Inflammation of the lacrimal canal in adults symptoms. Possible consequences and complications

Dacryocystitis is a condition where the outflow of tears cannot occur naturally due to various reasons, because of which the eye becomes inflamed. The main cause of this inflammation is the obstruction of the lacrimal canal. We will understand why this happens if we consider the anatomy of the eye.

The lacrimal gland produces tears in portions, which, washing the eye, drain to the inner corner, where the upper and lower lacrimal points are located. Passing through them, the tear enters the lacrimal duct, and then into the lacrimal sac. Further, the journey continues along the lacrimal canal directly into the nasal cavity.

But sometimes there is no break. The resulting tears have to look for workarounds or be in a state of stagnation. Blockage of the tear duct leads to the accumulation of fluid in the sac, it is clogged, swells, inflamed and becomes fertile ground for infections that love heat and moisture.

A similar problem occurs in 2-4% of infants. In order to effectively and as soon as possible help the baby get rid of it, it is important to know how this condition manifests itself, as well as what are the basic principles of its treatment.

Pathogenesis

Tears are synthesized by the lacrimal gland. After washing the anterior surface of the eyeball with tear fluid, the tear is directed to the medial corner of the eye. Through the lacrimal openings and tubules, it enters the general lacrimal canal and a sac that passes into the nasolacrimal canal. The tear duct opens under the inferior nasal concha.

With obstruction of the nasolacrimal canal, the outflow of tears is impossible. This leads to the fact that all the above structures are overflowing with tear fluid. Prolonged stasis exacerbates obstruction, promotes the secondary formation of calculi from inorganic substances, which are part of tears (sodium chloride, sodium and magnesium carbonate, calcium).

Causes of dacryocystitis in adults

Dacryocystitis occurs in the presence of pathologies of a physiological nature, namely, congenital narrowing of the duct (stenosis). Sometimes doctors reveal a complete blockage of the lacrimal duct.

The main causes of the disease:

Injury to the eyes or paranasal sinuses.
Inflammatory process of the nose, which provokes swelling of the tissues around the eye.
An infectious process caused by bacteria and viruses, which leads to clogging of the duct.
Contact with foreign particles in the eye or work in dusty and smoky rooms. As a result, the channel becomes clogged.
Allergy to an irritant.
Reducing the protective properties of the body.
Overheating and hypothermia.
The presence of diabetes.

Often this pathology occurs in newborns. This is due to the peculiarity of the structure of the lacrimal ducts. When the baby is in the amniotic fluid, the tear duct is closed by a special membrane that must rupture during or after childbirth. This process does not occur if there is a pathology.

Tears collect in the channel and it provokes inflammatory process. It mainly develops in women. Men are also no exception, but they rarely have this pathology. The reason is the differences in the structure of the lacrimal canal. Women use cosmetics, most of which cause inflammation.

In the region of the lower eyelid, at the inner corner of the eye, there is a lacrimal opening - a hole less than a millimeter in diameter. A tear flows down her. This mechanism is very interestingly thought out by nature: the pressure in the lacrimal sac is always negative, due to this, the suction of the eye fluid occurs. Through the lacrimal opening, the fluid passes into the lacrimal canal, and from there it can freely flow into the nose.

As a rule, inflammation of the channel caused by obstruction occurs either in infants or in old age. In newborns, the cause of obstruction is fusion lacrimal canal. The fact is that in a child in the womb, a special membrane is formed in this channel, which should be torn by the time of birth. Therefore, most often, a pathological lacrimal canal occurs in premature babies.

congenital obstruction of the lacrimal canal,

damage,

infectious ophthalmic diseases and complications after such diseases.

The disease is very common in newborns. Often the initial underdevelopment of the lacrimal canals or secondary infection leads to inflammation. In any case, this problem is solved with the growth of the child.

Causes of inflammation in adults

In an adult, such a disease occurs most often after an injury, or after an inflammatory disease in the nasal cavity, as a complication. But in most cases, the cause of inflammation is not established.

In the elderly, the symptoms of the disease are caused by atherosclerosis of the vessels, in particular those responsible for tears. Insidious cholesterol can be deposited even in holes lacrimal ducts, and without that, tiny. In this case, the lacrimal ducts are expanded by washing with various solutions under pressure, for example, furacilin.

There is an inflammatory process of the lacrimal canal in middle-aged people. The reason is a congenital abnormality. In this case, the patient usually complains that in the cold season a tear constantly runs from one eye. This is due to the fact that any person in the wind and cold has a spasm of the lacrimal duct, and if it is initially narrowed, then the poor fellow simply bursts into tears.

To protect your eyes from frost, a patient with symptoms of inflammation can use ordinary glasses. The fact is that under the glasses of the glasses there is an almost greenhouse environment, the temperature of which is much higher than the ambient temperature. It has long been noticed that among bespectacled people there are practically no people with obstruction of the lacrimal canal.

1. severe hypothermia or vice versa, overheating of a person.

2. The presence of severe chronic diseases, especially diabetes.

3. Violation general exchange substances in the body.

4. A sharp decrease in immunity.

5. Contact of various microorganisms and infections in the eye.

6. The presence of untreated inflammation in the sinuses, which provoke swelling of the tissues located in the area around the eyes.

7. Previous eye injury.

8. Getting a foreign object (hair, midges, villi, etc.) into the eyes.

9. Long stay in rooms with dust.

10. Contact with the shell of the eye of various irritating vapors.

In addition, this disease is very often detected in newborn babies. This is primarily due to the fact that babies have certain features physiological development lacrimal canals, making them more susceptible to the development of dacryocystitis.

The fact is that when the fetus stays in the womb, its lacrimal canals are covered with a protective membrane. If the child has some pathologies, then this membrane can be preserved even after birth. This will lead to the accumulation of lacrimal secretions in the infant and provoke the development of pathogenic microflora.

As for adults, they also have this disease, but it is much less common. Moreover It is known that women are more susceptible to dacryocystitis than men. The reason for this is the peculiarities of the general construction of lacrimal functions in the female.

Also, women are more likely to have inflamed eyes and because they use various cosmetics on the eyes, which can also provoke their inflammation.

Sinusitis and tonsillitis, not treated on time, often cause damage to the lacrimal canal in adults. In addition, the disease can occur due to:

fracture of the nasal septum;
damage to the wall of the nasolacrimal canal;
the presence of polyps;
eye clogging chemicals, foreign objects;
allergies;
weakening of the immune system;
violations of the metabolic process;
diabetes mellitus.

While the baby is in the womb, the tear ducts are protected from amniotic fluid from entering them by a special membrane. Instead of a film, a plug may form in the canal, consisting of a mucous secretion and dead cells.

When a newborn takes his very first breath, this membrane usually ruptures (the gelatinous plug is pushed out), and the organs of vision begin to function normally. In some cases, the already unnecessary rudimentary film does not disappear, and the outflow of tear fluid is disturbed. When it stagnates and a bacterial infection attaches, a purulent inflammation of the lacrimal sac develops. This pathology is called "dacryocystitis".

Important: neonatal dacryocystitis is regarded by doctors as border state between congenital anomaly and acquired disease.

Quite often, parents are sure that the baby has developed conjunctivitis, and without prior consultation with the doctor, they begin to wash the baby's eyes with antiseptic solutions and apply eye drops with an antibacterial effect. These measures give a visible positive effect for a short time, after which the symptoms increase again. The problem returns, because the main cause of the pathology has not been eliminated.

Our tear fluid is secreted from the tear glands located above each eye. Tears flow down the surface of the eye, moisturizing and protecting it. The tear fluid then seeps into thin holes in the corners of the eyelids. The "waste" tear fluid through special channels enters the nasal cavity, where it is reabsorbed or excreted.

Blockage of the lacrimal canal at any point in this complex system leads to disruption of the outflow of tear fluid. When this happens, the patient's eyes water and the risk of infection and inflammation increases.

