Definition
Lacrimal sac inflammation is the inflammation of the lacrimal sacs located at the inner corner of the eyelid. They are a part of the lacrimal duct. This type of inflammation can occur both acutely and chronically.
Symptoms
An overview of the symptoms of an inflammation of the lacrimal sacs, not all of which always occur at the same time: Typically, the symptoms of lachrymal sac inflammation occur unilaterally. However, they can also occur on both sides. A distinction must be made between the acute inflammation of the lacrimal sacs and the (chronic) inflammation of the lacrimal sacs, which has been present for a long time.
In the acute form, the basic symptoms of an inflammation are in the foreground. The area of the lacrimal sac, i.e. the region around the eye that faces the root of the nose (the so-called inner eyelid angle), is affected. In this area there is a distinct bulging swelling.
Furthermore, the area is reddened and overheated. Within a short time, a feeling of tension and quite pronounced pain in this area appears. The eye is extremely sensitive, which is expressed by the fact that pain can be increased when touching or other mechanical stress on the eye, such as blinking.
It is also possible that the pain radiates into the area surrounding the eye. This can also lead to the development of pain in the area of the forehead or jaw, but also in the teeth. When pressure is exerted on the lacrimal sac, mucusy or purulent discharge may appear.
However, this measure should not be carried out by a layperson, as there is a risk of bacteria being carried away from the lacrimal sac. If an abscess forms, i.e. a cavity filled with pus under the skin, the pus can find its way out. This so-called fistula around the eye should also be taken seriously as a sign of lachrymal sac inflammation.
Locally, the inflammation can lead to a swelling of the lymph nodes in the head and neck area. In addition, conjunctivitis can also be caused by pathogens that have entered the conjunctiva from the lacrimal sac. In this case, the reddening of the eye in connection with burning or itching can be an indication of an inflammation of the lacrimal sac.
In addition to the local inflammatory reaction, however, the involvement of the entire body can also occur, which can manifest itself in the form of fever. Fortunately, however, this reaction is rarely seen. In contrast to the acute form of the so-called dacrocystitis, the chronic form of this disease often proceeds much more inconspicuously and is therefore often not recognized.
The typical signs of inflammation may be missing. Often the disease is only noticeable by tears in the eye. A recurrent or persistent conjunctivitis, usually limited to one eye, can also be a sign of chronic lacrimal sac inflammation. A characteristic feature here is also the discharge when pressure is applied to the lacrimal sac, as also occurs in the acute form.
- Unilateral swelling of the lacrimal sac
- Radiating pain (in forehead and tooth region)
- Redness (also conjunctival and lower eyelid redness)
- Pus from the lower teardrop
- Fever in extreme cases
