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Neonatal Conjunctivitis (Ophthalmia Neonatorum) - An Overview
Neonatal conjunctivitis, medically known as Ophthalmia Neonatorum, is a disease of the eye occurring in newborn babies. It is majorly caused by an infection acquired by the baby either during the childbirth or soon after. It is more common in developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. This article outlines the various causes, treatment options and the preventive measures of neonatal conjunctivitis.
What is Ophthalmia Neonatorum?
Ophthalmia neonatorum is conjunctivitis in babies who are less than a month old. Conjunctivitis is typically the inflammation of the conjunctiva or the inner surface of the eyes caused due to an infection. Newborn babies pick up the infection from the mother or from their surroundings soon after birth. It is one of the most common types of eye disorders in newborns and is completely treatable if diagnosed on time. However, in some severe cases, there are chances of permanent scarring that can even lead to blindness.
Causes of Neonatal Conjunctivitis
The causes of neonatal conjunctivitis can be classified based on whether it is the infectious type or the non-infectious type. The infectious type is caused by one or more types of infection, while the non-infectious or aseptic type is caused by the contact of a chemical substance.
1. Infectious ON
Infectious ON can be caused by either bacterial or viral infections. The child picks up the infection from the mother while passing through the birth canal during delivery. The chances of infection are high if it is a face presentation(face-first or chin-up position in the womb) delivery or a forceps-assisted delivery. In some rare cases, the child may acquire the infection from an infected amniotic fluid during a membrane rupture. The causes of infections include the following:
Bacterial: Bacteria like the Chlamydia and N. gonorrhoea are among the most common causative agents of neonatal conjunctivitis. It accounts for nearly 70% of the infectious ON cases. A mother who has sexually transmitted diseases carries these bacteria in her vagina and transmits them to the baby during birth. Other bacteria associated with infectious ON are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus haemolyticus, and Streptococcus pneumonia. The instances of infectious conjunctivitis have declined over the years due to advanced pregnancy screening and a decrease in the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases.
Viral: The herpes simplex virus (HSV 2) is a less common cause of infectious neonatal conjunctivitis.
2. Non-Infectious ON
Prophylactic silver nitrate is used in newborns to prevent the spread of gonorrhoeal infection. This silver nitrate has a tendency to irritate the conjunctiva of the newborn's eyes and can lead to serious forms of sterile conjunctivitis. Chloramphenicol, erythromycin and neomycin are safe alternates for silver nitrate and many doctors have reduced the usage of this harmful chemical.
Signs and Symptoms
Babies who have neonatal conjunctivitis show one of the following symptoms within the first one month of their birth,
Discharge from the conjunctiva- A classical symptom of conjunctivitis is a white discharge that can contain mucus, pus or both, from the conjunctiva
Swollen eyelids that give the eye a closed appearance
pain or tenderness in the eyeball
irritation, redness and continuous tear discharge (Chemical conjunctivitis)
excessive oedema of the conjunctiva
preseptal cellulitis
Periocular vesicles and superficial punctate keratitis in the case of viral infection
The symptoms start appearing within five days of birth in the case of a gonorrhoeal infection, while it takes anywhere from five days to 28 days after birth, for conjunctivitis caused by a chlamydial infection.
Diagnosis
Once the symptoms start to show in the newborn baby, the doctor carries out a couple of tests to confirm the diagnosis,
Discharge culture: Since the discharge from the eye carries the causative organism, a culture of the fluid is done on artificial medium. The growth of the bacteria or virus confirms the diagnosis of an infectious ON. Further study is also carried out to exactly determine the causative organism.
Eye examination: Fluorescein examination of the eye can be helpful for doctors in estimating the extent of conjunctivitis. Normal physical examination of the eye can also give a first-hand idea of the disease.
Maternal examination: If the doctor suspects a bacterial or viral infection as the cause of conjunctivitis, the mother is examined for any sexually transmitted diseases.
Case history: A thorough analysis of the time of onset can help in the correct diagnosis, as each type of neonatal conjunctivitis has a unique time of onset.