Congenital obstruction. In some children, the drainage system may be underdeveloped. Often the lacrimal canal is clogged with a thin mucous plug. This defect may disappear on its own in the first months of life, but may require special procedure– bougienage (probing).

Abnormal development of the skull and face. The presence of abnormalities, such as in Down's syndrome, increases the risk of obstruction of the lacrimal ducts.

Age changes. Older people may experience age-related changes associated with the narrowing of the openings of the tear ducts.

Infections and inflammation of the eyes. chronic inflammation eyes, nose and tear ducts leads to obstruction.

Facial trauma. In a facial injury, the bones near the tear ducts can be damaged, which disrupts the normal outflow.

Tumors of the nose, lacrimal sac, bones, with a significant increase, sometimes block the lacrimal canals.

Cysts and stones. Sometimes cysts and stones form within this complex drainage system, causing obstruction of the outflow.

outdoor medications. In rare cases, the use eye drops(for example, for the treatment of glaucoma) can cause obstruction of the lacrimal ducts.

internal medicines. Obstruction is one of the possible side effects of the drug docetaxel (Taxoret), used to treat breast or lung cancer.

Risk factors

Age and gender. Older women are more likely to suffer from this disease as a result of age-related changes.

Chronic inflammation of the eyes. If the eyes are constantly irritated and inflamed (conjunctivitis), there is an increased risk.

Surgical operations in past. Operations on the eye, eyelid, sinuses can cause scarring in the drainage system of the eye.

Glaucoma. Anti-glaucoma drugs sometimes contribute to the development of obstruction of the lacrimal ducts.

Cancer treatment in the past. If a person has been exposed to facial radiation or taken certain anticancer drugs, the risk is increased.

Risk factors

In adults, dacryocystitis occurs due to narrowing and closing of the nasolacrimal canal. Due to the narrowing of the channels, the circulation of the fluid is disturbed. As a result of this, stagnation of the lacrimal secretion occurs, in which microorganisms begin to actively develop.

Congenital obstruction. Too dense mucous membrane blocks the drainage system. It can resolve on its own during the first months of life. If this does not happen, resort to bougienage.
Accession of an infection. Any stagnation of liquid in a warm place is a breeding ground for bacteria. This is how inflammation of the nasolacrimal canal (dacryocystitis) develops.
Pathological formation and growth of the nasal bone presses on the tear duct and can block it.
Tumors of the nose, face; the presence of cysts or stones in the duct.

Classification

● Congenital. With this form, obturation of the canal occurs in its lower part. Dacryolites have a soft texture. The disease is diagnosed in the neonatal period.

● Purchased. The overlap of the lumen of the duct is possible in any part, but most often the channel is affected in upper divisions. The consistency of stones is dense. Self-healing is almost impossible.

Irrigation of the lacrimal canal in adults

In adults, obstruction of the lacrimal ducts can be detected at any age, but the procedure is often purely diagnostic in nature: in this way, passive patency of the lacrimal ducts can be established, and if necessary, the expansion of the channels can be achieved by repeated washing.

In adults, problems with patency are eliminated worse, and massage in this case will not help.

Probing will not help either, since the densely formed tissues will again assume the same state, and the only way out is to make a series of washes.

If obstruction occurs due to a film that has appeared, the procedure is meaningless: it requires surgical intervention at which it is excised.

Antibiotic drugs can be given as eye drops or nasal sprays.

These funds will help not only to avoid the development of foci of pathogenic microflora, but after surgery they will eliminate the manifested inflammatory processes.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the presence of this disease. To do this, you need to consult an ophthalmologist. The doctor, by examination, will be able to identify the disease, determine the degree of obstruction of the fluid of the lacrimal system, its localization (after all, without an examination it is difficult to determine exactly where the narrowing of the lacrimal canal occurred). Based on the results of all actions, the specialist will prescribe the necessary treatment.

Dacryocystitis in adults is usually treated with surgery. The choice of operation depends on the neglect of the disease. At mild form diseases, it is also possible to use massage. Let's look at all types of treatment.

Symptoms of obstruction of the nasolacrimal canal

Tears are necessary for the normal functioning of the organs of vision. They moisturize the cornea of the eye, protect against mechanical irritants, perform an antibacterial function.

Sometimes tears stop flowing, this is the first sign of an obstruction of the tear duct. Treatment is one of the ways to cope with the problem and prevent the development of canaliculitis. Sometimes lacrimal canal massage helps.

Main symptoms:

pain and discomfort in the eye area;
redness of the skin around the eye;
feeling of squeezing and bursting;
swelling of the skin;
lacrimation;
edema;
vision problems;
increased secretion of mucus that smells bad;
the formation of pus;
high body temperature;
body intoxication.

The acute stage of dacryocystitis appears as an inflammatory process affecting one eye. At chronic stage the lacrimal canal swells, the eye turns red and the number of tears increases.

Usually, the treatment and symptoms of inflammation of the tear duct are observed in only one eye.

There is very strong tearing

In the region of the inner corner of the eye, pain is felt, redness and swelling occur.

Allocations are also important signs of the disease.

During the diagnosis, the doctor examines the tear ducts, assesses the degree of development of the process and examines the patient to detect additional comorbidities.

There are two forms of inflammation of the lacrimal canal: acute and chronic. Each of them is accompanied by characteristic symptoms.

1. Development of puffiness in the area of the inflamed eye.

2. Pain on palpation of tissues near the eye.

3. The appearance of severe swelling in the area of the lacrimal sac.

4. Strong narrowing of the palpebral fissure, which makes it difficult for a person to see.

5. Redness of the lacrimal duct.

6. Loss of ability to work.

7. Quick fatigue.

8. Dizziness.

9. Blue tissue.

10. Increased blood pressure (in adults).

11. Thickening of tissues near the eye.

12. The formation of an abscess at the site of swelling.

13. Loss of appetite.

14. Aching pain in the eye.

1. Constant tearing.

2. The appearance of purulent discharge in the area where the abscess formed.

3. Edema of the eyelids.

4. Pain when blinking.

5. Severe pain.

6. Headache.

7. Sleep disturbance.

8. Irritability.

9. Loss of elasticity of the skin under the eye (it can become thin, sluggish and stretch easily).

In newborn babies, this disease can be detected by the presence of small purulent discharge and swelling on the eyelids. If this condition is not cured, then the child will have constant tearing of the eyes.

1. Phlegmon is one of the most dangerous complications given state. Phlegmon can not always open outward. Moreover, if pus breaks into the inside of the patient's tissues, it will penetrate into the lacrimal canals and may even seep into the skull. This will cause severe infection.

2. Due to the penetration of pus into the tissues, the patient may not only have a fever, but also worsen memory and develop malfunctions in the nervous system.

3. A person can lose sight and consciousness.

Such complications can develop only in the absence of timely treatment and postponing going to the doctor. If you visit a doctor already at the first signs of illness, then negative consequences can be avoided.

Symptoms of the early stage of dacryocystitis are mild. The patient does not feel pain, only a feeling of fullness under the eyes. Swelling may occur.

Later, the patient is uncomfortable with the appearance of tears and a feeling of mild pain. If you press on the rounded area of the lacrimal sac, you can see purulent discharge.

They are accompanied by increased lacrimation, which leads to reddening of the skin in the area of inflammation.

Symptoms of the acute stage of the disease are more pronounced. The eyelids become swollen, the palpebral fissure closes, and the affected area turns red. The edema extends to the cheek. Patients feel chills, throbbing pain. They are worried about headaches, feverish conditions. At this stage of the disease, the purulent capsule opens itself (not in every case), the purulent fluid flows out.

In place of the capsule, phlegmon (purulent inflammation of the cell space) is often formed. For a pathology that develops in this way, frequent relapses are characteristic. They are accompanied by the release of pus, tears, sticking of eyelashes in the morning, after a night's rest.

Important! Neglect threatens the development of an abscess or, even worse, sepsis. The latter means complete blindness. But there is an opportunity to avoid the consequences - contact the doctors as soon as possible.

Please note: in most cases, one-sided obstruction of the lacrimal canal is diagnosed, but sometimes the pathology can affect both eyes of the newborn.

