Differentiating gastrointestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease- a comprehensive review

Understanding And Managing Pink Eye In Your Child

As a parent in the Tampa Bay area, you know how quickly children can pick up and spread common illnesses, especially in a warm, humid climate like ours. One of the most frequent and concerning conditions your child might encounter is pink eye, or conjunctivitis.

This common eye infection can be distressing, both for your child and for you, as it often disrupts your family's routine. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and local resources available in Tampa Bay can help you manage this condition effectively and keep your little one comfortable.

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, medically referred to as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It's a frequent issue among young children, especially those attending school or daycare here in Tampa Bay, where close contact with other kids can lead to the rapid spread of infections.

Causes of Pink Eye

Understanding what causes pink eye can help you better identify the type of conjunctivitis your child may have and seek appropriate care. Here are the main types:

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is common in children and is often characterized by red, itchy, and painful eyes, with significant green or yellow discharge. In Tampa Bay's warm climate, where bacteria can thrive, this type of pink eye can spread quickly, especially in settings like schools or playgrounds.

Viral Conjunctivitis: Frequently associated with colds, viral pink eye manifests as pink, swollen, watery eyes that are sensitive to light. Since viral infections are also common in our area, especially during peak seasons, this type of pink eye is something many Tampa Bay moms might encounter.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Given Tampa Bay's lush environment, with its plentiful pollen, mold, and other allergens, allergic pink eye is a frequent concern. It causes itching, redness, and excessive tearing in both eyes, particularly during peak allergy seasons.

Chemical Conjunctivitis: This type can occur if your child is exposed to irritants like chlorine in our many local pools or air pollutants common in urban areas. It results in red, watery eyes but isn't contagious.

Immune-Mediated Conjunctivitis: Although rarer, this type is linked to systemic diseases and may require specialized care available in the Tampa Bay area.

How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

The duration of pink eye depends on its cause:

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Symptoms appear 2-4 days after exposure. In Tampa Bay, where active lifestyles mean frequent outings, it's crucial to note that your child remains contagious until 48 hours after starting antibiotics or until symptoms subside.

Viral Conjunctivitis: The contagious period lasts as long as symptoms are present. Viral pink eye often accompanies respiratory infections common in Tampa Bay's diverse weather patterns.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: This type isn't contagious, and symptoms usually occur immediately after allergen exposure, something Tampa Bay moms should be mindful of during high-pollen seasons.

Chemical Conjunctivitis: Symptoms typically resolve shortly after the irritant is removed, and this type is not contagious.

How does Pink Eye Spread?

Pink eye is highly contagious, especially the bacterial and viral types. In Tampa Bay's social environment, where children frequently interact in close quarters—whether at the beach, in playgrounds, or at school—the spread of pink eye can be swift. It is most commonly spread by direct contact with discharge from an infected eye or by touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory secretions.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Your Child Has Pink Eye?

If you notice signs of pink eye in your child, it's important to consult a healthcare professional in the Tampa Bay area for a proper diagnosis. While bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotics, viral and allergic types often resolve on their own.

Here are some steps to take while awaiting medical advice:

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands before and after touching your child's eyes, nose, or mouth. In a busy family home, this is your first line of defense against spreading pink eye.

Clean Commonly Touched Surfaces: Regularly disinfect items like toys, doorknobs, and electronics to reduce the risk of infection, especially in our community where children frequently share spaces.

How Can You Prevent Pink Eye?

Preventing pink eye starts with proper hand hygiene—a crucial practice, especially in our active Tampa Bay lifestyle. Teach your child to wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their face, and never share personal items like towels or pillows.

For more information or to find a nearby After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care location in Tampa Bay, visit our website and get the care your child needs to stay healthy and happy.

*Presented by After Hours PediatricsOriginally published in the September 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

How To Tell The Difference Between A Pink Eye And Allergies

With pink eyes and allergies having similarities, it is understandable to not be able to spot the difference between the two.

Below, experts give you intel on what is actually causing itchiness and redness in your eyes.

According to Purvi Parikh, an allergist at Allergy & Asthma Network, "The symptoms of seasonal allergies and pink eye can be identical, which is frustrating when you're trying to decide if you should see a doctor."

The above specialist in allergies further states that the number of affected eyes is the primary distinction between allergies and pink eye.

According to the ZYRTEC website, "Pink eye is the common name for conjunctivitis and usually results from touching a contaminated surface, a person or developing another illness – such as sinus and ear infections. When your eye is exposed to bacteria this way, it can lead to various pink eye symptoms."

Allergies, on the other hand, due to the sensitivity and air exposure, your eyes can be easily targeted by allergens which include, pollen, smoke, cosmetic products, and pet dander, the above website also states.

