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Dacryocystitis - Dacryocystitis symptom, treatment, causes


Dacryocystitis is an infection of the tear sac that lies between the inner corner of the eyelids and the nose. Dacryocystitis is usually caused by a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, which allows fluid to drain into the nasal passages. When the lacrimal sac does not drain, bacteria can grow in the trapped fluid. Blacks rarely develop dacryocystitis because the nasolacrimal ostium into the nose is large. In adults, females are afflicted more commonly by dacryocystitis. Most studies demonstrate that 70-83% of cases of dacryocystitis occur in females. Congenital dacryocystitis occurs with equal frequency in both sexes. In acute infection, the area around the lacrimal sac is painful, red, and swollen. The eye becomes red and watery and oozes pus. Although tear duct infections can occur at any age, they are most common in infants, who commonly have a congenital obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. Infants with this problem have a narrower drainage passageway that will widen with time as they grow. Stagnation of tears in a pathologically closed lacrimal drainage system can result in dacryocystitis. Tear dicts also can become blocked after trauma to the nose or eyes, such as a broken nose,or by nasal polyps. Dacryocystitis may occur suddenly or be longstanding.

This condition most commonly presents when there is obstruction in the tear drainage pathways or a stone in the lacrimal sac. Babies often have recurrent episodes of infection; however, in most cases, the problem resolves as the child grows. In adults, the infection may originate from an injury or inflammation of the nasal passages. When a tear duct infection first occurs, it is called acute dacrocystitis. If a tear duct infection is not treated quickly or if it causes minor symptoms that build up over a long period, it can be more difficult to cure. The infection is then called chronic dacrocystitis. Acute dacryocystitis in newborns is rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of all newborns. Dacryocystitis may be related to a malformation of the tear duct, eye infection, or trauma. Dacryocystitis usually occurs in only one eye. As mentioned, the symptoms can range from watery eyes, pain, swelling, and redness to a discharge of pus when pressure is applied to the area between the bridge of the nose and the inner eyelids. A warm compress applied to the area can help relieve pain and promote drainage. Topical and oral antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present. In rare instances, surgical removal of the entire lacrimal sac may be necessary.

Causes of Dacryocystitis

The common causes and risk factor's of Dacryocystitis include the following:

  • A blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, which allows fluid to drain into the nasal passages.
  • Inflammation and infection in the nasal region.
  • Eye infection.
  • Trauma is the another cause of dacryocystitis.

Symptoms of Dacryocystitis

Some sign and symptoms related to Dacryocystitis are as follows:

  • Watery eye.
  • Excessive tearing.
  • Tenderness, redness, and swelling.
  • Pus or discharge from the eye.
  • Fever.
  • Pain at the inner corner of the eye.
  • Generally affects one eye.

Treatment of Dacryocystitis

Here is list of the methods to treat Dacryocystitis:

  • Infants are usually treated first by gently massaging the area between the eye and nose to help open the obstruction along with antibiotic drops or ointments for the infection.
  • Antibiotics that can be taken by mouth are the standard treatment for tear duct infection. Antibiotics clear up acute infections quickly and can ease symptoms of chronic infections.
  • Treatment with warm compresses may aid in resolution of the disease.
  • Saline is also sometimes used to free the passageway of any major blocks.
  • Surgery may be necessary to clear the obstruction if medical treatment is not effective and the problem persists over several months.

 

Dacryocystitis - Dacryocystitis symptom, treatment, causes

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