Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
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| Nasolacrimal duct obstruction | |
|---|---|
| File:Tear system.svg | |
| Synonyms | Dacryostenosis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Epiphora, eye infection |
| Complications | Dacryocystitis, conjunctivitis |
| Onset | Infancy or adulthood |
| Duration | Can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Congenital blockage, trauma, infection, inflammation |
| Risks | Age, sinusitis, facial trauma |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, fluorescein dye disappearance test, imaging |
| Differential diagnosis | Conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, dry eye syndrome |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Lacrimal probing, balloon dacryoplasty, dacryocystorhinostomy |
| Medication | Antibiotics for infection |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in infants |
| Deaths | N/A |
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction is a medical condition that occurs when the nasolacrimal duct, a structure responsible for draining tears from the eyes to the nose, becomes blocked. This condition is common in infants but can also occur in adults due to infection, inflammation, or trauma.
Causes[edit]
The most common cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants is the failure of the membrane at the end of the nasolacrimal duct, known as the Hasner's valve, to open fully at birth. In adults, the obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors including infection, inflammation, trauma, or tumors.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of nasolacrimal duct obstruction is excessive tearing, known as epiphora. Other symptoms may include mucus or pus discharge from the eyes, redness, and swelling in the inner corner of the eyes.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction is typically made through a physical examination and a detailed medical history. Additional tests such as dacryocystography, a type of X-ray imaging, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact location of the obstruction.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In infants, the condition often resolves on its own within the first year of life. In adults, treatment options may include antibiotics for infection, steroids for inflammation, or surgery for severe cases.
See Also[edit]
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