Prognosis of untreated lacrimal sac inflammation
The bacteria that cause inflammation of the lacrimal sacs can also originate from neighbouring regions, such as the paranasal sinuses, or encapsulate themselves in the lacrimal sac to form an abscess that can then break through spontaneously (lacrimal fistula). If the infection spreads to the eyelids and cheek (dacryophlegmon), there is a risk of blood poisoning (sepsis). When the acute lacrimal sac inflammation has subsided, swelling and redness may persist.
Such a chronic inflammation of the lacrimal sacs (chronic dacryocystitis), however, sometimes develops without a preceding acute phase. As a rule, the swelling and thus also the inflammation of the lacrimal sac should disappear within a week. If this is not the case, you should consult a doctor and have yourself examined. If pain, redness or fever occur at the same time, you should definitely consult a doctor on the same day or in the following days.
How contagious is lachrymal sac inflammation?
How contagious an inflammation of the lacrimal sac is, depends mainly on the cause of the inflammation. For example, blockages in the area of the lacrimal duct can lead to inflammation of the lacrimal sac. Allergic reactions with burning red eyes can also affect the lachrymal sac and thus cause an inflammation of the lachrymal sac.
These complaints are not contagious. However, if there is an infectious event with viruses or bacteria, the lachrymal sac inflammation can be contagious. The pathogens can be transmitted mainly via smear infections.
So if you have an infectious lacrimal sac inflammation and rub your eye, you should wash your hands afterwards. If he does not do this, the viruses or bacteria can get from his hand to other surfaces (door handles, etc.) and from there to other people’s hands. If these people now touch their own eyes, they can also get an eye infection and, as a result, possibly a lachrymal sac infection.
Cause of the inflammation of the lacrimal sacs
In the case of acute lacrimal sac inflammation (acute dacryocystitis), the exit of the lacrimal sac is narrowed, e.g. as a result of a scarlet fever, chickenpox or flu infection. This prevents the tear fluid from flowing off properly, the eyes water and an inflammation of the lachrymal sac is the result, as the accumulated tear fluid is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. A cold can lead to an inflammation of the lachrymal sac via several mechanisms.
If the nose is blocked by the cold, this can also block the lacrimal duct, which carries tear fluid from the eye to the nose. As a result, an inflammation of the eye and the lacrimal sac can occur. But also a carry-over of pathogens (mostly viruses, more rarely bacteria) can be the cause of the inflammation of the lacrimal sac. If the germs get from the nose into the eyes, an inflammation is caused there, which can also spread to the lachrymal sacs.
