Is there a connection between red eye and the common cold?
Feb 01, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingli
Introduction
"Red eye" usually refers to acute bacterial conjunctivitis, while the common cold typically refers to upper respiratory tract infection. If the upper respiratory tract infection is caused by bacterial invasion, there may be a certain association with acute bacterial conjunctivitis. However, if the upper respiratory tract infection is due to a viral infection, there is usually no such association. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital.
Red eye disease usually refers to acute bacterial conjunctivitis, while the common cold generally refers to upper respiratory tract infection. If the upper respiratory tract infection is caused by bacterial invasion, there is usually a certain relationship between acute bacterial conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infection. However, if the upper respiratory tract infection is caused by a virus, there typically is no direct connection. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Related
When an upper respiratory tract infection is caused by bacterial invasion, specific bacteria can spread to the conjunctival area via airborne droplets or direct contact, leading to acute bacterial conjunctivitis. In such cases, the pathogen causes infection near the eyes, resulting in inflammation of the conjunctival tissue. This manifests as redness of the eye, increased discharge, pain, and other symptoms, along with discomforts such as sore throat, cough, fever, and dry throat.
2. Unrelated
If the upper respiratory tract infection is caused by a virus rather than bacteria, it usually does not directly lead to acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral upper respiratory infections commonly cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, influenza-like illness, and cough, but viruses do not easily trigger bacterial infections in the eyes. Therefore, in such cases, acute bacterial conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infection are unrelated.
Patients are advised to maintain warmth in daily life, pay attention to dietary health, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, develop good living habits, exercise appropriately, and enhance their own immunity.
