Question

A 21-year-old patient presents with painful swelling of the upper lid since the last 3 days. Examination findings are shown in the image. Your management for this patient would be -

1) Antibiotic ointment
2) Oral antibiotics
3) Warm compresses
4) Surgical drainage

Answer 1

For a 21-year-old patient with painful swelling of the upper lid likely due to acute purulent bacterial conjunctivitis, initial management should include warm compresses and potentially an antibiotic ointment. More severe infections may require oral antibiotics, and surgical drainage is reserved for abscess formation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 21-year-old patient presenting with painful swelling of the upper lid and described symptoms suggests a clinical diagnosis of an eyelid infection, potentially blepharitis or a hordeolum (stye). Management involves a combination of treatments. Warm compresses are recommended to reduce swelling and aid in drainage of any purulent material. If the infection appears to be bacterial and is limited to the eyelid or conjunctiva, as in the case of acute purulent bacterial conjunctivitis, a topical antibiotic ointment may be sufficient.

In cases where the infection is more severe or there is a concern for cellulitis (spreading infection), oral antibiotics would be necessary. Surgical drainage would only be indicated if there is an abscess that does not resolve with conservative treatment. Based on the description given, the patient may have acute purulent bacterial conjunctivitis, and the application of an antibiotic ointment as an initial empirical treatment could be considered appropriate. The antibiotic ointment would target the bacterial cause, while warm compresses could facilitate the healing process by increasing local blood circulation and aiding in drainage.