How can I tell the difference between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (for my 13-month-old daughter)?

Question

Hello, my 13 month old daughter, is starting a cold, I see secretions a little at the corner of both eyes, for the moment they are clear. My question is: how to distinguish a viral conjunctivitis from a bacterial one? which requires that I take RV at the Md. If not, you pharmacists, can you recommend an over the counter product to relieve/heal it? thank you so much! i'm already doing this technique!!!! so i'm hopeful it will get better soon! I'm sure my question will help other parents in the same situation :)

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am, Conjunctivitis is when you have a red eye sometimes accompanied by pus in the corner of one or both eyes. When this occurs along with a cold, it leans more towards viral conjunctivitis, which doesn't need antibiotic drops to heal. In fact, in a situation like this, the amount of mucus present in the child's nose should be reduced as much as possible (this is the same mucus that "travels up" to the eyes). To do this, there is a very effective technique that comes to us from Ste-Justine Hospital (described on pages 6 and 7 here ). Do this technique 3 to 5 times a day and you will see that after about 1 day the situation will be greatly improved. Tell me about it, Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist I'm sure of it too! 😊