Complications
Prompt treatment with antibiotics, usually bring down the infection and minimizes any chances of complications. However, in case of lack of proper treatment, the following complications may occur in the child,
pseudomembrane formation
the thickened palpebral conjunctiva
peripheral pannus formation
opacification of the cornea
staphyloma
perforation of the cornea
endophthalmitis
corneal oedema
permanent blindness
Some systemic complications like otitis, pneumonitis, pharyngeal and rectal colonization, meningitis, arthritis, etc. can also occur.
Treatment
The treatment given is usually aimed at reducing the infection and correcting the symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Antibiotic course: Each type of infection is treated with a suitable antibiotic at age-appropriate dosages. Some severe cases of infection are supplemented with an oral intake of antibiotic in addition to the topical application. Usually, for bacterial infections 1% tetracycline or 0.5% erythromycin is used as the first line of therapy. 50 mg/kg of Ceftriaxone is given to babies with gonococcal infections.
Saline lavage: Saline is used to wash the eye and clear the infectious discharge
Prevention
The prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis can be done by the following ways
Identifying and treating the mother carrying the infection. Expecting mothers can be screened for any gonorrhoeal or chlamydial infection. If not during the pregnancy, at least before delivery a screening for these infections is mandatory.
Maintenance of aseptic conditions during delivery and cleaning the eyes of the newborn with sterile material.
In case of a known infection in the mother a caesarean operation is preferred over a vaginal delivery, to minimize the chances of the baby contracting the infection.
Use of safe antibiotics like erythromycin for ocular infections in newborn, instead of silver nitrate drops.
Babies who are born to mothers carrying the infection, but do not show signs of any conjunctivitis should be monitored closely for the development of any new signs.
The incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis has greatly reduced worldwide, except a few developing countries owing to the general increase in awareness and better access to medical services. With proper and timely medical treatment, neonatal conjunctivitis is completely curable and is rarely sight threatening.
Also Read: A Guide to Ear Infection in Babies Read more
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Bhumikaba Sodha
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3 mins ago
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'Everyone Says I Destroyed My Married Granddaughter's Life. I Feel Very Happy...'
Blessed are those who receive unwavering love from their parents, but even more blessed are those who also get love from their grandparents! Not all kids are lucky enough to grow up with, or spend time with, their grandparents - but the relationship that Dada-Dadis/Nana-Nanis share with children is beautiful beyond measure. This heart-wrenching story of Mita and her hero - her grandfather - proves what it means to have the kind of love that fights till the very end.
Grandparents are known to be the “easy” ones compared to parents, the ones that spoil you rotten, and allow you most things that your parents will not. In little Mita's case, her grandfather Rajjak Miah starved for months so that he could gift her what she loved most - bangles!
But things took a horrible turn when Rajjak Miah was accused of destroying his granddaughter Mita's life. And guess what? He lives with this accusation happily! He believes he has done what was correct and he is at peace with his decision. The fact that he loves his granddaughter more than anyone else in this world is worth all the accusations everyone is throwing at him. In fact, it was even worth 'destroying' her marriage for, and getting her back to live with him!
Here is Rajjat's passionate account of what happened with his granddaughter and why he ended up doing what he did. The story was shared on Facebook earlier this month by prominent photojournalist GMB Akash.
"Everyone says that I have ruined my granddaughter’s life. I tell them, I feel very happy that I destroyed her life.
You should have the courage to destroy, to ruin, to end that causes you so much pain. It’s been six months my son and daughter-in-law stopped talking to me and never visited my place. If everyone thinks that I am a criminal, I have no interest to waste my time to prove them wrong. When I come to work, people gossip about me, none of them has the gut to come to me and ask what had gone through me. But I do not care.
Bangles were very dear to my Mita. Mita is my only granddaughter. When she was a child I had to buy bangles for her from the fair. I starved months to buy her a pair of silver bangles when she was ten. I put oil and trimmed her hair most of the time. When I came to work I brought her with me and she studied under the tree and I always checked her from distant. She loved to play hide & seek and before hiding she always come to me and says where she was going to hide. I told her she should not tell anyone her hiding place, she said, ‘I did not tell anyone. Just you.’ I never let her cry even for the silly things. And they are saying I have ruined my grand daughter’s life!"
