What Are the Symptoms of Infantile Dacryoadenitis?
Infant dacryoadenitis (inflammation of the lacrimal gland) can be identified by several characteristic signs, including increased ocular discharge, eyelid erythema and swelling, excessive tearing, conjunctival injection, and localized induration. If marked eyelid swelling is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or lethargy, prompt medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are strongly recommended.
1. Ocular discharge: Discharge increases significantly and is typically yellow or yellow-green and viscous. It often adheres to the eyelashes, causing the eyelids to stick together—especially after sleep—leading to difficulty opening the eyes and disrupting normal ocular function.
2. Eyelid erythema and swelling: The affected eyelid becomes red and swollen; this inflammation may extend to the pericanthal area. Touching the swollen area often causes the infant to flinch or cry, and local skin temperature may be elevated.
3. Excessive tearing: Persistent epiphora (overflow of tears) occurs even in the absence of crying. Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct impedes normal tear drainage, resulting in continuous overflow from the medial canthus and subsequent maceration of the periorbital skin.
4. Conjunctival injection: The sclera appears diffusely reddened due to dilation of conjunctival blood vessels. This hyperemia persists alongside ongoing inflammation and may cause ocular discomfort, prompting frequent eye rubbing.
5. Localized induration: With progressive inflammation, a firm, tender nodule may develop near the inner canthus. Palpation elicits crying, and further progression may lead to abscess formation with purulent discharge, exacerbating ocular injury.
In daily care, gently cleanse the periocular discharge using a sterile cotton swab moistened with warm water—avoid vigorous pressure or squeezing of the swollen area. Keep the periorbital skin dry, prevent the infant from rubbing the eyes, minimize external irritants, and closely monitor changes in ocular appearance.
