Conjunctivitis: Diagnosis
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More about Conjunctivitis:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Alternative treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
An accurate diagnosis of conjunctivitis centers on taking a patient history to learn when symptoms began, how long the condition has been going on, the symptoms
experienced, and other predisposing factors, such as upper respiratory complaints, allergies, sexually transmitted diseases, herpes simplex infections, and exposure to persons with pink eye. It may be helpful to learn whether an aspect of an individual's occupation may be the cause, for example, welding. Diagnostic tests are usually not indicated unless initial treatment fails or an infection with gonorrhea or chlamydia is suspected. In such cases, the discharge may be cultured and Gram stained to determine the organism responsible for causing the condition. Cultures and smears are relatively painless.
— Lisa Papp, RN