A characteristic symptom of this disease is the release of the mucous or purulent contents of the lacrimal sac into the conjunctival cavity with pressure in its projection.

Signs of the development of complications (progressive purulent inflammation) are restless behavior of the child, frequent crying and an increase in overall body temperature.

Obstruction of the lacrimal canal can be observed either from one eye or from both sides.

Too much tear fluid (moist eyes).
Frequent inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis).
Inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis).
Painful swelling in the inner corner of the eye.
Mucous or purulent discharge from the eye.
Blood in tear fluid.
Blurred vision.

At acute form disease clinical symptoms are most pronounced. In the area of inflammation of the lacrimal canals occurs sharp redness skin and painful swelling. The palpebral fissures due to edema of the eyelid are greatly narrowed or completely closed. The patient may experience pain in the eye area, chills, fever, headache.

The chronic form of the disease is characterized by constant lacrimation and swelling in the area of the lacrimal sac. When pressing on this area, mucopurulent exudate is released from the lacrimal canals. In the area of the lacrimal sac, a swollen neoplasm is formed, visually resembling beans. As it develops, it becomes densely elastic.

After the pathogen enters the lacrimal canal, the process of inflammation, edema and disruption of the outflow of tear fluid begins. If no measures are taken, the disease will not disappear, but suppuration will intensify and even the development of phlegmon is possible. In this case, the treatment will be only surgical.

You can suspect dacryocystitis by the following symptoms:

Feeling of fullness in the inner corner of the eye and along the projection of the lacrimal canal;
Swelling of the inner corner of the eye;
Lachrymation;
Purulent discharge from the affected eye;
When pressing on the eye, pus begins to come out of the lacrimal opening.

Dacryocystitis occurs in newborns, children and adults of all ages. In newborns, it is sometimes bilateral in nature, however, the anomaly of the lacrimal canal is not detected immediately from the moment of birth, but after a few weeks. The time of appearance of the first signs directly depends on the degree of narrowing or blockage of the canal.

Normally, babies begin to cry with the release of tear fluid only at 3-4 weeks from the moment of birth, but this does not mean that they do not produce fluid. It stands out a small amount, which is enough to moisturize the eye. When the lumen of the lacrimal canal narrows, parents notice that the baby has a constant tear in the eye, sometimes rolling down the face. The skin around the eyes gradually macerates, becomes edematous, hyperemic, dermatitis develops.

With suppuration of the lacrimal sac and the development of phlegmon, the main danger lies in the transition of the infection to the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye. In this case, ulcers and erosion occur, deeper layers of the eyeball are captured and a threat to the child's vision appears.

The initial phase of the development of dacryocystitis is in many ways similar to acute conjunctivitis, but they can be distinguished from each other by a number of characteristic symptoms. If an eye disease begins in a newborn, then it mainly develops against the background of a viral or microbial infection that entered the child's body during childbirth from an infected mother, or in the first days of a baby's life with improper care.

At acute conjunctivitis in addition to other symptoms, there is always redness of the eyes, while this is uncharacteristic for dacryocystitis. In addition, conjunctivitis predominantly affects both eyes, especially infection during childbirth. Dacryocystitis in babies can be observed in both eyes at the same time, but this is not so common, basically the process occurs only in one eye.

With congenital pathology, the first symptoms are detected even in the neonatal period. Parents note involuntary tearing in the child. The symptom of a "wet" eye is determined. If the cause of the disorder is amniotic fluid embolism or mucosal obstruction, gentle massaging of the duct contributes to complete regression of clinical symptoms.

Inflammation of the lacrimal canal: methods of treatment and diagnosis

Dacryocystitis is detected without much difficulty. At the appointment, the doctor conducts a visual assessment of the eye and palpation of the lacrimal sac.

Additional activities:

Paint test. The eye is instilled with a dye solution. If pigment appears in the eye after a few minutes, this indicates a blockage of the lacrimal canals.
Sounding. Using a probe with a needle, the ophthalmologist is introduced into the duct, which contributes to its expansion and getting rid of the problem.
Dacryocystography. X-ray examination with the introduction of a dye. In the picture, you can see the structure of the eye system and identify the problem.
Patency can also be checked with a West test. A cotton swab is placed in the nasal passage, from the side of the lesion. Collargol is instilled into the eye. The state is considered normal when, after 2 minutes, the tampon turns into dark color. If the tampon remains clean or stains after 10 minutes, there is a problem.

1. Smear for detection and differentiation of bacteria.

2. Rhinoscopy.

3. Diagnosis of the patient's eye under a microscope.

4. The introduction of a special dye into the eye for radiography.

1. The severity of the disease.

2. The patient's condition and the presence of complications.

3. The presence of concomitant diseases in the patient.

4. Reasons for the development of pathology.

5. Age of the patient.

1. Washing the eye canals with special disinfectant solutions.

2. Use of drops and ointments with antibacterial healing effect. Usually, drugs are prescribed for this purpose: Floxal, Dexamethasone, Lefomycetin and Ciprofloxacin.

1. Bougienage. This operation is aimed at cleansing the lacrimal canals from accumulated pus.

After bougienage, the lacrimal fluid will no longer stagnate and the overall patency of the ducts of the eye will be restored. In addition, this method is often used when the patient has chronic dacryocystitis and often has exacerbations of the disease.

2. Dacryocystomy is an operation that consists in forming a valve in the lacrimal canal. Thanks to this procedure, pus will stop accumulating.

1. When the first signs of illness appear in the baby, it is very important not to self-medicate the child, but to immediately show it to the doctor.

2. Usually, after diagnosing dacryocystitis in babies, they are prescribed special therapy, which includes massage.

Lacrimal duct massage is an important part of the treatment of this disease in infants. The main ban on its implementation is the most neglected form of the disease, in which the baby already has abundant purulent discharge and other complications. In this state, massage cannot be done, since there is a risk of pus leaking into soft tissues, and this threatens to infect the blood.

1. First, the mother should wash her hands well with soap and rinse them in an antiseptic solution. You can also do massage in medical gloves.

2. After that, you need to carefully squeeze out the ichor and pus that has collected in the baby's eyes. To do this, use a clean cotton swab, previously moistened with furacilin.

3. Only after that you can start the massage itself. best time for its implementation is the period before feeding.

4. Massage is done four times a day. In this case, you need to make light circular movements on the sore eye of the child and try to push the pus out of it.

5. It is very important not to press too hard on the lacrimal sac, as this can push the membrane inward, which will only worsen the baby's condition.

6. After the massage, wipe the eye well with a cotton pad soaked in an antibacterial solution.

Instead of medicinal solutions it is also allowed to use homemade decoctions of chamomile, which has an antibacterial effect.

It is important to know that if traditional treatment this disease did not give the expected results, then the child is assigned probing. This procedure consists in introducing a probe into the lacrimal canal of the child, which will pierce the membrane that caused the appearance of dacryocystitis. This operation is always done local anesthesia so the baby will not feel pain.

After probing, the eyes will be washed with therapeutic solutions against the development of microbes and inflammation.

The effectiveness of this procedure is very high only in the first two months of a baby's life. The result after its implementation is noticeable almost immediately - the child will no longer have constant tearing and swelling of the eyes.

1. Using aloe juice gives a very good effect. To do this, the juice must be diluted in half in warm water and use it to apply compresses to the eyes. You need to repeat this procedure two to three times a day.

2. The use of thyme, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, also bring results. To do this, thyme must be steamed and insisted for several hours. Strain the prepared broth and rinse your eyes with it three times a day.

Before using traditional medicine recipes, you must always consult a doctor.

For the prevention of dacryocystitis in adults, it is necessary in every possible way to protect the eyes from irritation, maintain immunity and avoid hypothermia.

As for children, unfortunately, newborns cannot be saved from the development of inflammation of the lacrimal canal, since this occurs for purely physiological reasons.

