Swollen tear sacs in the child

The immune system in children is not fully developed. For this reason, children also become ill more often than adults. There are various clinical pictures that can cause swollen eyes.

One of the reasons for this is that the skin of the eyes is particularly sensitive and reacts quickly to irritation. Possible diseases can be conjunctivitis or a barleycorn. A barleycorn describes an inflammation of a sebaceous gland in the eye.

The inflammatory reaction of the body causes a swelling. But an allergy can also be the trigger for these symptoms. If your child suffers more frequently from swollen eyes and also sneezes/coughs and itchy rashes on the skin, you should consult a doctor who should examine your child more closely.

Another common cause of swollen tear sacs in a child is a blocked tear duct. The fluid can no longer drain and becomes congested. If there is no improvement and the swelling even increases, you should see an eye doctor.

This doctor can clear the blockage with a small operation. In addition to these diseases, crying can also simply cause swelling of the lacrimal sacs. The crying causes an increase in pressure in the tissue. As a result, the liquid is pressed out of the cells into the interstitium (connective tissue space). After the child stops crying, the swelling disappears quite quickly.

The swollen tear sacs of a cold

A cold is manifested by symptoms such as fever, cough, headache and fatigue. But it can also lead to swelling of the eyelids or the lacrimal sac. This is because the cold causes a blockage of the nose.

The tear duct is compressed and the tear fluid can no longer be transported properly. The fluid becomes congested and the lacrimal sac comes out. Since a cold occurs mainly in the winter months, the cold air can irritate the sensitive skin of the eyelids.

This inflammatory reaction can further increase the swelling.To improve the drainage of tears, the area below the inner corner of the eye can be massaged. In addition, saltwater sprays can be used for the nose. This loosens the secretion and frees the nose. The tear duct is thus no longer compressed and the liquid can drain away.