Essay On Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Neonatal conjunctivitis is a type of eye infection or irritation (conjunctivitis) that babies develop shortly after birth (neonatal). This condition affects the outer lining of the eye and the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva). A baby may have neonatal conjunctivitis in one or both eyes.
Conjunctivitis may be more serious in newborns because they do not make enough tears to wash away irritants and germs. They are also less able to fight infection because their defense system (immune system) is not completely functioning yet.

CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Bacteria. This is the most common cause. This can occur because a baby’s eyes are exposed to bacteria in the mother’s birth canal, such as from a sexually transmitted infection.
• Chemical. This type of conjunctivitis may be caused …show more content…
• Collecting a sample of discharge from the baby’s eye or eyes to be checked under a microscope (culture). DNA testing may be done on any bacteria or viruses found in the culture.

TREATMENT
Your baby's treatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis may be treated with an antibiotic. The medicine may be given as eye drops, by injection, or through an IV.
• Chemical conjunctivitis may be treated with artificial tear eye drops. This irritation usually goes away in a few days.
• Viral conjunctivitis may be treated with IV antiviral medicines and an antiviral eye ointment.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Give or apply over-the-counter or prescription medicines only as told by your baby’s health care provider.
• If your baby was was prescribed an antibiotic medicine, give or apply it as told by your baby’s health care provider. Do not stop giving or using the antibiotic even if your baby starts to feel better or his or her condition improves.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying any medicines or

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