Dacryocystitis has a characteristic symptomatology, due to which the diagnosis does not cause difficulties for doctors. Examination of the patient begins with palpation of the lacrimal sac. It is needed to detect the presence of a purulent secret.

Vesta test - next step. What is its essence? The technique is carried out according to the scheme: the patient is injected into the conjunctiva medical solutions(protargol, collargol).

At the same time, a turunda is inserted into the nasal sinus. The injected drug should stain the tear ducts within five minutes. By the delay in the flow of the solution into the nasal cavity, it is easy for physicians to judge the degree of narrowing of the ducts.

Diagnostics with contrast radiography shows the level of fusion of the lacrimal canals. The causative agents of the disease are detected by bacteriological culture.

An examination of the patient by a neurologist, neurosurgeon, dentist and otolaryngologist can be an addition to the examination.

The doctor diagnoses "obstruction of the lacrimal canal in a newborn" based on the anamnesis, a characteristic clinical picture and the results of additional studies.

To detect obstruction of the lacrimal ducts in infants the so-called. collar head test (West test). The diagnostic procedure is carried out as follows: the doctor introduces thin cotton turundas into the external nasal passages of the child, and a harmless dye is instilled into the eyes - a 3% collargol solution (1 drop in each eye).

Please note: the collar head test can be considered positive if, after 2-3 minutes after instillation of the dye, the baby's conjunctiva brightens.

This diagnostic procedure does not allow to objectively assess the severity of the pathology and the true cause of its development. With a negative test, it is imperative to show the baby to an ENT doctor. It will help determine if the cause of the outflow disorder is swelling of the nasal mucosa (for example, with a runny nose against the background of a common cold).

Important: differential diagnosis carried out with conjunctivitis. A number of clinical manifestations of these diseases are similar to each other.

Fluorescent dye test. The test is done to check how well the drainage system of the eye is working. A drop of a special solution with a dye is instilled into the patient's eyes. If after a few minutes with normal blinking a large number of dye remains on the eye, then there is a problem in the outflow system.

Probing of the lacrimal canal. The doctor may use a special thin instrument to probe the canal to check if it is open. During the procedure, the channel expands, and if the problem was before the procedure, then it can simply be resolved.

Dacryocystography or dacryoscintigraphy. This study is designed to obtain an image of the outflow system of the eye. Before the examination, a contrast agent is instilled into the eye, after which an X-ray, computer or magnetic resonance imaging is taken. The dye highlights the tear ducts in the pictures.

In order to identify the disease, the patient must be examined by an ophthalmologist. As a rule, dacryocystitis is easily diagnosed due to its characteristic clinical symptoms. During the examination, the doctor conducts an external examination and palpation of the lacrimal sac area, conducts a lacrimal-nasal West test, an instillation fluorescein test, and an x-ray of the lacrimal ducts.

The most commonly performed lacrimal-nasal West test. She is one of the most common diagnostic techniques. During this procedure, a solution of collargol or protargol is instilled into the conjunctival sac. These stains are used to determine the patency of the lacrimal canal.

Methods of treatment

The eyes are the mirror of the soul. When there is a problem with the eye, it is not worth the risk. Treatment should be prescribed by a doctor after a preliminary diagnosis. The method of treatment is selected depending on the form and cause of the pathology that provoked it, age characteristics.

Treatment methods:

Washing the eye with antibacterial and disinfectant solutions.
The use of special drops and ointments.
Massage treatments and compresses to help clear the canal.

Washing the eyes with antiseptic solutions is carried out several times a day. The procedure is performed by an ophthalmologist in a hospital setting.

Ointments and drops that have an antibacterial effect:

Phloxal. Antibacterial drug a wide range impact. Fights the inflammatory process. The course of treatment is 10 days, two drops twice a day.
Dexamethasone. Drops with antibacterial effect. Effective at infectious processes. Bury 5 times a day. The required dosage and course of treatment are selected by the doctor individually for each patient.
Levomycetin - hormonal drug. It is used for allergic reactions and inflammation.
Ciprofloxacin. It is prescribed for infections of the lacrimal canal. Buried every three hours.

If the treatment does not have a positive effect, bougienage is performed - cleaning the lacrimal canal from purulent contents;

You can quickly cope with the disease only with timely treatment. With negative symptoms, you need to visit an ophthalmologist.

Depending on the age of the patient, the cause and nature of the course of the disease, an individual treatment of inflammation of the lacrimal canal is prescribed. For adults, the ducts with symptoms of inflammation are washed with a disinfectant. If you want to surgery inflammation, in this case, endoscopy is performed. This complex operation is completely painless. Sometimes the operation is performed in the usual way.

Methods of Pediatrics

Treatment and symptoms of inflammation of the lacrimal canal in children. In the case of a small child, in order to clean the lacrimal canal, the mother is recommended to massage daily in the area where the lacrimal ducts are located, as if squeezing out purulent discharge from them and freeing the ducts. Together with the massage, antibacterial drops are prescribed, the laying of tetracycline ointment. Several times a day, the child's eye should be washed with a decoction of chamomile, tea leaves or a weak solution of aloe juice.

Surgical treatment is carried out with the complete ineffectiveness of traditional therapy for a certain period. Before the operation itself, the child is prescribed antibacterial treatment in order to prevent complications during the operation, since the infection can also enter the brain through the blood. The operation is performed under full anesthesia.

If you suspect that your child has symptoms of an illness, in no case should you try to solve the problem yourself. Any purulent processes that eyewash at home can entail can be life-threatening for your baby. The specialist will massage the lacrimal canal for several days in order to break the membrane artificially.

If the obstruction caused symptoms of inflammation, then before receiving qualified medical assistance, you can wipe the inflamed area with a sterile cloth soaked in chamomile decoction. Such a compress must be applied every hour.

2. Rhinoscopy.

1. The severity of the disease.

5. Age of the patient.

Treatment of pathology depends on the causes and form of dacryocystitis. Its goal is to restore the patency of the lacrimal canals, to conduct therapy that allows you to restore the lost function of the ducts.

Anti-inflammatory therapy

At the initial stage, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, vasoconstrictor drugs in the form of ointments or drops. Floxal is often used to reduce bacterial activity ( active substance ofloxacin). The drug is used during the operation for two weeks. The dose of the medicine is prescribed by the doctor.

Photo 1. Sofradex eye and ear drops, 5 ml, from the manufacturer Sanofi Aventis.

Sofradex and Chloramphenicol drops are used to relieve inflammation and swelling of the ducts. In the acute form of the pathology, they are replaced by Cefukrosime.

The elimination of the infection is facilitated by the sanitation (cleaning) of the conjunctiva using solutions of Neomycetin, Levomycetin, sodium sulfacyl. The effect is enhanced by the introduction of corticosteroid drugs in combination with Prednisolone and other hormonal agents.

Massage, washes, compresses, UHF procedures, vitamins

For fixing medical therapy the patient is prescribed vitamins, washing the nasolacrimal canal, UHF, massage.

The latter, in fact, is not a massage. The purpose of the procedure is to stimulate the lacrimal duct and empty the lacrimal sac.

Massage is carried out with gloves and is accompanied by an introduction into the lacrimal canals medical supplies prescribed by an ophthalmologist. The massage algorithm for dacryocystitis is as follows:

Squeeze a little with your finger inner area eyes, turn it (usually index) towards the bridge of the nose, and then compress the region of the lacrimal sac to cleanse it of purulent fluid.
After squeezing out the pus, the lacrimal canal instilled with furatsilin.
The purulent liquid and the remnants of the product are wiped with a cotton pad.
The area of the lacrimal canal is massaged again, while making jerky movements in the direction from the inner corner of the eye down.
Massage actions are repeated 5 times.
The lacrimal canal is instilled with an antibacterial agent.

Stimulation is carried out every day, 5-6 times, for two weeks.

Attention! Washing the lacrimal canal is more correctly classified as a procedure aimed at diagnosing the disease. With the help of it, the passivity of the lacrimal duct is usually established. True, sometimes, by systematic washing, a partial expansion of the lacrimal canal is achieved.

