acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis

Characteristics of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) is a severe form of viral pink eye that can cause significant discomfort and vision impairment. The condition is characterized by the sudden onset of bilateral conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball.

Symptoms:

• Excessively red and swollen eyes
• Subconjunctival hemorrhaging (bleeding under the conjunctiva)
• Profuse watery discharge from the eyes
• Lid edema (swelling of the eyelids)
• Fine, punctate epithelial keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

Key Features:

• Highly contagious and can spread rapidly in a population
• No known treatment or cure; symptoms must be managed while the virus runs its course
• Can cause significant vision impairment and discomfort

Causes:

• Typically caused by enterovirus 70 and coxsackievirus A24, which are types of picornaviruses
• Infection can lead to epidemics in tropical and subtropical regions.

References:

• [1] Symptoms include excessively red, swollen eyes as well as subconjunctival hemorrhaging. (Source: #2)
• [2-5] Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is characterized by the sudden onset of bilateral conjunctivitis associated with profuse watery discharge, lid edema, and fine, punctate epithelial keratitis. (Sources: #3, #6, #13, #14)
• [7] AHC is an epidemic form of highly contagious conjunctivitis and is characterized by sudden onset of painful, swollen, red eyes. (Source: #7)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the eyes, causing a range of symptoms. The signs and symptoms of AHC can be severe and may include:

• Redness and Swelling: The eyes become red, swollen, and painful, with a characteristic "bloodshot" appearance.
• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Small blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye) break, causing small hemorrhages to appear on the surface of the eye.
• Excessive Tearing: The eyes produce excessive tears, which can be clear or colored.
• Pain and Discomfort: The eyes are painful and uncomfortable, with a feeling of pressure or fullness.
• Vision Disturbances: In some cases, AHC can cause vision disturbances, such as blurred vision or double vision.

These symptoms typically develop rapidly, within 12 to 48 hours after infection, and can last for several days. It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

References:

• [1] Symptoms include excessively red, swollen eyes as well as subconjunctival hemorrhaging. (Source: Search Result 2)
• [2] Common signs & symptoms of the viral infection are: redness, swelling, tearing, pain, foreign body sensation, and subconjunctival hemorrhage. (Source: Search Result 11)
• [3] The typical signs of red, watery eyes with pain and swelling will most likely comfort the diagnosis. (Source: Search Result 13)

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Treatment Options for Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis

While there is no specific treatment available for acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC), various medications can help alleviate symptoms and provide relief. Here are some of the key drug treatments mentioned in the search results:

• Antibiotics: Not typically prescribed, except in cases where a secondary bacterial infection is suspected [4].
• Azithromycin: A single dose of oral azithromycin (20 mg/kg body weight) has been suggested as a treatment option for AHC [3].
• Vancomycin: Addition of vancomycin (60 mg/kg/day divided into doses every 6 hours) or rifampin (20 mg/kg once daily, not to exceed 600 mg/day) is recommended if there's a suspicion of bacterial superinfection [7].
• Povidone-iodine: A 2% solution has been used as a treatment for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, which shares some similarities with AHC [5].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that these treatments are not universally recommended and may vary depending on the specific case. Additionally, antiviral medications are generally not prescribed for AHC.

• Symptomatic treatment: Most cases of AHC resolve spontaneously, and symptomatic treatment can provide relief from discomfort [12].
• Antiviral drugs: Not typically prescribed for AHC, as the condition is usually caused by a viral infection that resolves on its own [6].

References

[3] - Treatment with topical steroids should be avoided because of reported microbial superinfection of the cornea. [4] - Apr 4, 2023 — Treatment remains symptomatic only (eg, warm compresses); steroids are contraindicated and antibiotics are not needed except in the presence of ... [5] - Drugs; 1: Treatment of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis With 2% Povidone-iodine: Completed: NCT01179412: Phase 4: 2% povidone-iodine: 2: [6] - by D Solano · 2023 · Cited by 213 — Chloramphenicol treatment for acute infective conjunctivitis in children in primary care: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. [7] - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ketorolac 0.5% (Acular) One drop four times daily ... Harnden A, Brueggemann AB, et al. Chloramphenicol treatment for acute infective conjunctivitis in ... [12] - How is Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis Treated? Treatment of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis is mainly supportive. Some general management measures include: Normally, AHC resolves by itself spontaneously. Symptomatic treatment provides a measure of comfort and helps the affected individuals. Antiviral drugs are generally not prescribed