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="484"] Source: https://www.facebook.com/gmbakash/photos/a.262454117152683.63612.260876280643800/1444889565575793/?type=3&theater[/caption]
"The beast tortured her every day. She could not wear bangles anymore, when I asked her why her hands were empty; she hid her burnt spots. Her husband had beaten up her without reasons. They asked me never to visit her. But I secretly went to meet her every day. In fear, she told me never to go there. Twenty years I struggled to put smile on her face, how could I let her burn into a hell just to see if she could manage an abusive marriage. She was dying with time and everyone including her parents was blind. They said, it needs patience, girls should have patience.
One day, I held her husband legs so he let me to take her hospital, he held my hands and threw me from their house. And again I returned back. I tolerated all humiliation just to see her once. The day when Mita's neighbour admitted her to hospital, they sent news to me secretly. I went there and saw she was vomiting blood, she could not properly hear.
After three days she was able to talk, when I asked her to rest, she said, ‘Take me somewhere, somewhere very far dada, where there is no pain. I want to hide there.’
No, I did not let her hide. I gave the man to the police. She broke the marriage on her will. And I sheltered her in my house. I bought a sewing machine for my child.
I will never let anyone to play with her life again. My Mita will live again. She will dream and love again. I will buy more bangles for her. Till my last breathe, she does not need to hide, from anyone or from any pain."
- Rajjak Miah (70)
We had tears in our eyes and gratitude towards this strong-willed and love-driven grandad when we read his brave story. Where her own parents chose the “ignorance is bliss” route in regards to their own flesh and blood's suffering, Rajjak Miah came through. Mita suffered endlessly in her marriage to a physically abusive man and could have lost her life if not for her Dada - a man who lived solely to see her happy again.
WorldOfMoms salutes Rajjak Miah for fighting against domestic abuse and making sure he saved his granddaughter's life. Countless “Mitas” exist in our world today and we cannot imagine how much goes on behind the closed doors, hiding behind the veil of “log kya kahenge?” lest these murky secrets escape! If you do know someone who is suffering in an unhealthy marriage, reach out, you never know what you could be preventing.
Just like Rajjak Miah, there may also be countless fathers, grandfathers, mothers , brothers and friends who fight tooth and nail to save a loved one from domestic abuse. Let's join them to make a difference, even if it is one person's life...no one should have to suffer the way Mita did. Read more
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9 Romantic Movies to Watch during Valentine's Week
Why do we watch every love story Bollywood has ever made? Because there’s something about romantic movies that gets us all eager and excited! Although they are over in three odd hours, watching movies is when you can cosy up to your hubby and give a boost to the existing love in your marital relationship. So, search for these Hindi romantic movies online, put your baby to sleep, and enjoy some quality time with your significant other.
Bollywood Movies That Are a Must-watch for Married Couples
Reel is often as “real” as it can get. These movies seem to have been made for Valentine’s week as they explore the various facets of relationships with relatable characters and a well-written storyline.
1. Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whRcai32JQs
Starring: Kay Kay Menon, Raima Sen, Boman Irani, Shabana Azmi, Amisha Patel, Abhay Deol
Running Time: 119 Minutes
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd is the story of six married couples who have set out on their honeymoon to Goa on the same cruise ship. As their vacay goes by, each couple learns new things about their own relationship. Some people are shown to reveal new aspects of their personality; past challenges and issues crop up; but they all finally return home with a stronger bond than before the honeymoon. One of the couples, Partho and Milly Sen caught our interest in particular. While Milly seems like a traditional Bengali girl, Partho discovers that she is an expert in martial arts when she takes on a pack of goons all by herself! This romantic movie will fondly remind you of your own honeymoon and let you relive those moments.
2. Tanu Weds Manu Returns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGGmyaurjAI
Starring: Kangana Ranaut, R. Madhavan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Swara Bhaskar
Running Time: 128 minutes
This popular romantic movie is a sequel to Tanu Weds Manu. While the first movie was about Manu wooing Tanu and marrying her, the second one is about disagreements that pop up in marriages after a few years. Tanu Weds Manu Returns opens with both the partners filing for a divorce. Tanu leaves London and returns to her parents' home in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. She gets back with her ex-boyfriend Raja. Meanwhile, Manu spots Tanu's lookalike Kusum at Delhi University. With a desire to move on, he asks Kusum's family for her hand in marriage. Tanu, along with Raja, reaches the wedding venue and there, she realises how much she still loves her husband. The film stresses the importance of communication and adjustment to keep the bond strong even years after marriage.