Folk remedies

The use of traditional medicine is effective in congenital dacryocystitis or in case of early diagnosis. Most often, eyebright, Kalanchoe pinnate are used for therapy. The juice of the latter disinfects the lacrimal ducts.

Before use, the leaf of the plant is torn off, washed, wrapped to dry in a cloth and cooled in the refrigerator from several hours to a day. Next, the leaf of the plant is crushed and the juice is squeezed out. It should not be used in high concentration. Therefore, the finished juice is diluted with saline in a ratio of 1: 1. And only after that, half a pipette is instilled into each nostril.

Photo 2. Eyebright extract, 40 capsules of 0.4 g, from the manufacturer "Ria Panda".

Eyebright is applied according to the annotation. This is a ready-made drug in the form of tablets and tinctures. To enhance the effect, the liquid is mixed with homemade decoctions from walnut, fennel, chamomile. The solid form of the drug is taken orally. The tablets can also be dissolved in water for daily eyewash as directed by a physician.

The patient is operated on if the disease is diagnosed too late or progresses.

Bougienage technique and effectiveness

A common method of intervention is bougienage with a probe. Bug, that is, with a rigid probe during the procedure, a blockage that has fallen into the tear ducts breaks through. The lacrimal canal, which is intended for the outflow of fluid, becomes slightly wider. Permeability is improved as a result.

Dacryocystoplasty and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Balloon dacryocystoplasty is performed using a conductor with a microscopic balloon. The entire structure is carefully inserted from the hole located in the corner of the eye. The expansion balloon is brought to the place of narrowing (blockage) of the channel.

Under pressure, it breaks and the lacrimal fluid contained in it presses on the walls of the lacrimal duct and pushes them apart. The structure is then removed. Surgery does not require general anesthesia.

A laser is used to perform endoscopic dacryocytorhinostomy. Using it, the doctor removes the mucous membrane of the lateral wall of the nose in the projection of the lacrimal sac, in order to then form a hole with a diameter of 5 mm in another part of the organ.

Reference! The operation is painless for the patient, does not require subsequent, long-term observation of the doctor, gives good result, does not leave a cosmetic defect.

By the third week after birth, in many babies, the rudimentary film in the channels disappears on its own, due to which the problem is solved by itself.

Conservative treatment of blockage of the lacrimal canal

First of all, the baby is shown a local massage of the problem area (in the projection of the lacrimal canal). The procedure should be carried out by parents at home. Regular massaging helps to increase pressure in the nasolacrimal canal, which often contributes to the breakthrough of the rudimentary membrane and the restoration of the normal outflow of tear fluid.

Treatment depends on the specific cause that caused the blockage or narrowing of the canals. Sometimes multiple treatments are needed to correct this problem.

If an infection is suspected, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics.

If the tumor has caused the obstruction, then treatment will focus on fighting the tumor. To do this, the tumor is usually removed surgically.

Conservative treatment

In a large percentage of infants, a congenital tear duct obstruction resolves on its own in the first months of a child's life. If this does not happen, then at first the doctor will recommend giving the child a special massage, and to fight the infection, he will prescribe drops containing antibiotics.

Minimally invasive treatment

Minimally invasive methods are used to treat congenital blocked tear ducts in young children when other methods have failed. The most common method is bougienage, in which a special tube is inserted into the lacrimal canal to restore its patency. The procedure does not require anesthesia and takes only a few minutes. After bougienage, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection.

Surgery

Folk remedies

After prior approval with a doctor, traditional medicine is successfully used at home.

Folk remedies:

Aloe. In case of inflammation, it is good to instill freshly prepared aloe juice, half diluted with saline.
Eyebright. Prepare in the same way. Use for instillation of eyes and applying compresses.
Chamomile has an antibacterial effect. You need to take 1 tbsp. l. collection, boil in a glass of boiling water and insist. Apply as an eye wash.
Thyme. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the infusion is used for dacryocystitis.
Kalanchoe - natural antiseptic. Cut the leaves and keep in the refrigerator for two days. Next, extract the juice and dilute in a 1: 1 ratio with saline. This remedy can be used to treat children. Adults can instill 2 drops of concentrated juice into the nose. The person begins to sneeze, during which the lacrimal canal is cleared of pus.
Leaves from a rose. Only those flowers that are grown on their own plot are suitable. It will take 100 gr. collection and a glass of boiling water. Boil for five hours. Use in the form of lotions.
Ivy-shaped burda. Boil a tablespoon of herbs in a glass of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes. Apply for washes and compresses.
Bell pepper. Drink a glass of sweet pepper fruit every day. adding a teaspoon of honey.

Indications for the procedure

Washing can be done as diagnostic purposes and for the treatment of certain ophthalmic diseases:

ulceration of the cornea, which requires sanitation of primary infectious foci;
congenital or manifested in newborns in the first weeks of life dacryocystitis (in the first case, the washing procedure can be avoided by performing canal massage, but sometimes such manipulations do not help);
mild nasolacrimal duct stenosis;
stenosis of the lacrimal ducts.

The washing procedure can be an effective way to treat inflammation (canaliculitis), but this action must be preceded by the cleansing of the channels from the inflammatory secret formed in them.

ethnoscience

Do warming up (using reflector lamps, cloth bags). It is advisable to perform the procedure several times a day.
Apply steamed sachets of chamomile or a cotton swab dipped in chamomile solution. It should be borne in mind that the infusion should be warm, but in no case hot.
Make compresses from calendula infusion.
Bury the nasal passage with Kalanchoe juice (the Kalanchoe juice must first be diluted with saline, since pure juice is very concentrated).
Use for lotions infusion of calendula flowers, mint leaves, dill, oregano, eucalyptus and sage (all herbs must be taken in equal proportions).
Apply parsley compresses to the inflamed area.

Inflammation of the tear duct: symptoms and possible complications

8. Dizziness.

9. Blue tissue.

13. Loss of appetite.

3. Edema of the eyelids.

5. Severe pain.

6. Headache.

7. Sleep disturbance.

A complication of the pathological process can be stretching and dropsy of the lacrimal sac, accompanied by a well-marked local protrusion of soft tissues. The addition of a bacterial infection often causes purulent conjunctivitis. If you don't start on time adequate therapy, the development of such a serious complication as phlegmon of the lacrimal sac is not excluded. In addition, if dacryocystitis is not treated, lacrimal sac fistulas may form.

Due to the fact that tears cannot flow where they are supposed to, the liquid stagnates, becoming fertile ground for fungi, bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can cause permanent eye infections.

In infants, the main sign of an obstructed tear duct is suppuration (“sourness”) of one or both eyes. The doctor immediately prescribes drops with antibiotics, the condition improves, but after the treatment is stopped, the infection reappears.

Most often the disease is complicated by dacryoadenitis, dacryocystitis. Obstruction of the lacrimal ducts potentiates the formation of dacryolites, which entails the development of dacryolithiasis. Patients are at risk for developing inflammatory lesions anterior segment of the eyeball (conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis).

Forecast and prevention

The prognosis for the treatment of dacryocystitis in case of timely access to a doctor is favorable. But with complex forms of pathology, complications are possible - decreased vision, a thorn and frequent relapses. For the purpose of prevention, it is recommended to treat diseases of the throat, nose and ears at an early stage and not injure the eyes.

The exact causes of obstruction can be different, so there is no single method of prevention. To reduce the risk of infection, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene, do not rub your eyes with your hands, avoid contact with people with conjunctivitis, never share cosmetics with strangers, and handle contact lenses properly.

Pathology is characterized by a favorable outcome. Specific preventive measures not developed. Non-specific prevention comes down to proper care of the conjunctiva of the eyes and nasal cavity in newborns. If you suspect an obstruction of the lacrimal ducts, an ophthalmologist's consultation is indicated. A child with this pathology in the anamnesis should be registered in the dispensary.

There are no specific methods of prevention. Pathology is most often congenital, so it either exists or it does not. It is recommended to treat sinusitis and conjunctivitis in a timely manner, monitor personal hygiene, and do not rub your eyes with dirty hands. At eye diseases avoid exposure to wind, cold or direct sunlight.

