Inflammation of the lacrimal sacs during pregnancy
If lacrimal sac inflammation occurs during pregnancy, an attempt should first be made to avert or contain the progression with simple home remedies or homeopathic remedies. Light massages of the lachrymal sac can help to eliminate the cause of the inflammation.Cooling pads of cucumber, washcloths or cold, wrung out tea bags can provide relief from the swelling of the tear sac. Chamomile is particularly healing in any form: cloths soaked in cold chamomile tea or cold tea bags support the swelling and have an antibacterial effect.
However, a doctor should be consulted in good time if it becomes apparent that the inflammation of the lachrymal sac cannot be contained with household remedies. The doctor will adjust the antibiotic therapy to the circumstances of the pregnancy. In general, in order to protect the baby, the pregnant woman should check with every drug therapy whether the taking of the drugs is harmless for the child or whether she should consult a doctor.
Inflammation of the lachrymal sacs in the baby
If the inflammation of the lacrimal sacs occurs in infancy (then called neonatal dacrocystitis), the cause is congenital. It is a constriction in the form of a fold in the mucous membrane, which normally opens during development. This fold is located in the area of the so-called Ductus nasolacrimalis, a naturally occurring connection between the corner of the eye and the nose.
This is where the tear fluid drains off in healthy people. If it is not opened, there is a constriction that hinders the drainage of tear fluid. This causes a congestion of tear fluid.
This provides the optimal basis for the growth of bacteria that cause the lachrymal sac inflammation. Symptoms usually appear within the first few weeks after birth. The appearance of the lachrymal sac inflammation in infancy usually consists of a protrusion of pus from the inner corner of the eye.
This then collects on the eyelid. If an inflammation of the lachrymal sac or bags is diagnosed by the doctor, the therapy usually consists first of introducing antibiotic and decongestant drops into the eyes and nose. Often the constriction will then disappear while waiting.
In addition, light pressure can be repeatedly applied to the lacrimal sac from the outside, which often causes the constriction to open. If these measures are not successful, a short procedure under anaesthesia may be necessary to allow the tear fluid to drain freely. This usually solves the problem.
