There are several diseases that can cause tearing of the eye, in babies, children and adults, such as conjunctivitis, cold, allergies or sinusitis, lesions in the eye or sty for example, which can be identified by evaluating other characteristic symptoms of the disease.
The treatment of tearing, depends on the cause that is at its origin, and should always be recommended by the doctor.
1. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye, which can be caused due to an allergic reaction, reaction to an irritating substance or infection by viruses and bacteria. Symptoms that may occur during conjunctivitis are redness in the eyes, itchiness, transparent tearing or swelling and irritation, for example. Learn how to identify the types of conjunctivitis.
What to do
The treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause of its origin. If it is an allergic conjunctivitis, eye drops with antihistamines are generally used and if it is toxic, it may be advisable to wash with sterile saline and use an eye drop to calm irritation. In the case of infection, antibiotic eye drops may be necessary, which, depending on the symptoms, may be associated with an anti-inflammatory. See which remedies are used to treat conjunctivitis.
2. Flu and cold
During a cold or flu, symptoms such as watery eyes, cough, fever, sore throat and head, runny nose and tiredness may occur, and during flu, symptoms are more intense and last longer. Learn how to distinguish between flu and cold.
What to do
The treatment of flu and cold consists only in relieving allergic symptoms and pain, using analgesic and antipyretic drugs, such as dipyrone or paracetamol, antihistamines such as desloratadine or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In addition, you can also boost your immune system with vitamin C for example. Learn more about treatment.
3. Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an inflamed wound that arises in the cornea of the eye, generating symptoms such as pain, feeling of something stuck in the eye or blurred vision, for example. It is usually caused by an infection in the eye, but it can also happen due to small cuts, dry eye, contact with irritating substances or problems with the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Thus, those who are most at risk of having a corneal ulcer are people who wear contact lenses, steroid eye drops or who have corneal injuries or burns.
What to do
Treatment must be done urgently, in order to avoid more serious damage to the cornea and consists of the administration of antibiotic, antifungal and / or anti-inflammatory eye drops, in case it is an infection. If the ulcer is caused by a disease, it must be treated or controlled. Learn more about treatment.
4. Allergies
Respiratory allergy can arise when the airways come into contact with substances such as pollen, dust, mold, hair from cats or other animals, or other allergenic substances, causing symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, itchy nose, constant sneezing, dry cough, redness and watery eyes and headaches.
What to do
Treatment consists of administration of antihistamines such as desloratadine, cetirizine or ebastine, for example, and if allergies make breathing very difficult, it may be necessary to use bronchodilator drugs such as salbutamol or fenoterol.
5. Cluster headache
Cluster headache is a headache on only one side of the face, usually very strong, piercing and that arises during sleep, being a rare disease, much stronger and incapacitating than migraine, known as the worst pain we can feel, being stronger than a kidney, pancreatic crisis or labor pain. Other symptoms, such as redness, watering of the eye on the same side of the pain, swelling of the eyelid or runny nose can also happen. Learn more about this disease.
In comparison with migraine, the person with this type of headache does not rest, preferring to walk or sit during the crisis.
What to do
The disease has no cure, but it can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and the use of a 100% oxygen mask in times of crisis. See more about the treatment of cluster headache.
6. Sinusitis
Also known as rhinosinusitis, it is a disease that happens when there is an inflammation of the mucosa of the sinuses, which are structures around the nasal cavities, being triggered by irritating substances in the environment, fungal infections and allergies, for example.
The most common symptoms are pain in the face region, nasal discharge, watery eyes and headache, although the symptoms may vary slightly according to the cause of the disease and the person. See how to differentiate the main types of sinusitis.
What to do
The treatment depends on the type of sinusitis that the person suffers but it is usually done with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antibiotics and nasal decongestants. Know the treatment for sinusitis in detail.
The watery eye can also be caused by medication, dry eyes, fever, inflammation of the cornea, blepharitis, chalazion or allergic rhinitis.