How often do we shed tears? When we feel bad or hurt when the soul hurts. In such cases, the shoulder of a close friend or a professional psychotherapist may come to the rescue. And what if the tears go continuously? There is only one answer - go to the ENT doctor.
lacrimation- this is one of the mechanisms established in our body. No matter how picturesquely poets and writers describe it, this mechanism tends to break down.

Violations patency of the lacrimal ducts(medical name - dacryocystitis or inflammation of the lacrimal sac) is a common problem.
Infection hits into the lacrimal sac, causing inflammation, and as a result, dacryocystitis develops. The exact cause of the obstruction of the lacrimal ducts has not yet been clarified. According to experts, it is believed that one of the main factors causing inflammation are anatomical prerequisites.

If a attentively to study the lacrimal tract, then approximately seven zones can be distinguished in it, in which there may be a potential narrowing. In which area the lacrimal canal narrowed, only a specialist can determine.

emergence inflammation lacrimal ducts also contribute to a disease such as chronic. That is, if another inflammatory process develops next to the lacrimal sac, it can also block the lacrimal ducts.

One of the brightest symptoms dacryocystitis is incessant profuse lacrimation. This symptom should cause concern, self-medication is contraindicated. You should immediately contact an ophthalmologist or ENT.

With dacryocystitis, ophthalmologists carry out the procedure for washing the lacrimal ducts, after - drainage. The drainage procedure consists in the passage of the lacrimal ducts with a special instrument that pushes out the contents that clog the lacrimal tract.

But, to unfortunately, these procedures do not always bring results. And if conservative methods treatments are powerless, it is necessary to apply modern surgical techniques that will get rid of this disease once and for all. These surgical techniques are already within the competence of ENT doctors.

Methodology is a type of surgery that is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 10 minutes. It's called dacryocystorhinostomy. Such an operation can be performed on patients of any age, even small children.

The essence of such operations is the use of radio waves. It is their use that allows the operation to be carried out in a less traumatic way. Thanks to this technique, the postoperative period is reduced, wounds heal quickly, and there are no rough scars on the face. After such an operation new channel guaranteed to stay open and not clog.

For a doctor to prescribe operational intervention using radio waves, the patient must have certain indications. This is incessant lacrimation, extensive purulent processes of the lacrimal sac, as well as the systematic nature of the disease.

What threatens refusal from inflammation treatment tear ducts and what can happen? Violation of the patency of the lacrimal ducts is an unnatural process for the body, it is not normal if the processes of tear drainage and lacrimal excretion are impaired. If the tear stagnates, an infection process can occur, and an inflammatory process will begin, which will eventually affect the lacrimal sac.

If the problem is not solved in time, this will lead to the onset of purulent processes of the lacrimal sac, and then it can spread to the eye itself. Most dire consequences, which can be imagined if the problem is started, is the loss of vision and the removal of the eye.
Whether it comes to this or not depends on the patient himself, how seriously he will take this problem and how to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Instructional video for checking the patency of the lacrimal duct

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Inflammation of the tear duct- this is the occurrence of obstruction of the channels of the lacrimal glands.
With such a pathology, fluid from it enters the sinuses of the nose, which causes blockages.
In the cavities there is an accumulation and increase of pathogenic microorganisms that provoke inflammatory reactions.

Inflammation of the tear duct - signs and symptoms

The disease is characterized by certain features.

The following signs will help determine this pathology:

swelling of the eye: swelling of the eyelids occurs, and the palpebral fissure becomes narrow, this affects the visual function of a person and the appearance of uncomfortable sensations;
the occurrence of swelling in the region of the lacrimal sac, with pressure on the swelling, pain occurs;
redness of the area of the lacrimal stream;
the area around the eye is accompanied painful sensations, which are aching in nature and can be replaced by sharp ones when in contact with the damaged area;
increase in body temperature;
a state of lethargy and a feeling of weakness.

These signs will help to recognize the disease. When the pathology of the nasolacrimal canal is in developing stage, then the swelling in the area of the lacrimal stream is a hard to the touch area, which later becomes soft.

Redness from the damaged eye goes away, and an abscess appears in the area of swelling. Inflammation disappears with a puncture of suppuration. In its place, a fistula may occur, bringing out the purulent contents from the lacrimal canal.

Chronic dacryocystitis occurs with certain signs:

constantly secretes lacrimal fluid (possibly with pus);
discharge becomes larger when touching or pressing on the lacrimal sac;
on examination, you can see swelling under the damaged eye;
eyelids swell, swell and fill with blood.

If the infection does not pass, then purulent ulcers may appear. In the course of the disease, the lacrimal canal, located between the nasal septum and the inner corner of the eye, is affected.

In the advanced stage of the disease, the skin under the eye becomes flabby and thin, it is easy to stretch it with your fingers. The chronic form is dangerous for a person in that there are no unpleasant sensations.

A person with this form of the disease seeks help from a doctor after the disease has already spread or caused severe complications. Treatment is needed as soon as possible.

Reasons for the problem

This pathology may appear with physiological pathologies lacrimal glands. For example, in the presence of congenital narrowing of the lacrimal streams. It is possible that they will be completely covered.

Common causes of illness in children and adults:

deterioration of metabolism;
excessive hypothermia state of the body or vice versa;
diabetes;
ailment of the lacrimal nasal canal can be directly associated with the presence of infectious diseases in the body;
damage to the eye or sinuses;
if they are in the eye foreign bodies, for example, when a person is in a dusty room for a long time;
inflammatory diseases of the nose, provoking swelling in the eye area;
weakening of the immune system.

Diagnosis of this pathology

Before prescribing a course of treatment, the doctor performs a thorough examination of the patient, examines the symptoms and anamnesis of the disease, then sends for examination:

General analysis of blood and urine. Analysis is required.
Smear. Helps to determine the bacterial microflora.
Rhinoscopy. It establishes the pathologies that are in the nasal sinuses, helps to find out what influenced the obstruction of the lacrimal canal.
Examination of the eye under a microscope. A solution is instilled into the eyes of the patient, and after a certain time a piece of cotton wool is placed in the sinuses of the nose. The absence of drops of the agent indicates the presence of clogging of the lacrimal canal. Start treatment.
Radiography with the introduction of a special dye into the eye ducts.

In children, the disease is diagnosed in the same way as in adults. Treatment is given after complete examination. When the doctor is not sure to the last whether the patient has dacryocystitis, they are assigned to wash the eye ducts using a solution of furacilin.

Disease in newborns and children

Do not ignore this phenomenon in a child. Do not delay the trip to the doctor, it is fraught with consequences. Before contacting a specialist, it is necessary to remove the accumulated pus with a cotton swab, after wetting it in warm boiled water.

Do not even use ordinary chamomile. Eliminate the use of any solutions, for maximum hygiene, you can use boiled water.

The temperature of the child should be knocked down if it is more than 38 degrees. Having diagnosed inflammation of the tear duct in a child, a specialist will probably recommend eye washing and massage procedures.

Possible complications and consequences

The acute form, both acquired and congenital disease dangerous with complications. For example, it does not cause an abscess of the lacrimal sac, phlegmon of the orbit, abscess of the brain. In the absence of adequate treatment, death is possible. A chronic process does not often provoke complications.

Stones in the tear ducts often appear in 13-16% of people suffering from this disease. Those who have a history of an acute form of the disease are at higher risk than those who have chronic dacryocystitis.

Pathology of the lacrimal nasal canal in adults and children

Inflammation of the lacrimal canal in adults manifests itself after 40 years. The risk of pathology is higher in people with a brachycephalic (round) skull shape compared to dolichocephalic or mesocephalic (standard).

This is due to certain uniquenesses in the structure of the lacrimal fossa and nasolacrimal tubules. People with flat noses and narrow faces are more likely to develop dacryocystitis.

Often in babies, it appears due to a delay in opening bone area nasolacrimal duct at the time of birth or in the first time after birth.

