Traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of conjunctivitis
Published Time:
2016-06-14
During the summer, there's a noticeable increase in patients with acute conjunctivitis visiting ophthalmology clinics. How should conjunctivitis be understood and treated?
Acute conjunctivitis is a general term for a class of acute infectious conjunctivitis caused by bacterial or viral infections. It is a common and frequently occurring clinical disease. Timely treatment yields satisfactory results; however, if treatment is neglected or mismanaged, it often leads to prolonged illness, even affecting vision and daily life.
Acute conjunctivitis is characterized by a sudden onset, a degree of infectivity (viral infections are more contagious), acute congestion of the conjunctiva (white of the eye), increased secretions, dryness, pain, itching, and photophobia. The course of the disease is about 1-2 weeks, more common in spring, summer, and autumn seasons. It falls under the categories of "sudden wind-heat," "sudden outbreak of fiery eyes," and "epidemic red eyes" in traditional Chinese medicine, commonly known as "fiery eyes" or "red eye disease".
Due to the high incidence and obvious symptoms of acute conjunctivitis, traditional Chinese ophthalmology has accumulated rich clinical experience over generations. Having practiced ophthalmology for 20 years and treated numerous patients with acute conjunctivitis, I believe the following points are noteworthy:
Prevention before illness: This is the concept of "treating before illness" in traditional Chinese ophthalmology. During epidemic seasons, one should pay attention to frequent handwashing and strictly avoid rubbing the eyes. The statement that "looking at a patient with red eye disease will cause infection" is incorrect; all infections are caused by contact transmission.
Treatment of existing illness and prevention of complications: Active treatment is key to preventing complications of acute conjunctivitis. Treatment includes both local and systemic approaches. Local treatment mainly involves topical eye drops, such as Houttuynia cordata eye drops. During the acute phase, apply drops every hour. As the condition improves, change to every two hours or 3-6 times a day. Systemic treatment uses oral Chinese medicine.
Effective prescription: Bupleurum 10g, Coptis 6g, Honeysuckle 20g, Dandelion 20g, Prunella vulgaris 15g, Wild chrysanthemum 12g, Saposhnikovia divaricata 10g, Eyebright 10g, Radix Rehmanniae 20g, Licorice 5g. If urine is yellow, add Plantago asiatica 10g; if constipated, add rhubarb 8g for soaking and drinking. One dose per day, twice daily.
It is important to note here that maintaining regular bowel movements is crucial. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that if fire does not descend, it will ascend. Regular bowel movements are like removing the fuel from under the pot, directly eliminating the pathogenic fire, and contributing to recovery.
Dietary therapy: Soybeans 50g, Chrysanthemum 10g, Mulberry leaves 15g, Prunella vulgaris 15g. Boil twice, take the juice, add 15g of white sugar, one dose per day, for 4-5 consecutive days.
Note on differential diagnosis: Acute conjunctivitis is easily confused clinically with acute iridocyclitis and acute angle-closure glaucoma. The latter two conditions show significant visual impairment, accompanied by eye pain and headache. Seek medical attention immediately.
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