Get the low-down on how best to deal with conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) from Dr Chris Brown

What is it?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Technically, the term `conjunctivitis? means an inflammation of these tissues. Therefore, anything resulting in an irritation and swelling of these tissues, such as an allergy or spilling a chemical into the eye, is considered conjunctivitis. However, most of the time the term `pink eye? is reserved for infections of the eye. Viruses or bacteria may cause pink eye. The prevalence of viral pink eye will depend, in part, upon the season. During the cold and flu season, viruses cause most cases of pink eye. And just like other viral infections, they do not respond to antibiotics. Those caused by bacteria do respond to topical antibiotics, which decrease the duration of the infection by a couple of days.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms include swelling of the eyelids, sometimes associated with a yellowish-green discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together. The white of the eye also appears red or bloodshot. Often, one eye becomes red followed by the other eye a few days later. Most sufferers complain of gritty discomfort or itching, and of watery eyes.

What can/should be done at home

• Soaks with warm water and a flannel can help relieve burning and itching
• The child should have his or her own flannel, towels and bed linens because the infection is transmitted through eye secretions
• Family members should wash their hands often and carefully to help prevent transmission
• Never administer eye drops used to treat a previous illness unless directed by your doctor

When to get immediate attention
Whenever your child's eye becomes red, see the doctor or practice nurse to reassure yourself that simple conjunctivitis is the correct diagnosis. But seek more urgent attention:

• If your child is less than two months of age
• If there is significant redness of the skin surrounding the eye
• If your child also has a fever
• If your child is experiencing significant pain
• If your child also has chicken pox or a cold sore
• If there is a large amount of discharge coming from the eye