What should I do if my child has a fever and excessive eye discharge?

Dec 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, "eye discharge" refers to ocular secretions. Increased eye discharge in children accompanied by fever may be caused by factors such as eye irritation, improper diet, upper respiratory tract infection, conjunctivitis, or dacryocystitis. Treatment may include general care and medication under the guidance of a physician. It is also recommended that children engage in appropriate outdoor activities to enhance their immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

Generally speaking, eye discharge refers to secretions from the eye. Increased eye secretions in children with fever may be caused by eye irritation, improper diet, upper respiratory tract infection, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, and other reasons. Treatment options, such as general care or medication, can be used under the guidance of a doctor. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Eye Irritation

Fever may cause discomfort in a child's eyes, such as dryness or itching, which can stimulate the eye glands to secrete more fluid, resulting in increased eye discharge. It is recommended to regularly clean the child's eyes to maintain hygiene, and avoid prolonged eye use such as watching TV or playing mobile games to reduce eye fatigue.

2. Improper Diet

When a child has a fever, consuming excessive greasy, spicy, or irritating foods may affect the secretion of eye glands through blood circulation, leading to increased eye discharge. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate nutrition for the child, while reducing intake of greasy, spicy, or irritating foods.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, etc., which can lead to eye blood vessel congestion and swelling, stimulating the eye glands to secrete more fluid and resulting in increased eye discharge. Symptoms such as runny nose and cough may also be present. Medications such as ribavirin granules, ibuprofen suspension, and children's cough syrup can be used under the guidance of a doctor for treatment.

4. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is caused by microbial infections such as bacteria, viruses, or chlamydia, which may lead to eye blood vessel congestion and swelling, stimulate eye gland secretion, and cause increased eye discharge. Symptoms such as itching and pain may also occur. Patients can use medications such as tobramycin eye drops, ganciclovir ophthalmic gel, and natamycin eye drops as directed by a physician.

5. Dacryocystitis

Dacryocystitis is caused by blocked tear ducts or bacterial infection, which can lead to poor tear drainage and excessive secretion from eye glands, causing the aforementioned symptoms, along with redness and tenderness around the eye. Patients can use medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, erythromycin eye ointment, and amoxicillin granules as directed by a physician.

Regular outdoor activities should be encouraged to improve the child's immunity and reduce the risk of infections.

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What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?

In general, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to ensure the child's daily diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding oily and spicy foods.

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At what temperature will a child experience convulsions due to fever?

In general, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during fever. Most often, seizures occur when body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children may experience seizures even if their temperature does not reach 38.5°C. This primarily relates to individual physical condition and the speed at which body temperature rises. When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor temperature changes and administer antipyretic medication promptly if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C.

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Which areas should be massaged to reduce fever in children?

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be accompanied by massage therapy to assist in reducing body temperature in children. However, the appropriateness of massage should be considered based on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for fever reduction include clearing the heavenly river water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), rubbing the Taiyang point, clearing the lung meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pressing and rubbing the Hegu point. Proper techniques may help alleviate symptoms of fever. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.

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