What to do about a cold with conjunctivitis
Disease description:
I've caught a cold and feel terrible. My eyes are now red and itchy. I visited a doctor, and they said it's conjunctivitis caused by the cold. My eyes keep tearing up, and my vision is somewhat blurry. What should I do? Is there anything I can do to recover from both the cold and conjunctivitis more quickly?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
Concurrent conjunctivitis with a cold, commonly known as viral conjunctivitis, is usually caused by adenovirus or influenza virus infection. Common treatment methods:
1. Rest and isolation: Ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive eye strain, reduce outings, and prevent cross-infection.
2. Local treatment: Use antiviral eye drops or artificial tears to relieve symptoms, such as ganciclovir eye drops. Cold compresses on the eyes can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
3. Systemic treatment: Treat cold symptoms appropriately with antipyretic analgesics, antihistamines, etc., maintain hydration, and enhance the body's immunity.
4. Avoid contact: Avoid rubbing the eyes, wash hands frequently, do not share personal items such as towels and pillows to reduce virus transmission.
5. Invasion of wind-heat pathogens: Treatment with heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal formulas such as Yinqiao San or Sangju Yin may be considered.
6. Conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infection: Antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime dispersible tablets may be used.
7. Conjunctivitis caused by viral infection: Antiviral medications such as ribavirin granules or oseltamivir phosphate capsules may be used.
In addition, steam inhalation, cold compresses on the eyes, and immune enhancers can also be used as adjunctive therapies.
