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Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye", is one of the most well-known and treatable eye infections for both children and adults.  The name was chosen because it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva.  The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids.  It is commonly called "pink eye" because of the red color of the eye from irritation and was described as such. 

Several different microorganisms cause Bacterial Conjunctivitis, the most common being Haemophilus aegyptius, the Koch-week bacillus.  This type of bacterium is gram-negative and rod shaped.  Haemophilus means "blood loving"and therefore grow in chocolate agar which contains disrupted blood cells.  Other bacterium which may cause Bacterial Conjunctivitis include Streptococcus and Staphlyococcus.  The incidence of Bacterial Conjunctivitis caused by gram positive bacterium are more predominate. 

The different types of bacterium which cause Conjunctivitis are highly contagious and transmitted by face to face contact and through airborne droplets.  Conjunctivitis can also be passed through facial lotions, eye-make up and other shared materials with an infected person.  Touch, espeacially in children, is usually how the bacterium are transmitted!

Symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis include redness in the white of the eye and swelling.  The eyes may run and discharge occurs.  The eye may be sticky and the discharge tends to be a thick mucous or a yellowish-green pus, which worsens overnight causing the eyelids to become crusty and stick together.  Both eyes are usually infected although is often starts in just one eye and the eyes are itchy and painful.  Bacterial conjunctivitis causes an increase one's sensitivity and also cause  pain when exposed to light.  When vision in bright light is impaired it is referred to as photophobia.  Ear infections often accompany Bacterial Conjunctivitis. 

Bacterial Conjunctivitis has a relatively short incubation period.  Most cases are cured in 3-5 daysand there is rarely any permanent damage.  The disease is treated with antibiotics that typically contain Sulamyd and administered as eye drops or an ointment for 7-10 days.  Oral antibiotics can be given for certain types of bacteria.  It is important, however, to continue medication as instructed by the physician, even after the symptoms have cleared.  If antibiotics are not taken, the disease will run its course in fourteen days and a wet washcloth over the eyelids may help relive some discomfort.  An over the counter Saline Solution, "artificial tears", can be used to relive itching and burning, but precautions should be taken so that the bottle never touches the infected eye. Sunglasses can be worn relieve pain from the bright light. 

It should be noted that Bacterial Conjunctivitis is extremely contagious, especially in places with large masses of people.  One should wash his or her hands frequently to avoid spreading the disease and avoid swimming pools until the disease is cured.  Towels, pillows and washcloth should not be shared and changed after each night.  They should be washed in hot soapy water.  To avoid further spreading of Bacterial Conjunctivitis, eye make-up and contact-lenses should not be used during infection and should be disposed of after use.  The bacteria can grow in these environments and can easily spread to others.

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseriaghonorrhoeae are two examples of sexually transmitted Bacterial Conjunctivitis.  Bacteria from the mother's vagina spread to the baby as it passes through the birth canal and can infect the infant's eyes.  Eye infections caused by this bacteria need immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.  For preventative matters, newborns are usually given silver nitrate eye drops to prevent any possible infection caused from bacteria.  This pertains to my future career given that I want to work as a nurse in labor and delivery.  I can personally impact this disease by informing mothers who are about to give birth, whether at home or in the hospital, to why it is important for newborns to be treated with Silver Nitrate eye-drops and the significance.  Children are high susceptible to pink eye, seeing that they do not take precautions to wash their hands and want to touch their world, I can inform mothers what they can do if their child contacts Bacterial Conjunctivitis. 

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