3. Love Aaj Kal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLH1gmk9_iE
Starring: Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Rishi Kapoor
Running Time: 129 minutes
Love Aaj Kal is a love story set in two generations. Over the years, the process of meeting, wooing, dating, and marrying has changed a lot. The film shows how marital relationships are less strong nowadays, and thus, require more effort from both partners to keep the love alive. Even though Veer-Harleen and Jai-Meera face issues getting and staying married, true love, indeed, is shown to find its way back.
4. Akaash Vani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6EXilLf8SQ
Starring: Kartik Aaryan, Nushrat Bharucha
Running Time: 149 minutes
Akaash Vani is a romantic film about college friendships, love, and a not-so-sweet marital relationship. This love story has an underlying and recurring theme of parents choosing a suitor for their daughter. Vani initially resigns to her fate of living with an abusive husband, but ultimately goes against everyone to be with Akaash who had never stopped loving her, right from their college days. A classic example of how women are breaking the stereotype, it will get you teary-eyed and also some cute promises from your better half!
5. 2 States: The Story of My Marriage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGyAaR2aWcA
Starring: Arjun Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ronit Roy, Amrita Singh, Revathi
Running Time: 149 minutes
2 States is a film based on a book of the same name. The film is about how Krish (based on Chetan Bhagat’s character in the book), a Punjabi, goes into depression because he couldn’t marry his IIM-A classmate, Ananya, who hails from Tamil Nadu. The story is also inspired by Bhagat’s own tale of marrying someone from outside his state and the struggles they had to go through to have their relationship accepted. The film is quite realistic, as in India, a marriage is not just between two individuals but between two families. It has both, funny and sentimental scenes, and is more relatable to partners who belong to different states.
6. Dum Laga Ke Haisha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZpPpSU3k0
Starring: Ayushmann Khurana, Bhumi Pednekar
Running Time: 110 minutes
Dum Laga Ke Haisha is the story of an overweight Sandhya and a school drop-out Prem who get married due to parental pressure. Prem dislikes the match from the very beginning and does everything to be away from his wife, hurting Sandhya in the process. Things take a turn for the worse, but a forced six months of living together gives rise to love in their hearts. Prem is challenged to a "Dum Lagao" contest by a fellow business competitor. On the day of the contest, he surprisingly bears the weight of his wife on his shoulders, overcomes all the obstacles placed in their path and wins the race. Love gives strength - that’s what the climax of this romantic movie portrays.
7. Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein
Starring: R. Madhavan, Diya Mirza, Saif Ali Khan
Running Time: 168 minutes
A love story from the early 2000s, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein is a film about a college rivalry that turns into a ‘suitor rivalry’ after a few years. Maddy and Sam are college students who hate each other. A few years down the line, they fall in love with the same girl and want to marry her. Love triangles are always bittersweet, and so is this romantic film.
8. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBi8syxPd14
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma
Running Time: 164 minutes
Although the film starts off on a somewhat unrealistic note, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is the story of how Surinder puts his heart into winning the love and affection of his wife, Taani. He changes himself for her, in terms of his physical appearance, his name (Raj) and his personality, such that Taani doesn’t recognise him when they partner up for a dance competition. However, things get complicated when Taani slowly starts developing feelings for Raj, his alter identity. The movie then deals with Taani’s dilemma of choosing between the man she’s married to or the man she’s falling in love with. This film beautifully shows the real struggles of an arranged marriage and that both partners should adapt to one another to experience marital bliss.
9. Socha Na Tha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DNs99fqfes
Starring: Abhay Deol, Ayesha Takia
Running Time: 157 minutes
Socha Na Tha is the story of Viren who refuses to marry Aditi as he is in love with his girlfriend, Karen. However, they meet, interact, and gradually start developing feelings for each other. A real take on love and romance, this is one romantic film for those who don’t believe in love at first sight.