The reason is diverticula-folds in the lacrimal sac, transformations in the nasolacrimal duct, preventing the passage of tears.

It also very often appears due to a gelatin plug that closes the lumen of the nasolacrimal duct. Anatomical mutations in the structure of certain parts of the lacrimal ducts obtained at birth can also provoke the appearance of pathology.

How does acute and chronic inflammation manifest?

The principles of elimination of pathology consist in symptomatic treatment:

pain sensations;
edema;
purulent foci.

Antibiotic treatment is being carried out. All other conditions are determined by the attending physician. If symptoms of the disease occur, painkillers are prescribed. cure pain syndrome It is possible with drugs, but their action is not always effective.

Much attention is focused on the treatment of suppuration, for this, washing the lacrimal canal is prescribed. With symptoms of dacryoadenitis, the washing process takes half an hour.

Effective treatment of the disease

Possible treatment options:

washing the eye canals with disinfectant infusions;
the use of various ointments;
surgical intervention.

Washing with disinfectants occurs several times daily. Such drugs are prescribed with an antibacterial effect.

Medicines are prescribed:

Levomycetin - used in the presence of infections. This is an antibacterial agent. Eye drops are instilled into the eye bag several times a day. The dosage will be determined by a specialist. There may be visual disturbances. Such by-effect appears for a short time. Do not use for fungal eye diseases.
Floxal is a drug that removes inflammation. Use it for no more than 14 days. The remedy is instilled in a couple of drops several times a day. The specialist will determine the exact dose for you. Itching, dryness and allergic reactions. Do not use during pregnancy.
Dexamethasone is hormonal. Works well in the presence of allergic reactions and eye inflammation. Use drops no more than 3 times a day. Burning may appear. It is forbidden to use the medication for fungal, purulent and viral eye pathologies.
Iprofloesacin is an antibacterial agent. It is prescribed for infectious eye ailments and dacryocystitis in a chronic form. You need to apply a couple of times after 4 hours. There may be discomfort.

When the above medicines do not work, brewing or dacryocystomy is used.

Bruising is an operation by which the lacrimal canals are cleansed of pus. To perform the procedure, a bougie is inserted into the lacrimal opening - a special probe.

It promotes irritation of the compressed walls of the canal. This operation may cause some discomfort, before intravenous anesthesia is given.

Dacryocystomy is an operation that allows the formation of a valve in the tear duct. After that, there will be no pus. Before the operation, it is recommended to get rid of purulent formations, you need to put pressure on the bag and use antibacterial drops (repeat regularly, at least 2 days).

When blocking the ducts, traditional medicine should be used to wash the eyes. Rinse should be using chamomile infusion, aloe juice and Kalanchoe. However, before that, you should go for a consultation with a doctor, it is better not to try to cure this disease on your own.

To make a chamomile decoction, you need to pour boiled water over the plant and heat it in a water bath for about 15 minutes, filter and cool. It is recommended to instill no more than a drop into the eye bag.

You can use aloe juice, you need to wash the plant and put it in a towel, place it in a cold place for several days. Later cut them up and extract the juice. Must be diluted with saline form to avoid irritation. Instill a couple of drops into the eyes.

How to do massage

This procedure is one of the main ones that help to overcome the disease. The procedure has one prohibition - the most severe form of pathology, characterized by inflammatory processes (massage is strictly prohibited). There is a high probability of pus getting into the tissues located near the lacrimal canals, all this is fraught with consequences.

before the procedure, thoroughly wash your hands, disinfect;
massage is advised to carry out with gloves, also rinse your hands with an antiseptic;
first, you must carefully squeeze out the fluid in the lacrimal sac, and then remove the pus with a swab. Soak in furacilin;
after completing the procedures, it is allowed to start the massage procedure. For a child right time- before feeding;
performed with index fingers;
dotted character;
6 times;
cut off long nails so as not to cause additional pain and avoid accidental injury.

Do the procedure about five times every day. During the procedure, perform squeezing movements on the pouch. If you perform the procedure with gentle movements, it will be unsuccessful. It is also not necessary to press, it is fraught with consequences.

The procedure will help babies, older children will not. After the procedure, treat the eyes with a swab, soak in chlorhexidine, and then drip into the baby's eyes.

It is necessary that the separated liquid be eliminated from the surface of the eyeball. Infusions are applied 24 hours after production. It is not necessary to use medicines, but you can use decoctions of herbs (chamomile, etc.).

Inflammation of the lacrimal canal - causes, symptoms, treatment methods

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When blockage or narrowing of the lacrimal canal in adults may develop dangerous disease eye - dacryocystitis. Without proper diagnosis and high-quality treatment, this disease is fraught with irreversible consequences, which in advanced cases can even lead to the death of the patient. Therefore, in this article we will consider all aspects of this disease, symptoms and modern methods of treatment.

What it is?

Dacryocystitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease characterized by damage to the lacrimal sac of the eye. As a rule, this disease is most often observed in people aged 30-60 years. In women, this disease manifests itself more often due to a narrower anatomical structure nasolacrimal canals.

As a rule, in adults, the lesion with dacryocystitis is always one-sided.

The disease occurs due to blockage of the lacrimal canal. As a result lacrimal fluid accumulates in the lacrimal sac and cannot get out. Due to disruption of the outflow of tear fluid, active reproduction of microorganisms, which leads to inflammation and the formation of a mucopurulent discharge.

Manifestation of dacryocystitis in adults

Read also about effective methods of dealing with redness in the eyes.

Causes

In adults, dacryocystitis occurs due to narrowing and closing of the nasolacrimal canal. Due to the narrowing of the channels, the circulation of the fluid is disturbed. As a result of this, there stagnation of lacrimal secretion, where microorganisms begin to thrive.

Edema of the tissues surrounding the nasolacrimal canal occurs as a result of inflammatory diseases viral or bacterial origin ( respiratory infections, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis).

The disease is also may cause:

fractures of the bones of the nose and orbit;
damage and violation of the integrity of the lacrimal ducts;
polyps of the nasal cavity;
penetration into the eye of debris, dust and other foreign bodies.

Also, the onset of the disease The following factors may contribute:

metabolic disease;
diabetes;
weakening of the immune system;
allergic reactions;
interaction with chemicals hazardous to the organs of vision;
sharp fluctuations in temperature.

Symptoms

With dacryocystitis, the following occur: clinical manifestations:

Swelling of the lacrimal caruncle

constant;
mucopurulent discharge from the eyes ();
hyperemia and edema of the lacrimal caruncle, conjunctiva and semilunar folds;
swelling of the lacrimal sac;
sore eyes;
narrowing of the palpebral fissure;
increase in body temperature;
general intoxication of the body.

Dacryocystitis may be acute or chronic form diseases. Clinical manifestations of the forms of the disease vary.

In the acute form of the disease, clinical symptoms are most pronounced. In the area there is a sharp reddening of the skin and painful swelling. The palpebral fissures due to edema of the eyelid are greatly narrowed or completely closed. The patient may experience pain in the eye area, chills, fever, headache.

Advanced stage of dacryocystitis

The chronic form of the disease is characterized by constant lacrimation and swelling in the area of the lacrimal sac. When pressing on this area, mucopurulent exudate is released from the lacrimal canals. A swollen neoplasm forms in the region of the lacrimal sac, visually reminiscent of beans . As it develops, it becomes densely elastic.

Inside the cavity of this neoplasm, pus accumulates, which, when pressed, is released to the outside. With the further development of infection, phlegmon of the orbit or fistulas may occur.

Read more about the symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Diagnostics

In order to identify the disease, the patient must undergo examination by an ophthalmologist. As a rule, dacryocystitis is easily diagnosed due to its characteristic clinical symptoms. During the examination, the doctor conducts an external examination and palpation of the lacrimal sac area, conducts a lacrimal-nasal West test, an instillation fluorescein test, and an x-ray of the lacrimal ducts.

