Conjunctivitis: Types, clinical manifestation and management
Keywords:
Conjunctival inflammation, ocular infection, bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, treatmentAbstract
This narrative review analyses the different types, clinical manifestations, and management strategies for conjunctivitis to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. It gathers information on the types of conjunctivitis and their management based on findings from primary and secondary literature sources. Conjunctivitis is broadly categorized into bacterial, viral, allergic, and some less common forms. Each type has unique causes and symptoms. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often characterized by purulent discharge. At the same time, the viral type is characterized by watery discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis typically presents with itchy eyes. The symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include redness, irritation, discharge, and photophobia. Many cases of bacterial conjunctivitis require antibiotic therapy, but viral conjunctivitis is generally managed with supportive care. Allergic conjunctivitis responds well to antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. Accurate diagnosis protects against the development of antibiotic resistance and ensures proper management is delivered. This review emphasises the importance of accurate diagnosis and the development of personalised treatment plans to enhance patient care.
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