Dacryocystitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dacryocystitis Definition

Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac at the inner corner of the eye. Inflammation of the lacrimal sac causing obstruction of the tube draining tears into the nose. Stagnation of tears in a pathologically closed lacrimal drainage system can result in dacryocystitis. Tear dicts also can become blocked after trauma to the nose or eyes, such as a broken nose,or by nasal polyps.

In adults, it results from an obstruction ofthe nasolacrimal duct. Dacryocystitis may be acute or chronic. Dacryocystitis is a congenital condition occurring in up to one third of newborns. Dacryocystitis is most often in women over age 40.

Dacryocystitis Causes

Dacryocystitis is usually caused by a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, which allows fluid to drain into the nasal passages. The cause of dacryocystitis in adults is usually associated with inflammation. In acute dacryocystitis, Staphylococcus aureus and, occasionally, beta-hemolytic streptococci are the cause of dacryocystitis. Dacryocystitis may be acute, having a sudden onset. Although tear duct infections may be occured at any age, they are most common in infants, who commonly have a congenital obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.

The other causes of dacryocystitis may be included:

• Blocked tear duct
• Nasal inflammation

Dacryocystitis Symptoms

The symptoms of dacryocystitis include inflammation and tenderness over the nasolacrimal sac. Symptoms of chronic tear duct blockage are less severe.

The other symptoms of the dacryocystitis may be included:

• watery eye
• fever
• excessive tearing
• pain at the inner corner of the eye
• redness of inner corner of eye
• swelling near inner corner of eye
• pus near inner corner of eye

Dacryocystitis Treatments

Treatments for Dacryocystitis may include:

• Antibiotic eyedrops
• Tear duct irrigation

Surgery (dacryocystorhinostomy) to drain the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity may also be performed.

Dacryocystitis may be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment and oral or intravenous antibiotics if necessary.

In some cases, doctor may be removed all or part of the lacrimal sac.

Massage over the infected area, coupled with application of warm compresses often provides relief and speeds the healing process.