Pink eye or Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. Typically, it is characterized by redness and irritation in the eye.
However, some people might get a fever when they have Conjunctivitis. This has led to a common concern: Does pink eye cause fever?
This article will explore the truth of whether pink eye causes fever. We will also discuss treatment options for pink eye fever.
Does Pink Eye Cause Fever
Pink eye in itself, whether bacterial, allergic, or viral, does not cause fever. It is an eye infection that can cause burning, irritation, and redness of the eyes.
Pink eye occurs when the conjunctiva is inflamed, causing the eye’s white area to appear pink. The conjunctiva is the thin membrane that lines the eyelid and the white area of the eye.
Though the pink eye does not cause fever, symptoms of pink eye can include fever in some cases.
The most common cause of pink eye is a virus, followed by bacteria. Either of these causes can lead to a fever, commonly called pink eye fever.
The body temperature might rise when it tries to fight off the virus or bacteria, resulting in a fever.
If pink eye and fever occur at the same time, it may indicate that the cause of the infection is not allergens or new irritating substances like contact lens solution.
Other Symptoms of Pink Eye
Source: DawnPolandWhile a pink eye fever may indicate that your body is fighting a virus or bacteria, other symptoms can help you detect the infection early.
Early detection and treatment can help prevent the infection from progressing while also limiting the spread. Symptoms that can help you identify pink eye infection are:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burning sensation
- Tearing
- Watery eye discharge for viral pink eye and thick discharge for bacterial pink eye
You should remember that all these symptoms may or may not occur when infected with a virus or bacteria causing pink eye.
An individual can experience green eye discharge, yellow, and white eye discharge.
To learn about the discharge during pink eye, read Everything You Need to Know About Pink Eye Discharge.
What to do if I Have Pink Eye Fever
Generally, pink eye will clear up on its own without medical treatment within 1 to 2 weeks.
However, if your symptoms are severe, you can consult a medical practitioner to treat pink eye or fever.
The doctor may suggest pain relievers or other over-the-counter medications for a fever.
Additionally, the doctor may prescribe Antibiotics like Ciproflaxin or Tobramycin if they diagnose you with bacterial pink eye.
Generally, bacterial pink eye symptoms start to improve within 1 to 2 days of starting a course of Antibiotic medicines.
Pink eye medicine, such as antibiotics, is an effective treatment for bacterial pink eye.
To learn more about antibiotics, read Understanding Pink Eye Antibiotics: Treatment Options and Guidelines.
Summing Up
Pink eye is one of the most common eye infections. It is typically characterized by symptoms like redness, irritation, and burning.
Sometimes, these symptoms of pink eye may also include fever. This has raised a common concern: Can pink eye cause a fever?
Pink eye, in itself, does not cause fever. However, when the cause of pink eye is bacterial or viral, it can lead to fever. This fever is commonly called pink eye fever.
When the body fights this virus or bacteria, the body temperature might rise. which results in a fever.
Symptoms like watery or thick discharge, redness, and itching can help you identify the pink eye infection early. Early detection can also help limit the spread of the infection.
The pink eye generally clears up on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. However, you can consult a doctor if the symptoms are severe.
The doctor may suggest painkillers or over-the-counter medications for fever. They may also prescribe eye drops like Ciproflaxin or Tobramycin to treat pink eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pink eye be a symptom of a more serious illness that causes fever?
Yes, pink eye can be a symptom of an underlying illness. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
Can over-the-counter medications relieve pink eye fever symptoms?
Yes, over-the-counter medications may help alleviate some symptoms like redness and itching but will not treat the underlying infection. Consult a healthcare provider for proper treatment.
Can allergies cause pink eye and fever?
Pink eye caused by allergies, known as allergic Conjunctivitis, may lead to redness and itching but typically does not induce a fever.
How is viral pink eye different from bacterial pink eye?
Viral pink eye often starts in one eye and can be associated with cold-like symptoms, while bacterial pink eye can affect one or both eyes and may produce a thicker discharge.
How long does pink eye fever typically last?
The duration of pink eye and fever depends on the underlying cause. Viral pink eye often clears up within a week, while bacterial pink eye may require Antibiotic treatment.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
