What causes excessive eye discharge in children?
Generally, excessive eye discharge in children may be caused by long sleep duration, improper diet, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, or dacryocystitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Long Sleep Duration
When children sleep for extended periods, eye movement decreases, which reduces the timely expulsion of secretions, leading to accumulation and increased eye discharge. No special treatment is required; simply gently wipe the eyes with a clean towel or cotton swab each morning.
2. Improper Diet
An improper diet, such as consuming excessive oily, spicy, or irritating foods, may lead to internal damp-heat, increasing ocular secretions and resulting in more eye discharge. It is advisable to adjust eating habits by incorporating more light,清淡 foods and drinking plenty of water.
3. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacterial, viral, or allergic factors. Inflammation irritates the conjunctival tissue, causing redness, swelling, and increased eye discharge. Symptoms may include red, painful eyes. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include antibiotic eye drops such as tobramycin, levofloxacin, or gatifloxacin.
4. Rhinitis
Rhinitis is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, exposure to allergens, or physical irritation. Excessive nasal discharge associated with rhinitis can contaminate the eyes, potentially causing eye infections or inflammation, leading to increased eye discharge. Additional symptoms may include nasal congestion and runny nose. Treatment under medical guidance may involve medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, Biyuan Tongqiao Granules, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets.
5. Dacryocystitis
Dacryocystitis is typically caused by blocked tear ducts or infection, preventing normal drainage of tears and resulting in inflammation and increased secretions. This leads to excessive eye discharge, often accompanied by eye redness and tearing. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include antiviral eye drops like acyclovir, or antibiotic ointments such as chlortetracycline hydrochloride or erythromycin eye ointment.
In daily life, it is important to maintain regular sleep patterns, adopt healthy eating habits, and practice good eye hygiene. Children with rhinitis or eye inflammation should receive prompt treatment to reduce the risk of ocular infections.