Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common issue where the inner eyelid and eyeball membrane become inflamed and infected. Symptoms may include tearing, itchiness, or red eyes. Some people develop sinus congestion and discharge in their eyes; some people may develop light sensitivity. If any of these symptoms sounds familiar, here are some tips to help.
1. Visit an Urgent Care Center for the Proper Diagnosis
While most pink eye conditions are viruses and naturally run their course, some pink eye conditions are caused by bacterial infections, allergies, or sexually transmitted diseases. You need to visit an urgent care center so you can get the proper diagnosis.
For instance, if you have a bacterial-based condition, then a doctor could prescribe you some antibiotics. If your pink eye is caused by allergies, such as to dust mites or pollen, then your provider can recommend some antihistamines.
Sometimes sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause pink eye. Your doctor can recommend antibiotics or refer you to another doctor if the pink eye is STD-related.
2. Be Kind to Your Eyes
Over-the-counter eye drops and decongestants can help you find relief; your eyes won't feel as itchy, and your sinuses won't feel as stuffed up. If your pink eye is caused by allergies, there are actually antihistamine eye drops that can help.
It's also a good idea to wear glasses instead of contacts while you are experiencing pink eye. You don't want the infection to linger in your contacts; plus, contacts can make your eyes feel scratchier.
If you wear eye makeup, it's a good idea not to use it while you have the infection. You'll keep your makeup free of germs, and you'll make the skin around your eyes less itchy.
3. Keep the Infection from Spreading
Pink eye is very contagious, so it's important to take care of not only yourself but others in your household. Although it may be hard, try not to touch your eyes. If you do touch your eyes, be sure to wash your hands often. At the end of the day, sanitize door handles and other places where family members use their hands. Keep bedding clean — especially pillowcases.
If there is a baby in the household, try to avoid him or her if you can. While rare, some babies who are infected with pink eye can develop ophthalmia neonatorum, a serious condition that can damage vision. Ask your urgent care provider for more tips on keeping the house clean and keeping the infection from spreading to others.
Is your knee stiff and painful every morning when you get out of bed? Perhaps, you sometimes feel a grinding sensation in your knee. If you can relate to this frustrating situation, you might be suffering from osteoarthritis. Thankfully, several treatments are available for this joint condition. Sometimes, physicians recommend patients battling osteoarthritis of the knee take a prescription painkiller. Doctors also often encourage patients to lose weight and start a low-impact exercise program. Swimming and walking are both great forms of low-impact exercise. On this blog, I hope you will discover how to effectively and quickly relieve the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Enjoy!