What are the causes of an inflamed tear duct?
Most often, an inflammation of the lacrimal duct is caused by an obstruction of the flow of tear fluid into the nose. The reasons for this are, for example, injuries to the lacrimal duct or structures that compress the lacrimal duct. These can either lie in the tear duct itself, or they can be located in the tear duct from the nose.
These include polyps and tumors. A congenital obstruction of the lacrimal duct by tissue that has not completely receded, a so-called lacrimal duct stenosis, can also lead to a disturbance in the drainage of tear fluid. If the lacrimal fluid cannot drain off, it comes to a standstill in the lacrimal duct, which promotes colonization by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
In addition, existing infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eyelid margin (barley grain) can spread to the lacrimal duct and cause inflammation there. Systemic infections affecting the entire body, such as scarlet fever or measles, can also lead to an inflamed tear duct. In newborns there is quite often a narrowing of the lacrimal duct.
This is also called lacrimal duct stenosis and can be congenital or acquired. The reason for a congenital lacrimal duct stenosis is usually a remaining membrane inside the lacrimal duct, which should actually be dissolved at birth. This membrane then hinders the proper drainage of the lacrimal fluid.
This phenomenon is widespread among babies and is known as the Hasner valve obstruction. Over time, however, the tear ducts open completely, so that the risk of inflammation decreases again. Acquired lacrimal duct stenosis often occurs after inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis).
This is the most common eye disease in newborns. Congestion of the lacrimal fluid softens the tissue and bacteria or fungi can penetrate and lead to infection of the lacrimal duct. Sniffles usually occur in a simple infection of the upper respiratory tract, which manifests itself by a stuffy and runny nose and sneezing irritation.
However, the symptoms can also affect the eyes, as there is an anatomical connection between the nasopharynx and the tear duct. Contact lens wearers can also observe this. If you have a cold, wearing contact lenses is often uncomfortable because the necessary tear film is missing or the tear duct has become inflamed.
Since there is a connection to the nose through the tear duct, an inflammation in the area of the nose can also rise to the lacrimal sac. If the rhinitis persists for a longer period of time, it can lead to sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses). The paranasal sinuses are connected to the nasal cavity via a small opening, so that the infection can make its way through the tear duct to the eye.In addition, the lacrimal duct inflammation in adults is in some cases caused by a nasal stone (rhinolite), which develops due to chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes or sinuses. Sometimes the rhinolite also occurs directly in the lacrimal duct, causing its irritation and inflammation.
