Symptoms of dacryocystitis

The symptoms of dacryocystitis can mainly be divided into the following two types: 1. Acute Dacryocystitis: Symptoms are relatively severe and develop suddenly, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the lacrimal sac area. The inflammation may even extend to the eyelids, medial canthus, and forehead, causing periorbital cellulitis. Patients often experience eye congestion, excessive tearing, and purulent discharge from the puncta. In severe cases, preauricular lymphadenopathy, chills, fever, and other systemic symptoms may occur. After several days, the redness and swelling may become localized with formation of an abscess; once pus is discharged, the inflammation gradually subsides. 2. Chronic Dacryocystitis: Symptoms are milder and primarily include persistent tearing. When the lacrimal sac area is pressed, purulent or serous discharge may be expressed. Lacrimal irrigation is typically obstructed, and reflux fluid often contains pus. Additionally, patients may develop local skin erythema, erosion, rough thickening, or eczema on the lower eyelid. Once any related symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for professional evaluation and treatment.