About Preseptal Cellulitis (Periorbital Cellulitis)
The disease causes of preseptal cellulitis include:
- Bacterial infection: The majority of preseptal cellulitis cases are caused by bacteria, with common culprits being Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria can enter the eyelid area through minor trauma like a scratch or insect bite, or from a nearby infection such as sinusitis.
Risk factors for preseptal cellulitis include:
- Age: Children are at a higher risk for this condition compared to adults.
- Immunization status: Unimmunized or partially immunized children may be more susceptible to certain pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae.
It is important to note that practicing good hygiene, avoiding eye trauma, and promptly treating any infections or injuries around the eye may help reduce the risk of developing preseptal cellulitis.
The most common early symptoms of preseptal cellulitis include:
- Swelling and redness of the eyelid or the area around it
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Irritability
- Fever
- Tiredness
As preseptal cellulitis progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Blurry vision
- Drooping of the upper eyelid
- Bulging of the eye
- Restricted eye movement
- Pain with eye movement
- Decline in vision
- Deterioration of color vision
It's important to note that these later stage symptoms are more commonly associated with a more serious condition called orbital cellulitis. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing complications. Antibiotic treatment is typically required for preseptal cellulitis, and in cases of orbital cellulitis, hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.
To diagnose preseptal cellulitis, healthcare providers commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and any previous diagnoses.
- Visual evaluation: Healthcare providers visually examine the affected area around the eye for signs of inflammation and swelling.
- Eye exam: An ophthalmologist may conduct an eye exam to look for possible signs of cellulitis, such as inflammation and eyeball movements.
- Health evaluation: Doctors ask about recent infections, injuries, or surgeries around the eye area to gather relevant information.
- Tissue tests: If preseptal cellulitis is suspected, a small tissue sample may be taken from the nose or eye for further evaluation in a lab.
- Blood tests: Although blood tests are typically negative in people with preseptal cellulitis, doctors may order them if they suspect orbital cellulitis.
- Imaging tests: A computed tomography (CT) scan may be performed to rule out orbital cellulitis. Young children may require sedation or anesthesia for this procedure.
To determine the severity of preseptal cellulitis, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- CT scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the head: These imaging tests can provide more detailed information about the extent of the infection.
- Examination of the nose, teeth, and mouth: This examination helps identify potential sources of infection.
- Blood, eye discharge, or nasal cultures: These cultures can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.
Remember to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding examinations and tests.
The goals of treatment for preseptal cellulitis are to eliminate the infection, relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and promote healing. Here are the recommended treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Medication types:
- Antibiotics: Oral or intravenous antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The specific type of antibiotics may vary based on age and the identified bacteria.
- Therapies:
- Topical antibiotics: For blepharitis, a chronic condition sometimes mistaken for preseptal cellulitis, topical antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointments may be used.
- Intravenous antibiotics: In severe cases or for children under one year old, intravenous antibiotics are administered in a hospital setting.
- Oral antibiotics: Once the infection starts to improve, oral antibiotics are continued at home for several more days.
- Therapeutic procedures:
- Surgical drainage: In rare cases where an abscess (pocket of pus) forms, surgical drainage may be necessary to remove pus and relieve pressure.
- Health behavior changes:
- Close monitoring: Regular clinical review is important to assess progress and ensure appropriate treatment adjustments if needed.
Each of these treatments works together to eliminate the infection, reduce symptoms, prevent complications such as orbital cellulitis or abscess formation, and promote complete recovery. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.