Clear differences between pink eye and allergies

The K Health website states pink eye occurs in one eye and produces a lot of discharge, which may make the eyelids stick to one another.

"Pink eye is contagious, so people around you or living with you may be infected as well," the allergist above states.

In contrast, it is also mentioned by the above specialist that allergies cause severe itching and burning, while the pink eye is linked to mild itching.

Allergies often affect both eyes at once, while pink eye typically starts in one eye before spreading to infect both eyes, the above medical expert further adds.

Also see: Foods that are proven to ease anxiety

Warning Issued Over 5 Infections That Can Harm Your Sight After Elton John's Health Battle

Sir Elton John shared a concerning update with his fans this week (Image: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, a Program of Pride Live)

Experts have issued a warning over five conditions that could impact your eyesight following Sir Elton John's shock health update.

The Rocket Man singer shared concerning news with his fans this week, revealing that he has been left with "limited vision" in one eye, and the recovery is an "extremely slow process".

Speaking to his 4.2 million followers on Instagram, the 77-year-old explained he had developed an eye infection over the summer, and that it would "take some time" for his sight to return to the "impacted eye".

As the award-winning singer continues his recovery, The Telegraph has explored five common eye conditions people should be aware of.

1. Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) 

The highly-contagious conjunctivitis makes your eyes itchy, red and inflamed, often accompanied by a gritty feeling and pus that sticks to your eyelashes, according to the NHS.

The condition occurs when the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (a clear membrane that covers the eye) become infected by a virus or bacteria, but your symptoms should improve in two weeks without treatment.

However, there are certain things you can do at home to ease your symptoms, including washing your eyelids with clean water. The NHS advises boiling water before allowing it to cool down and then using it to gently wipe your eyelashes.

You should do this with a clean cotton wool pad, but remember to use separate pads for each eye. You can also hold a cold flannel over your eyes to cool them, or a pharmacist can recommend eye drops or antihistamines.

Drops are a common treatment for eye infections (Image: eternalcreative/Getty Images/iStockphoto) 2. Keratitis

Keratitis is a swelling condition that impacts the corneas (the clear outer layers of our eyes) and can be caused by an infection (everything from viral to parasitic) or an injury.

Alex Ionides, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: "People who wear soft contact lenses are most at risk from bacterial keratitis."

He went on to say that if you use contact lenses and you have a red and inflamed eye, you must seek "immediate" advice as contact lens-linked infections can be "blinding".

Laura Hughes, a consultant ophthalmologist, also spoke about a concern with contact lens wearers, urging people to never swim, shower, sleep in them, or run them under tap water, as there's a "risk of a serious acanthamoeba parasitic infection".

Some of the treatments include antibiotic eye drops, although the paper warned that viral infections may not always be completely eradicated.

The NHS advises people to have their eyes tested every two years (Image: Getty Images/Westend61) 3. Styes

A stye is a painful lump similar to a spot that appears on or around the eyelid after developing from a blocked oil gland. The NHS says the surrounding skin could be red and swollen and the stye filled with pus.

They're generally not contagious, with Alex saying they're caused by an "infection of an eyelash follicle". You could apply a warm flannel a few times each day, with other treatments including antibiotics if the infection spreads.

In addition to these, antibiotic ointment is also used, as well as common tablets such as paracetamol. If you're unsure, you should consult an eye doctor.

4. Uveitis

Uveitis (also known as iritis) is a rare condition that leads to inflammation in your eye, with the NHS urging people to seek treatment early, as it can lead to long-term complications, including vision loss and blindness.

It could be contagious and may be caused by immune system conditions, infections, or injuries, but it should improve quickly with treatment, although it has been known to reoccur.

Symptoms include eye pain (which may feel worse when you're reading), red or watery eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and lights or dark spots in your eyes.

Laura said more severe symptoms "need reviewing" by an ophthalmologist and warned people to "never ignore" deteriorating vision, particularly when you have a new infection, as they can be "sight threatening".

Treatments include dark glasses, eye drops, eye injections and antibiotics, with medicines that limit the activity of your immune system used in severe cases.

5. Blepharitis

Blepharitis occurs when the skin folds become inflamed, causing itchy and swollen eyelids, often accompanied by soreness, a gritty sensation, crusts on your eyelashes, and sticky eyelids.

The NHS says if you have this condition, you can try cleaning your eyelids twice a day and then reduce it to once a day when you start noticing an improvement, but remember to continue cleaning them even when your symptoms end.

In addition to this, a pharmacist may be able to advise you on eye pads, wipes and drops. Laura said itchy, gritty eyes or a "short history of discharge or watering" should be addressed by a GP or chemist.

If, however, the treatments fail to work, you should visit an optician.

---