Periorbital Cellulitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Definition:
It is an acute inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding the eye. Infection spreads rapidly and can cause serious problems that affect the eye or the whole body. It usually begin with swelling or inflammation of one eye.The infection begins in the sinuses. The sinuses are cavities, or air-filled pockets, that are near the nasal passage and results in Periorbital Cellulitis.
It involves the area from the skin of the eyelid to the bony area that encloses the eye. Periorbital cellulitis does not cause protrusion of the eyeball (proptosis) or limit its movements. There is redness and swelling of the eye. Periorbital cellulitis is more common in children under six years of age.
Causes of Periorbital Cellulitis:
The most common causes of periorbital cellulitis are :-
- The main cause of periorbital cellulitis is bacterial infection.
- Generally in young children, the infection is caused by a sinus infection due to a organism called Hemopuilus influenza.
- Trauma to the eyelid may also lead to this disease.
- The other organism such as beta-hemolytic streptococci may also cause periorbital cellulitis.
Symptoms of Periorbital Cellulitis:
The possible symptoms of periorbital cellulitis includes:-
- The fever, generally 102 degrees F or greater may occur during periorbital cellulitis.
- Loss of vision may also be a critical affect of this disease.
- You may have the feeling of general malaise.
- Restricted or painful eye movements.
- The patient may experience painful swelling over upper and lower lids.
- Eyelid appears shiny and is red or purple in color.
- If your toddler has periorbital cellulitis, he may have a runny nose or conjunctivitis (pinkeye) .
Treatments of Periorbital Cellulitis:
The most effective treatments for periorbital cellulitis are :-
- The antibiotics such as penicillins, erythromycin, cephalexin, cloxacillin are generally used to stop the spread of infection and prevent damage to the optic nerve.
- Ophthalmologist perform a surgery by draining eye sockets or sinus cavities when one or both eyes are affected,.
- Periorbital cellulitis, can be treated by applying heat packs over the affected areas.
- Paracetamol is useful for pain relief and fever control.
- Other medications may also be recommended, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to relieve pain, and aspirin to decrease fever.
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