After having a baby, partners tend to focus less on each other. Movies are an excellent way to come closer to your spouse once again, and what better time to make a start than Valentine’s week!
Also Read:
Here’s a Collection of 5 Romantic Poems, Just for Your Husband
Special Gifts You Can Get for Your Husband This Valentine’s Day
Romantic Valentine’s Day Home Decoration Ideas Read more
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Travel Accessories for Women During Rains
Everyone enjoys the rains but you also worry about the damage it might cause to your hair and skin. With the occasional drizzle continuing well into September, you may want to reverse the damage! Let's see if you've got it right with our list of travel essentials for women in rainy season.
Monsoons are a much-awaited time among the young and old. The rainy season heralds a change of temperature and can urge you to hit the road and go for long drives and weekend trips. But before you strap on your backpack, there are a few travel essentials for women that you must be aware of.
Must-Have Monsoon Travel Bag Accessories for Women
1. Waterproof make-up
The last thing you want is your travel pictures highlighting running mascara and raccoon eyes. Ensure that you pack a few waterproof basics like mascaras, eyeliners and kajals as well as a stay-on lipstick or a lip balm.
2. Face tissues
Monsoons see high levels of humidity causing skin to become oily. Breakouts are also common. Moist face tissues are a must as part of travel accessories for women during monsoons. Carry a pack in your bag to pat away the oil from your face whenever you need to.
3. Hair oil
Rain water can cause dryness for some people so if you’re planning to prance around in the rain, make sure you hydrate your hair by applying hair oil for a couple of hours before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
4. Sunscreen
Many people think sunscreens are only for hot days without rain. However, the rays of the sun can damage skin in all seasons. A sunscreen is one of the must-have monsoon travel bag accessories for women. Don’t leave home without it!
5. Rain jackets and umbrellas
If you want to keep your hands free, rain jackets are a good idea, especially the hooded ones. However, it’s best to carry an umbrella along as a fallback in case the rain gets too heavy. Besides, a colourful umbrella goes a long way in adding a splash of style to your outfits.
6. Waterproof bag
You wouldn't want water streaks destroying your favourite bag, would you? One of the most important travel essentials for women in rainy season is a waterproof bag that remains protected from the rain no matter where you go.
7. Rain boots
Love splashing around in puddles? Ensure your feet are protected from germs and mud with a pair of sturdy rain boots. You can also choose rain shoes in a ballerina flat style as well as mid-tops to match different outfits.
Make the most of the rainy season while looking and feeling on top of the world with these travel tips. Enjoy the cool showers while still keeping yourself perfectly dry. Your trip will be a lot more fun when you’re prepared for anything. Read more
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
1 hour ago
Q. why can't I add child details in my profile
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please add in your profile aftwr login and still is you find any difficulty then you should contact first cry customers service department.
Take care
Rayan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. right now I am 39 week pregnant but never feel any type of pain is it ok my due date is 5/5/24
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
54 mins ago
A. Hello mam, It's normal mam. don't worry a lot.Since your due date is near, eat healthy and sip your drinks. Keep yourself hydrated. Happy parenting and welcome new mom!!!
Indhumathy Ravikumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert my newborn baby girl breast is hard n feel like lump
Indhumathy Ravikumar
Mom of 2 children
53 mins ago
A. please give gentle massage on breast before bathing.. and then squeeze the curdled milk in it.. after that keep pumping the breast from time to time.. it will cure with in two weeks..
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. after c section when we start physical relation?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. after 8 weeks or after proper healing of the wounds. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
good morning Ma'am..
My son is 4 months old. He gets stomach pain/ gas everyday at any time.. He cries for long when he gets pain.. I am giving him Colic aid everyday from last one month.. Only after giving colic aid he stops crying... what should I do to avoid his pain and medicine??
Read moreRayan
Mom of 2 children
49 mins ago
A. Hello mam! If it is due to colic pain /gas, it is common in newborns. Make sure that you burp your baby after every feed. Don't feed just before your baby is to sleep. Make a routine like feed, play and sleep. Burp inbetween feedings. Colic pain will stop automatically at 5 or 6 months. So don't worry. Happy parenting!
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
11 mins ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
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