Final answer:
A subconjunctival hemorrhage from coughing isn't typically caused by an infectious agent of conjunctivitis but rather due to increased venous pressure. While infections like bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis are serious and can lead to blindness, they present with additional symptoms such as discharge and pain, which should prompt medical examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
A subconjunctival hemorrhage in a patient with severe coughing episodes can be concerning, but it often isn't directly related to the specific pathogen causing the cough. Instead, the hemorrhage can result from the high pressure in veins caused by intense coughing. While common bacterial conjunctivitis is most often caused by organisms like Haemophilus influenzae, it generally presents with symptoms like pink eye and discharge, not hemorrhage. A subconjunctival hemorrhage without other symptoms typically doesn't indicate a bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, unless accompanied by additional signs such as purulent discharge, eye pain, or vision changes.
It is important to differentiate between the various types of conjunctivitis. For instance, gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum is a serious form caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae that can lead to blindness if not treated. Keratitis, which often presents with eye pain and blurred vision, can cause blindness and is frequently caused by pathogens like Staphylococcus epidermidis and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially among contact lens users. A subconjunctival hemorrhage without these symptoms is less likely due to bacterial infection and not a direct indication of the infecting agent of the cough.
Patients presenting with a subconjunctival hemorrhage post coughing episodes should monitor for any additional symptoms that could suggest a more serious eye infection needing medical attention. If symptoms like those of acute purulent conjunctivitis, such as swelling, redness, and discharge emerge, it may suggest bacterial infection, but again, not necessarily linked to the cough's etiology. Treatment for the cough and potential underlying cause should be sought, while the hemorrhage itself often resolves without intervention.