The lacrimal canal. Inflammation of the lacrimal sac

The lacrimal canal in newborns has a short length - about eight millimeters. Its valves are not sufficiently developed, which creates a favorable atmosphere for the penetration and development of infection.

Tears (tear fluid) are produced (produced) by the corresponding gland. Then the liquid comes into the conjunctival cavity, from there - into the bag along the tubules, then into the nasal cavity. The pouch is located at the inner corner of the eye. The lacrimal canal has a lot of folds, which prevent infection from entering the nasal cavity. In adults, its length is about fourteen to twenty-five millimeters.

During fetal development in the fetus, the tear duct in the outlet is covered with a film. She (film) is normal at birth breaks out at the first inspiration of the child. If the breakthrough does not occur, then inflammation develops in the lacrimal sac. This disease has the name "dacryocystitis".

The lacrimal canal may be too narrow, it may have a blockage or it may have abnormalities in the structure. All these factors are provoking for the development of dacryocystitis. Most often, the tear duct of the baby is inflamed . In the case if during the first weeks after birth patency is not restored independently, pathogenic microflora is attached.

Predisposing factors to the occurrence of dacryocystitis in children are features of the structure of the nasal cavity, developmental anomalies, frequent rhinitis (runny nose) and other phenomena contributing to a difficult outflow of tear fluid.

The main manifestations of dacryocystitis are tearfulness, which is intensified in the wind (or against the background of acute respiratory viral infection) by lacrimation. As a rule, the disease affects both eyes at once, but sometimes develops on one. After some time, a painless bulging of a small size appears at the inner corner. When pressing on it comes mucus, then - pus. This clinical picture is typical for dacryocystitis in newborns and chronic inflammation in older children.

The lack of adequate and timely treatment can lead to the development of the acute stage of the disease. In the area of protrusion appears soreness, redness, through which the yellow contents are visible, puffiness in the corner of the eye. The development of inflammation provokes further suppuration, the patient rises body temperature, there is a headache. To eliminate the triggered inflammation, often the tear duct is subjected to washing.

When establishing the diagnosis, the doctor, as a rule, determines the time of the onset of the first discharge from the eyes. On consultation at the expert it is necessary to familiarize with technics of massage of a lacrimal sacum. Dacryocystitis in newborns is usually treated, starting with it (massage). It is necessary to master the technique quite accurately.

Massage is carried out with 5-10 jerky movements of the finger (index) in the vertical direction from the inner eye corner to the wing of the nose. The finger is not brought to the wing itself. Soft tissue should be pressed against the bone, as if slightly pushing the contents into the nasal cavity. Together with this the detachable should not in any case go to the nose. Circular movements in the region of lacrimal sacs are not allowed. Massage is performed before feeding five or six times a day. After it is carried out, it is necessary to instill drops recommended by the doctor (not tea or breast milk). Massage is contraindicated in case of redness, swelling or swelling in the area of the lacrimal sac.

Treatment of acute dacryocystitis is carried out with the help of dry heat, UHF, antibiotic therapy (general, local).