First of all, the ophthalmologist listens to the patient's complaints and performs an external examination of the lacrimal sac area. On palpation of this area, a purulent secret should be released from the lacrimal canaliculi.

The most commonly performed lacrimal-nasal West test. It is one of the most common diagnostic techniques. During this procedure, a solution of collargol or protargol is instilled into the conjunctival sac. These stains are used to determine the patency of the lacrimal canal. A swab made of cotton wool or turunda is inserted into the sinus of the nose. Traces of the coloring agent should appear on the swab no later than 5 minutes later. The delay in the entry of the substance into nasal cavity or its absence indicates obstruction of the patency of the lacrimal duct.

Treatment

As a rule, if dacryocystitis is without complications, the prognosis for recovery is favorable. Treatment of dacryocystitis, first of all, depends on the form of the disease and on the causes of its occurrence.

Treatment process dacryocystitis is generally divided into two parts:

restoration of the patency of the lacrimal canal;
anti-inflammatory therapy.

In the treatment of dacryocystitis in adults, bougienage and washing of the lacrimal-nasal canal with disinfectant solutions, application and ointments are carried out.

Bougienage is the most common, sparing method of restoring the patency of the lacrimal canal. During this procedure, the blockage of the lacrimal canal is physically removed using a special hard probe (bougie).

Initially, patients suffering from dacryocystitis are prescribed enhanced antibiotic treatment to avoid infectious complications. This is necessary because with dacryocystitis there is a possibility of a purulent form of encephalitis or brain abscess.

Dacryocystitis in the elderly

The acute form of the disease is treated in stationary conditions. As a rule, in this case, intramuscular injections of benzylpenicillin sodium salt (3-4 times a day) or oral administration of tetracycline (4 times a day), sulfadimezine (4 times a day) are prescribed.

If an abscess of the lacrimal sac has formed, it is opened through the skin. Before opening the abscess, systemic vitamin therapy and UHF therapy are performed. After opening, the wound is drained and washed with antiseptic solutions of furacilin, dioxidine, hydrogen peroxide. To prevent further development infections in the cavity of the conjunctiva are instilled with antibacterial drops (, miramistin, sulfacyl sodium,) and antibacterial ointments(erythromycin, floxal).

Except local treatment carry out systemic antibiotic therapy broad-spectrum drugs. For this, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, penicillins are used.

At running forms dacryocystitis, when already standard drug treatment is ineffective, it is carried out dacryocystoplasty or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is a surgical intervention that is used to treat dacryocystitis in adults. For the operation, special modern minimally invasive equipment is used. Dacryocystorhinostomy should only be performed on patients with there is no allergic reaction to anesthetic drugs. During the operation, a special flexible tube is inserted into the tear duct - an endoscope with a microscopic camera. An endoscope is used to make an incision in the blocked tear duct. The rehabilitation period after the operation is 6-8 days. In order to avoid inflammation of the cornea prescribes a course of antibiotics. The advantage of this operation is that it does not leave visible skin scars on the face and damage to the lacrimal ducts.

Blockage of the tear ducts subsequently interferes with the healthy outflow of tear fluid. In the future, this leads to an inflammatory process. Most often, this problem occurs in adults. The causes of this pathology are congenital features, injuries and diseases. Inflammation may require probing of the lacrimal duct in adults.

Probing of the lacrimal canal in adults

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become stronger. In this article, you will get to know effective methods treatment, such as the use of medications, bougienage of the lacrimal canal in adults, surgery.

Reasons for the appearance

Blockage of the tear ducts (dacryocystitis) is an inflammatory process. It affects, which is located between the nasal septum and the inner corner of the eye. As a result of blockage, pathogenic microorganisms can accumulate. Their activation leads to the onset of inflammation and impaired fluid outflow.

Diagram of the lacrimal canal

Most often, obstruction of the lacrimal duct occurs due to the following reasons:

Congenital pathology of patency. The defect appears at birth and may disappear in the first months of life. However, sometimes it can stay. In this case, it is necessary to pierce the lacrimal canal.
Non-standard development of the skull and face.
Infectious diseases and inflammatory processes.
Surgical operations that were performed on the eyes.
Trauma and damage to the face. Displaced bones can interfere with the normal outflow of fluid.
Tumors on the face. Formations that occur in the nose bones and lacrimal sac can block the canal. This happens if the tumor greatly increases in size.
Medicinal preparations for external use. Some eye drops provoke obstruction of the tear ducts.
Medicines internal use. Obstruction occurs as a side effect of certain medications.
Irradiation. If a person has endured oncological disease during treatment, the risk of blockage increases significantly.

Symptoms of the disease

The blockage may occur in one or both eyes. Inflammation of the tear duct may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

increased tearing;
frequent occurrence of conjunctivitis;
inflammation and swelling in the corner of the eye;
discharge of mucus or pus from the eyes;
the manifestation of traces of blood in the lacrimal fluid;
decreased visual clarity.

It is important to know! At the initial stage of the disease, this disease manifests itself rather weakly. The patient may feel discomfort in the lacrimal sac. After a certain time, severe pain and redness of the skin may occur.

Diagnostics

To confirm this diagnosis, the ophthalmologist may prescribe certain studies. These include:

Dye test. Doctors instill a special dye solution into the patient's eyes. If after a few seconds a large amount of dye is observed in the eyes, this will indicate that the channel is clogged.
Channel sounding. With the help of a special tool, doctors penetrate the lacrimal canal. In the process of piercing the lacrimal canal, it expands, and the problem can be solved.
Dacryocystography. X-ray of the lacrimal canals with the introduction of a dye into them. With this method, specialists will see the outflow system of the eye.

Probe for bougienage

If the diagnosis is confirmed, then specialists prescribe bougienage of the lacrimal canal in adults.

Treatment

Therapy of the disease will depend on the cause that caused it. To combat a complex disease, you can use:

antibiotic therapy. If the infection caused the disease, then antibiotics are prescribed: ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and also Erythromycin.
Bougienage. Probing of the lacrimal canal in adults is a more gentle method. For similar procedure can use a special probe. Its introduction is carried out through the lacrimal opening and mechanical cleaning of the lacrimal canal begins. The method of therapy can be considered completely painless, but you may encounter unpleasant sensations. Sometimes, before this procedure, the patient is given intravenous anesthesia. The procedure is a few seconds. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to repeat the bougienage, which is performed at intervals of several days.
Eye drops. You can also get rid of blocked tear ducts with the following eye drops:

. These drops have antibacterial action. The active substance that is present in the composition is the antibiotic ofloxacin. In the lower conjunctival sac, 1 drop should be instilled up to 4 times a day. In some cases, Floxal ointment can also be used. It is laid under the lower eyelid up to 3 times a day. Only allergic reactions can become a contraindication.
. It should be applied 1-2 drops up to 4 times a day. Contraindications include severe kidney disease, neuritis auditory nerve, as well as hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the drug.
. These are antiviral eye drops. Doctors will instill 1-2 drops up to eight times a day during acute inflammatory reactions. Then the number of instillations is reduced to 3 times. Contraindications of the drug include hypersensitivity to its components.

Floksal eye drops are an effective antibacterial agent.

If medical treatment does not work, then more serious methods of treatment are prescribed.

Lacrimal duct surgery in adults

Surgery is usually prescribed for difficult cases. The operation has the following types:

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. During the surgical procedure, a flexible endoscope with a camera is inserted into the lacrimal duct. With its help, a small incision is made on the affected area. The operation will be available to patients who do not have allergic reactions. Duration rehabilitation period is up to 8 days. The advantages of such an operation are that after its implementation there are no visible scars on the skin and the tear ducts are not damaged.
Balloon dacryocytoplasty. This is a safe surgical intervention that is performed, even for children under one year old. Specialists insert a thin conductor into the lacrimal canal. On it there is a bottle with a special liquid. At the site of blockage, a pressure balloon expands the problem area of the tear duct and helps to clear it. Local anesthesia may be used during the procedure. After surgery, antibiotic drops may be prescribed.

Balloon dacryocytoplasty