what, if any, are the differences between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)? how does someone know which kind they have? does it always require a dr. visit or can it be treated at home?

Question

What type of pink eye do I have? Viral or bacterial, but how do you tell the difference?

Answer 1

Hard to guess: Watery eyes or clear mucus is more likely non-bacterial. Pink eye is usually a viral infection, sometimes allergies, sometimes a bacterial infection, and occasionally other causes. Symptoms usually go away in a few days, or up to a week or so. A doctor will want to recheck, if symptoms haven't gone away in a week, and recommend an eye doctor visit if symptoms are persistent or worse than average.

Answer 2

Airway inflammation: Since ear infections begin with inflammation in the upper airway (nose and throat), parents should avoid situations that may lead to inflammation. These include, but are not limited to: cold viruses, irritants like cigarette smoke, and aeroallergens such as pollen, in certain susceptible children.

Answer 3

Bacterial infection: It is important to maintain your child's recommended vaccine status. Current evidence suggests that since we have been vaccinating children against infection with the pneumococcus and the haemophilus organisms ("meningitis vaccines"), the actual number of doctor visits for ear infections has declined.

Answer 4

Ear infections: The greatest reason for ear infection in the very young is due to both anatomy and laying down. As a child grows the angle of the tube that hooks the ear to the throat becomes more acute, and the tube becomes longer, resulting in most kids "outgrowing" the risk. However, there are a number of other factors and one of the most often over looked is allergies which cause chronic nasal congestion.

Answer 5

It usually is not: Most of the time stomach bugs are caused by viruses rather than bacteria, and most of the bacterial causes are usually not treated in children. Bacterial stomach bugs are a bit more likely to cause high, prolonged fevers and bloody stools. The biggest worry with GI infections is dehydration. Make sure that your child stays hydrated and have him or her seen if you are at all concerned.

Answer 6

It is difficult: Bacterial gastroenteritis can be difficult to discern from viral gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea). Bacterial infection tends to cause bloody stools, higher fever, significant mucous in the stool, and companion sore throat or headache. Viral gastroenteritis tends to be less violent, the fever less dramatic, and rarely bloody stools. It may require a culture or blood test to decide.

Answer 7

Either: Either may help with symptoms. Hydrocortisone cream which is available over-the-counter may both relieve the symptoms and help get rid of the rash. Antihistamines like claritin, zyrtec and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) will also help for both.

Answer 8

Xerosis: Calamine lotion are great for viral exanthem! aloe vera are great for innate moisturizers and skin calming properties! apply as directed , regards!

Answer 9

Different causes: Bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria normally found in the vagina. Discharge is white to grey and often has a fishy odor. Yeast is caused by a fungus; discharge is thick and clumpy often with itching. The first is treated with an antibiotic, the second with antifungal medication. People often self diagnose incorrectly and use the wrong treatment.

Answer 10

Different organisms: Bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria. A yeast infection is caused by fungi. Bacteria and fungi are different organisms.

Answer 11

Yes: It should never happen with a blood transfusion, but if there is serious negligence in the handling of the blood, then it could. Similarly with removal of a kidney, unless the harvesting is done under unhygienic conditions, it should not happen. When the bacteria overwhelm the body's defenses, it makes it to the blood stream.

Answer 12

See below: Bacterial sepsis from transfusion is a recognized complication from transfusions and tends to occur from transfusion of platelets or less commonly from red cell transfusion. It is more likely to happen from platelets as they are stored at room temperature where the bacteria can multiply. It is a serious reaction but luckily is uncommon in most centers. It certainly does not imply negligence.

what, if any, are the differences between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)? how does someone know which kind they have? does it always require a dr. visit or can it be treated at home?

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