Conjunctivitis in newborns is an infection that is common during the first few months of life, and is a major cause of blindness in newborns.
Infected babies have the following symptoms:
- swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva (membrane inside the eyelids)
- purulent eye (pus discharge)
This is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The most common pathogens that cause severe infections and may lead to blindness are gonorrhea and chlamydia, sexually transmitted diseases, and infections from the mother passed onto the baby.
To prevent infection, antibiotic drops are dropped into the newborn’s eyes. Additional treatment, such as antibiotics given orally or intravenously, will be given based on detection and severity of the infection.
Now you’re thinking, I’m sure I have no diseases that could harm the baby; or, my OB-GYN had me screened for infections and treated before my baby's birth.
Find out why one can never be too sure, on the next page.
Infections caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia are often asymptomatic. And not all pregnant women receive proper prenatal care. Sexually transmitted infections or having a history of substance abuse may not have been screened and treated for some moms before the birth.
This is why prevention upon birth is important. New moms must also stay vigilant as sometimes symptoms might not show while still in the hospital (or 5-14 days after birth).
Eyelid swelling and pus discharged from the newborn’s eyes are red flags to watch for.
Seek medical assistance immediately if you see these symptoms.
Source: Health, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital.
Republished with permission from: theAsianparent Thailand as written by Kasama Kanchanapan
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