Title: Conjunctivitis, The Ailment Behind Those Pink Eyes Word Count: 556 Summary: Conjunctivitis is an eye ailment characterized by soreness and redness of an eye or both eyes in a person. The inflammation occurs in the clear covering that coats or protects the white portion of the eye. Conjunctivitis also affects the lines which are inside the eye lids. This infection of the eye sometimes quickly manifest, but it may be a consolation that the duration of the infection would only last for just a short period of time. Conjunctivitis, or more popularly... Keywords: conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis Article Body: Conjunctivitis is an eye ailment characterized by soreness and redness of an eye or both eyes in a person. The inflammation occurs in the clear covering that coats or protects the white portion of the eye. Conjunctivitis also affects the lines which are inside the eye lids. This infection of the eye sometimes quickly manifest, but it may be a consolation that the duration of the infection would only last for just a short period of time. Conjunctivitis, or more popularly known as pink eye, is not curable, only treatable. That means, even without medication the infection would subside. The body will mostly do its work in curtailing this eye ailment. It should be noted, however, that people with conjunctivitis should seek immediate medical help to ease and relieve the discomfort that will surely arise from its onset. Otherwise, further infection or complication might surface, making the infection more painful and more discomforting. Causes of conjunctivitis Doctors and medical professionals cite three causes for the onset of conjunctivitis. One, the infection would be viral or caused by virus. Second, conjunctivitis can be caused by allergic reactions to substances, called allergens, that cause adverse reactions from the body's protective immune system. Lastly, conjunctivitis can be bacterial in nature. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria are the fastest- healing. Such kind of conjunctivitis will also tend to become less distracting. Other than three mentioned, experts attribute conjunctivitis to other causes that may include vitamin deficiency, allergy to chicken meat, contact lens overuse, chemical contacts, intrusion of foreign substances into the eye and ultraviolet or thermal burns. Treating conjunctivitis or pink eye The usual home remedy advised to patients or victims of conjunctivitis may be somehow discomforting and scary. But the thing is, although medical and modern science fail to provide specific and exact reason for it, is surprisingly effective. Adhering to simple home remedies, the conjunctivitis victim is advised to put a mild slat solution into the infected eye. If it will be uncomfortable and too painful, opening the eyes in a small tub containing a little pinch of salt in it would be an alternative measure. Upon doing so, be sure to wash your hands after. That is because conjunctivitis is spread and communicated through touching things that may also be touched by other people, especially your housemates and loved ones. It would be imperative to consult or seek help from the doctor to determine or pinpoint the cause of the infection. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can be relived by antibiotic eye ointments or eye drops. If the cause is viral or allergens, then the infection would not be immediately relived, but the doctor can try to prescribe other practical medications to soothe out. Conjunctivitis caused by allergens or allergy-causing substances could also be relived by taking in antihistamines, which is the usual and most common drug prescribed to people with asthma and other allergies. Conjunctivitis Prevention It is observed that people are more prone to the eye infection immediately after recovering from colds. Remember that conjunctivitis is contagious, and you should be responsible to give out your share in curtailing the infection's spread. Always wash your hands and avoid making physical contacts with objects that may be in constant physical contact with other people. Prevention is better than cure. Help prevent the spread of pink eyes. Will you?