Final Answer:
Congenital dacryocystitis is characterized by inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to a blocked tear duct, often presenting with symptoms like tearing, discharge, and swelling near the inner corner of the eye.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congenital dacryocystitis is a condition that typically occurs in infants due to the obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, which prevents tears from draining properly. The nasolacrimal duct connects the eye's lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity, allowing tears to flow into the nose. When this duct is blocked, tears accumulate in the lacrimal sac, leading to inflammation and infection.
Common symptoms of congenital dacryocystitis include excessive tearing, discharge (often yellow or greenish), and swelling near the inner corner of the eye. The condition is usually diagnosed through clinical examination and may require further imaging studies to identify the site and cause of the blockage. Treatment options range from conservative measures, such as massage and warm compresses, to more invasive interventions like probing or surgery to open the blocked duct.
It's important to note that congenital dacryocystitis is different from acquired dacryocystitis, which occurs later in life and is often associated with factors such as aging, trauma, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to other causes. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of congenital dacryocystitis are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the normal development of tear drainage in infants.