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eye flu treatment in home
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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #14425
6 days ago
18

eye flu treatment in home - #14425

Shreya

I am really worried about my son. He’s been complaining about itchiness and redness in his eye for a few days, and now it looks kinda swollen. After doing some reading and talking to a friend, I think it might be eye flu or viral conjunctivitis. I know they say there's no magic fix, but I really want to find an effective eye flu treatment in home options because we are trying to avoid any trips to the doctor if possible. I tried warm compresses which may help a little but honestly, he’s getting restless and I feel like I need to do more. The discharge looks kinda watery and he says it stings sometimes! Should I be using anything else for the eye flu treatment in home, like certain drops or even just saltwater rinses? I don’t know if pushing fluids or something would help too. Plus, can eye flu treatment in home be effective enough, or do we eventually have to see a doctor? I'm not a natural remedy expert, so just feeling a bit overwhelmed here. Any advice from y’all who might have dealt with this before? Thanks!!!

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Doctors’ responses

Eye flu, commonly referred to as viral conjunctivitis, is primarily self-limiting, which means it’ll usually resolve on its own, but I understand wanting to help relieve your son’s discomfort in the meantime. Warm compresses are a good start as they can provide some relief from itchiness and swelling. However, make sure you’ve got a clean cloth and a fresh solution every time to avoid any cross-contamination. Over-the-counter saline drops, often labeled as artificial tears, can also help in flushing out the irritants and soothing the eye. They’re pretty safe and can be used a few times a day. Avoid steroid-containing eye drops unless prescribed, as they might complicate the infection. It’s generally not advised to use homemade saltwater rinses because incorrect saline concentration can be irritating to eye tissue. As for promoting fluid intake, there’s no direct evidence that it will hasten recovery from viral conjunctivitis, but staying well-hydrated is generally beneficial for overall health. Keep in mind to remind your son to avoid touching his eyes and to wash his hands frequently to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Be vigilant for any worsening signs: if he develops severe pain, sensitivity to light, significant swelling, or if the discharge becomes more pus-like than watery, that would be reason enough to seek prompt medical attention. Although home remedies can offer relief, sometimes a doctor’s visit is necessary to make sure there’s no bacterial infection requiring antibiotics or other complications.

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