{"id":3057,"date":"2022-07-19T19:38:43","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T23:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.entofga.com\/?p=3057"},"modified":"2022-07-19T19:38:47","modified_gmt":"2022-07-19T23:38:47","slug":"is-it-pink-eye-or-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.entofga.com\/is-it-pink-eye-or-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Pink Eye or Allergies?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Conjunctivitis is a broad term that describes infection or inflammation of the eyes. While most people think of the bacterial or viral infection of the eye known as pink eye, conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergies<\/a> (known as allergic conjunctivitis) or irritants like smoke. Below we review how to tell the difference between pink eye and allergic conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Pink Eye?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Pink eye may be viral or bacterial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viral Conjunctivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form of pink eye, and it\u2019s highly contagious. In fact, according to the CDC<\/a>, \u201cPublic school kids in the U.S. miss 3 million school days each year as a result of pink eye.\u201d Symptoms include red eyes, itchiness and watery discharge. While there is no real cure, it can be managed with cool compresses and artificial tears. Viral conjunctivitis often goes along with a cold and usually passes within a week or two; however, if you rub the eyes too much, it can progress to bacterial conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial Conjunctivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common than the viral version, though it\u2019s still contagious. Symptoms differ from viral conjunctivitis, and include redness and crusty discharge, not itchiness. Most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis are treated with antibiotic eye drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Allergic Conjunctivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common symptom for people with hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. In addition to congestion, runny nose and sneezing, you may experience red, itchy, watery and\/or puffy eyes. Treatment may include over-the-counter eyedrops from Little Five Points Pharmacy<\/a>, antihistamines, steroids or immunotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Conjunctivitis Be Prevented?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be prevented by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n