How to deal with allergic conjunctivitis

Contact with pollen or mold spores in the eyes may cause redness, itching and constant tearing. These are symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

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There is a thin membrane – conjunctiva – on the inner surface of the eyelids and on the apple itself. The conjunctiva is sensitive to allergen-induced inflammation, especially during the hay fever season. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common disease because it is the body’s reaction to substances that it considers dangerous and seeks to get rid of.

There are two types of allergic conjunctivitis

Acute allergic conjunctivitis is a temporary problem that people usually suffer from during the allergy season. Manifestations – eyelids swollen, eyes itchy, burning sensation is felt in them.

Chronic allergic conjunctivitis is a less common disease and is not seasonal in nature. Allergens to which it is usually associated – food, dust and animals. Manifestations: itchy eyes, burning sensation and sensitivity to light. Symptoms may suddenly disappear and reappear later.

The role of histamine

All allergies are an exacerbated reaction of the body to substances that it “considers” dangerous. After contact with them, the body releases a special substance – histamine.

Histamine increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels, so more fluid enters the tissues (blood vessels supply the body with nutrients, oxygen and water). This liquid has nowhere to stay, and therefore a characteristic allergic reaction begins – runny nose and tears in the eyes.

Histamine is a neurotransmitter or substance by which the body transmits signals to the brain through the nervous system. One of the reactions caused by histamine is sneezing.

In other words, the symptoms we associate with exposure to allergic substances are caused by our body. Antihistamines, as many anti-allergy drugs are called, block the action of histamine in our body.

Diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis

According to the American Asthma and Allergy Society, about 30% of adults and 40% of children have regular problems with allergic reactions. It is especially difficult for those who live near pollen sources.

The diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis is relatively simple, especially if the patient suffers from allergies frequently. Your doctor may need to:
– skin allergy test. Several allergens are “applied” to the patient’s skin to determine which the body is responding to aggressively;
– blood tests. They can be used to determine if the body is releasing proteins or antibodies to protect itself from attackers. One of these substances may be the histamine already mentioned;
– examination of a sample of conjunctival tissue. It is used to study white blood cells or white blood cells. In case of allergic reactions, especially eosinophilic leukocytes appear.

How to fight allergic conjunctivitis?

The following recommendations are recommended to avoid or at least alleviate the onset of allergic conjunctivitis and to avoid further exposure to allergens.

Don’t rub your eyes no matter how hard you want to do it.

Apply a cold compress to the eyes – it will help reduce inflammation and itching.

Close windows if there is a lot of pollen in the outside air.

Thoroughly clean the house to keep as little dust as possible.

If the financial situation allows, buy an air purifier.

Avoid contact with chemicals (detergents, paints, perfumes, etc.) as much as possible.

If you cannot do without the medicine, your GP, allergist or ophthalmologist will recommend the most suitable medicine and your pharmacist will give you more information about how to use it:
– an oral antihistamine that reduces the release of histamine in the body;
– eye drops with anti-inflammatory effect;
– eye drops that narrow blood vessels;
– in more severe cases, eye drops containing stereoids and / or antibiotics.

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