Acute conjunctivitis

Exposure to levels above 50 ppm for 1 hour can produce acute conjunctivitis with pain, lacrimation, and photophobia in severe form, this can progress to keratoconjunctivitis and vesiculation of the corneal epithelium. Prolonged exposure to 50 ppm also causes rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonitis. 

Common cold, influenza, allergies, upper respiratory infections, acute conjunctivitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis. 

Beryllium has a number of toxic effects. Of these, the most common involve the skin. Skin ulceration and granulomas have resulted from exposure to beryllium. Hypersensitization to beryllium can result in skin dermatitis, acute conjunctivitis, and comeal laceration. 

Olfactory fatigue, paralysis of olfactory nerve. Respiratory irritation, pneumonia from prolonged exposure, acute conjunctivitis, pain lacrimation, photophobia progressing to keratoconjunctivitis, vesiculation of the corneal epithelium,... 

Topical steroids are not indicated for most cases of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. The exception is acute conjunctivitis accompanied by severe inflammation or pseudomembranes or true membranes. Concurrent topical antibiotic-steroid therapy hastens resolution of inflammatory response however, caution is prudent in cases in which the infectious agent has not been definitively identified and until the infection has clearly responded to antibiotic therapy. 

Conservative treatment of zoster-associated conjunctivitis, including cold compresses, lubricants, and decongestants, carries the lowest risk of treatment-related complications. Treatment of the acute conjunctivitis with topical broad-spectrum antibiotics may help to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Increased patient comfort by reduction of conjunctival inflammation may be affected by the use of topical steroids. Often, a combination antibiotic-steroid is used to accomplish both of these goals. In contrast to herpes simplex infection in which steroids are specifically contraindicated, topical steroids do not exacerbate herpes zoster infection. If steroids are used, the patient should be carefully monitored for intraocular pressure elevation. 

Acute conjunctivitis is a common feature of many other viral illnesses.The clinical manifestations are nonspecific, and knowledge of the systemic manifestations of these diseases leads to the appropriate diagnosis. Most cases result in mild, acute, transient, bilateral, follicular conjunctivitis. Treatment of the conjunctivitis in each case is generally supportive, with cold compresses, decongestants, and lubricants used to ease the symptoms of acute conjunctivitis. Table 25-5 summarizes clinical features of the most common viral illnesses with which conjunctivitis is associated. 

Block SL, Hedrick J,Tyler R, et al. Increasing bacterial resistance in pediatric acute conjunctivitis (1997-1998). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2000 44 1650-1654. 

Sulfacetamide is the IV-acetyl derivative of sulfanilamide. The sodium salt of sulfacetamide, because of its effectiveness and low toxicity, continues to be the most widely prescribed sulfonamide in the form of eye-drops and ointment for ophthalmic infections. It was introduced in Europe as "Albucid" in 1938 for various eye and other topical infections. Since its use in the treatment of corneal ulcers (1), sulfacetamide is still popular in ophthalmology. The sodium salt is highly soluble at the physiologic pH of 7.4, and is especially suited, as a 10-30% solution, for repeated topical application in the local management of ophthalmic infections (2-4). It is used mainly in the treatment of acute conjunctivitis and in the prophylaxis of ocular infections after injuries or burns (5). Several reviews on various aspects of sulfacetamide have been published (6-10). 

Indications Replete heat and fire toxins, exuberant heat in the three burners patterns. Septicemia, dysentery, pneumonia, acute urinary tract infections, ulcers, carbuncles, furuncles, boils, acute enteritis, acute icteric hepatitis, acute cholecystitis, encephalitis, acute conjunctivitis, acute pelvic inflammation, erysipelas, cellulitis, hemoptysis, epistaxis, urticaria, pruritus, cerebral hemorrhage, hypertension, anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, neurasthenia, and hysteria... 

Indications Hot dysentery. Acute enteritis, postpartum enteritis, acute bacillary dysentery, amebic dysentery, ulcerative colitis, abnormal vaginal discharge, urinary tract infection, and acute conjunctivitis... 

HEALTH SYMPTOMS inhalation (coughing, shortness of breath, acute or chronic lung disease) contact (dermatitis, acute conjunctivitis). 

CHRONIC HEALTH RISKS bronchitis lung fibrosis pulmonary edema increase in pulse and respiratory rates chronic pneumonitis effects on adrenal gland acute conjunctivitis rhinitis chronic skin ulcers anorexia death. 

HEALTH SYMPTOMS inhalation (respiratory paralysis, asphyxia, convulsions, severe breathing difficulties, irritates eyes and respiratory tract, coma) contact (lacrimation, photophobia, vesiculation of the comeal epithelium, acute conjunctivitis, skin irritation) ingestion (irritates gastrointestinal tract). 

It is chiefly employed by local application in injuries or infections of the eyes at various strengths ranging from 10 to 30%. It is also used in the treatment of acute conjunctivitis and in the prophylaxis of ocular infections after injuries or burns. 

The acute conjunctivitis induced by mustard (Figures 3-20 and 3-21) required immediate eye irrigation. Most of the eye cleared up in several weeks. Nevertheless, during the resolution stage of mustard-related acute conjunctivitis, patients were photophobic for a considerable period. 

Opthalmia neonatorum Infantile blindness caused by acute conjunctivitis of the newborn acquired from a mother with gonorrhea. 

Sodium hypochlorite, the most common ingredient in laundry bleach, is usually found in concentr ions of 5%. Combination of sodium hypochlorite with an acid causes the release d chlorine gas. which presents an acute Inhalation hazard. Characteristic signs include acute conjunctivitis and inflammation of the nasal passages, larynx, trachea, and. possibly, the lungs. Edema of the pharynx, larynx, glottis, and lungs is potentially life-threatening. 

Is there evidence of excessive lachiymation and acute conjunctivitis (note, if there is circumstantial evidence of the release of a vesicant or a corrosive toxic substance, decontamination of the eyes by irrigation is an immediate priority) ... 

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