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- $Unique_ID{BRK00355}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Allergic Conjunctivitis in the Fall and Spring}
- $Subject{sense senses immune system systems red eye red swollen eyes allergy
- allergic conjunctivitis vernal vernalis conjunctivitis itching light
- sensitivity discharge corticosteroid allergies}
- $Volume{F-21, U-21}
- $Log{
- Histamine Release Causes Allergy Symptoms*0001202.scf
- The Function of IgG in an Allergic Reaction*0001203.scf
- Conjunctivitis of the Eye*0010401.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Allergic Conjunctivitis in the Fall and Spring
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-
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-
- QUESTION: Every year when I return to school, I find myself suffering with a
- case of red eye yet again. The mystery is that I get it again when I go home
- at Easter time. Does that mean I am allergic to both school and home?
-
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-
- ANSWER: Well, you have one thing right; you are suffering from a type of
- allergic conjunctivitis, but of a special type. It's called vernal (derived
- from the Latin word vernalis, meaning "pertaining to spring") conjunctivitis.
- But it is a bad name, as this condition crops up both in the fall and the
- spring. It's an annoying condition, marked by intense itching, sensitivity to
- light, and a thick discharge, as well as the characteristic red eye. Chances
- are that you are a male between the ages of 5 to 20, for statistics say that
- those are the most common victims. The symptoms become milder as each year
- progresses and finally the year rolls around when they fail to return. During
- acute attacks eye drops containing a corticosteroid (cortisone-like)
- medication used every two hours will do a great deal to relieve your distress,
- but you will have to see your own doctor, for that's a "by prescription only"
- medication.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-
-