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Massage of the tear duct and glands in infants and adults
The development of tears is a continuous process in the body and is carried out by the tear glands. Spreading evenly over the cornea of the eye, tears through thin lacrimal ducts enter a special reservoir - a tear sack, after which the thin ducts that connect the nose and eyes are exposed to the outside. The need for massage of the lacrimal canal and tear glands arises when the lacrimal canal is blocked, resulting in tears accumulating in the sac, pressing on it, leading to inflammation, infection.
Indications for the procedure
Indications for a tear canal massage are pronounced lacrimation, accumulation of yellow liquid in the corners of the eyes, coalescence of the eyelids, their redness, edema of the eyes and the area around them. Most often, the massage of the lacrimal canal is resorted to in newborns. On average, 5-6 babies out of 100 are blocked by a tear duct. The reason for this is the embryonic tissue closed outlet of the duct, which during the delivery should open itself and the film burst. Diagnosis of this pathology can only an ophthalmologist who will conduct an examination and confirm the diagnosis using a special test. The so-called Vest test is that a contrast agent is dripping into the eye, and a cotton swab is inserted into the nose. If the patency is not broken, it will be painted. There are methods to determine the location of the blockage. Initially, to eliminate pathology, a massage is prescribed, which parents should do regularly themselves at home. Massage movements create pressure in the nasal duct, which is capable of breaking the membrane and restoring patency of tear ducts.
The massage is also shown for dacryocystitis caused by the narrowing of the lacrimal ducts as a result of inflammation of the nasal cavity. In this case, massage accelerates the outflow of purulent masses, stimulates the work of the lacrimal glands. In combination with it, eye wash with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drugs is carried out.
Occlusion in adults is rare, but in elderly people this happens, tk. The elasticity of tissues decreases with age, muscles weaken. Injuries, neoplasms, thickening of the layer inside the duct can cause obstruction of the canal. Unfortunately, the massage of the lacrimal canal in adults does not lead to a solution. It will take a washing with disinfectants, and if ineffectiveness is resorted to surgical intervention. But massage of eyeballs, eye area, soft tissues of the face is indicated for glaucoma, inflammations of the mucous membrane of eyelids and eyes, myopia, eye fatigue, paresis, traumatic cataract, myopia. And yet, with dacryocystitis as a complex therapy, a tear canal massage is performed.
Preparation
Preparation for the massage consists in the disinfection of the hands and the preparation of massage points. To do this, you must carefully wash your hands, cut your nails, so as not to scratch the child's face. Then moisten the cotton swab in a decoction of chamomile or a solution of furacilin and rub the eye gap from the outer edge to the inside, removing the purulent discharge, if any.
Technique of the lacrimal canal massage
Massage is performed with the index fingers of both hands. The technique is that, in front of the nose, there are tubercles that need to be groped and jerkily pressed on them, running down towards the nose, trying to push the liquid into the nasal cavity.
These movements should not be stroking, they should be repeated at least 10 times without stopping. During pressure on the tear pouches, pus can flow out, which must be removed with the help of the solution used before the massage. Double wipe with the same tampon can not. Success can be achieved by performing manipulations at least 4-7 times a week, at least 2 weeks. Most often, the tear ducts open at the end of the third month of the baby's life.
Contraindications to the procedure
Contraindications to the massage of the lacrimal canal and tear glands are oncological neoplasms, traumas with perforation, purulent processes, including phlegmon of the lacrimal sac or, as it is also called, acute purulent peridakriocystitis. At a hydrops (dropsy) a tear sack it is also impossible to carry out massage.
Consequences after the procedure
The consequences after the procedure of massage of the lacrimal canal, as a rule, are positive. At first, the secretion of pus may increase, but this only indicates that the massage is performed correctly. If the procedure did not lead to the expected result, resort to probing the nasolacrimal canal.
Complications after the procedure
After a two-week massage and not having achieved the result, it should be stopped, tk. Complications after the procedure are possible. In the inflammatory process, surrounding tissues can be involved, which will entail serious pathologies of the organ of vision. The phlegmon of the lacrimal sac is dangerous. It is manifested not only by its reddening and swelling of the sac, but also by high temperature, elevated leukocytes and ESR in the blood. In the unfavorable course, the phlegmon is not opened outward, but into the orbit. This development is dangerous because it is possible to form fistula, and the cranial cavity is next. Infection of the brain can lead to complete loss of vision, impairment of the central nervous system, memory loss.
Care after the procedure
Care after the massage procedure includes instillation of the eyes with eye anti-inflammatory drops. The most commonly prescribed are tobrex or tobraxide, the active ingredient of which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is also necessary to comply with hygiene rules. After consultation with your doctor, you can use alternative methods and apply infusions of antiseptic herbs (thyme, chamomile, calendula, ovary, sage, green tea) to rub your eyes or wash your face.
Medical expert editor
Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich
Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, Specialty - "General Medicine"
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