology
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Conjunctivitis symptoms

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation that occurs in the thin layer of structure on the surface of the white eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, fungi, parasites, etc., and by environmental factors like sand, smoke, ultraviolet exposure, and chemical injuries from acids, alkalis, or toxic gases. It can also be an inflammatory response of the conjunctiva due to allergic or systemic diseases including tuberculosis, syphilis, thyroid disorders, or surrounding tissues of the eye such as the cornea, sclera, eyelids, nasal cavity, and sinuses. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include red eyes, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, burning, itching, photophobia (sensitivity to light), tearing, and increased discharge. Sometimes it can also cause eye pain.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Acute conjunctivitis is commonly known as pink eye.

Acute conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye or "fire eye," is more prevalent in spring and summer. It is a seasonal contagious disease, mainly transmitted through contact. Transmission often occurs by touching the secretions from the eyes of an infected person, shaking hands with someone who has pink eye, or by rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. Acute conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and the symptoms of eye irritation are quite severe, including sensations of stinging, burning, foreign body sensation, as well as photophobia, tearing, and purulent discharge. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly and to emphasize isolation and disinfection.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What should you not eat if you have conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is characterized by conjunctival congestion, exudation, papillary hypertrophy, and follicle formation due to infection, allergies, or trauma. It is a common eye disease in ophthalmology, and generally does not severely affect vision. Patients with conjunctivitis should avoid spicy foods such as onions, leeks, garlic, chili peppers, lamb, dog meat, etc. It is also best for patients with conjunctivitis to consume less shrimp, crab, and other seafood that may exacerbate the condition. Additionally, patients should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What department should I go to for conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology. The causes of the disease can be divided into microbial and non-biological categories, and depending on different sources, it can be classified as exogenous or endogenous. It can also be caused by the spread of inflammation from adjacent tissues. The most common cause is microbial infection, involving pathogens such as bacteria or chlamydia. Patients with conjunctivitis should consult an ophthalmologist.