Bags under the eyes - Causes, symptoms and treatment. MF.

Someone will say that the "bags" under the eyes - this is just a cosmetic problem. Someone will think: Well, I did not get enough sleep today, tomorrow I will not remember it. But if, when you look in the mirror every morning, you see a swelling on your face, this is an occasion to ponder, but is there only a reason for lack of sleep?

To be clearer, let's say a few words about the anatomy of the orbit. The eyeball is a fairly fragile organ and needs protection. Therefore, in the eye socket, it is surrounded on all sides by a fatty tissue that protects and absorbs it. From the delicate skin of the eyelids, this impressive amount of fat, called periorbital fiber, separates a thin layer of connective tissue( membrane).It does not allow periorbital fiber to go beyond the orbit.

Anatomy of the orbit. In the figure, 1- eye contour fiber, 2 eyeballs, 3-membrane

Causes of bags under the eyes

The causes of the appearance of "bags" under the eyes is a decrease in the elasticity and overextension of the membrane with its bulging and the formation of a hernial protrusion, which we see as "bags".About three years ago, another reason is proved, the growth of the fiber itself, its increase in volume and protrusion beyond the orbit. Even a slight fiber swelling would not be so noticeable, if not for its ability to accumulate liquid.

Edema significantly increases the size of the orbital tissue of the orbit and is caused by a variety of reasons. Let's list some: abuse of salt and alcohol, which lead to fluid retention in the body, excessive ultraviolet irradiation( skin, protecting, stores moisture), overwork of the eyes.

If the cause of the "bags" under the eyes are fluid retention, then in the afternoon they usually disappear. This is due to activation of blood circulation during wakefulness and facilitating the removal of excess fluid from the upper half of the trunk.

If the "bags" under the eyes do not change within a day, then the growth of cellulose is to blame. Most often there is a genetic predisposition to this defect, the skin over it darkens, which visually only aggravates the problem.

With age, too, there is a decrease in tissue elasticity and a gradual increase in the amount of fiber, and it is in the lower half of the orbit. Therefore, with age, the appearance of "bags" under the eyes becomes more frequent and requires fewer provoking factors. In addition, the older the patient, the more likely the occurrence of diseases that contribute to fluid retention.

In the photo bags under the eyes

Diseases causing the appearance of bags under the eyes

The first thing the doctor thinks about when he calls a patient with bags under his eyes is kidney disease .In this case, swelling on the face appears quickly( for several hours), combined with general weakness, fever, pain in the lumbar region, color change, transparency and the amount of urine. All of the above is characteristic of inflammatory kidney diseases, which are often complications of colds, tonsillitis, cystitis( inflammation of the bladder).

An additional factor for the appearance of edema in this case is the loss of protein albumin with urine. Albumin is in the blood plasma and helps to retain water in it. Healthy kidneys prevent it from getting into the urine. But with the disease, the kidney function is broken and in the laboratory it is possible to identify the allocation of a particular amount of protein in the general analysis of urine. Also, you can recommend a general blood test, which will show signs of inflammation and ultrasound of the kidneys. Does not interfere with the control of blood pressure.

Inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses of the nose can also provoke swelling of the cellulose surrounding the eye. The respiratory sinuses are the saccular enlargements in the bone tissue associated with the nasal cavity and performing the function of moisturizing and warming the inhaled air. If there is a pain in the projection of the paranasal sinuses( from one or both sides), a runny nose( sometimes strengthened on the side of the lesion), fever, headaches, then this speaks for the diagnosis. Inflammation can be both viral and bacterial in nature. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a survey and examination of the patient, supported by data from a radiographic examination and a general blood test( to identify signs of inflammation).Inflammation of the maxillary( maxillary) sinus is called sinusitis. It is steamy and is located to the right and left of the nose under the eye sockets. Frontite is an inflammation of the frontal sinus, which is located to the right and left of the bridge of the nose just above the eyebrows.

For allergic diseases is also characterized by edema under the eyes. Allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes( conjunctivitis) can develop with increased sensitivity to certain substances( allergens) and is manifested by reddening and swelling of the eyes, itching in the eyes. Seasonality of these symptoms is associated with the flowering of trees and herbs. In this case, as soon as possible, stop contact with the suspected( or known) allergen and consult a doctor for treatment.

Conjunctivitis can be not only of an allergic nature, but also infectious and chemical. Bacteria get on a sensitive mucous eye in violation of hygiene rules with dirty hands, cosmetics and makeup devices. Irritant effect is caused by dust and gas contamination of air, poor-quality cosmetics. In the causes of conjunctivitis, the oculist will investigate and prescribe the treatment in accordance with the identified cause of the disease.

A separate line in the group of edema around the eyes of an allergic nature is acute allergic edema ( angioedema).It is a rapidly developing allergic reaction that can endanger human life. If you notice that after contact with any substance suddenly there is swelling in the face and neck, dry coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, you should urgently call an ambulance. Quincke's edema affects not only the subcutaneous tissue, but also mucous membranes and muscle membranes. During the allergic reaction, substances that sharply increase the permeability of the vessels for the liquid and protein are released. When the walls of the larynx are swollen, air enters the lungs and the person can suffocate. In the summer, Quincke's edema often develops after biting insects( wasps, bees, flies), especially if the bite occurs in a place rich in blood vessels and close to the head.

Some acute respiratory viral infections ( ARVI) also occur with the phenomena of conjunctivitis and periorbital fiber edema. They combine the phenomena of eye irritation, rhinitis( rhinitis), fever and sore throat. This is typical for adenovirus infection.

A couple of words worth mentioning about hypothyroidism .The lack of production of thyroid hormones is manifested by nonspecific symptoms, including swelling of the face, hands, legs, internal organs, impairment of the general metabolism towards deceleration( obesity, constipation, slowing of the pulse and speech, decreased memory and attention, dry skin, hair loss andnails).In neglected form develops myxedema-swelling of the skin and subcutaneous tissue throughout its extent, elastic, leaving no fossa. Confirmed diagnosis in a laboratory study, which reveals a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood and with the help of an endocrinologist assigned adequate doses of replacement therapy.

If the "bags" under the eyes are combined with pain in the left half of the chest, palpitations, shortness of breath with physical exertion, edema of the legs, then most likely, their cause is heart disease .Chronic heart failure occurs when the heart can not cope with pumping blood through the body, and the organs( including the heart itself) suffer from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Edema in heart failure first appear on the legs and gradually "rise" higher if not treated properly. Swelling on the face and around the eyes can be a formidable sign of anasarca - swelling of all of the subcutaneous tissue and internal organs, which threatens the patient's life. To confirm heart disease, ECG and ultrasound of the heart( ECHO-KG), control of blood pressure and blood lipid levels are prescribed.

Equally often bags under the eyes occur both in women and men, only men are much less likely to pay attention to this symptom and, as a result, later seek medical advice. Often there are bags under the eyes and in children.

Bags under the eyes of a child

The appearance of bags under the eyes of a child does not always indicate a health problem. Bags under the eyes of healthy children appear in the following cases: after a long crying or crying of the child, after excessive consumption of liquid or salty foods, after sleeping in a position where the baby's head is located below the trunk.

If the bags under the eyes of a child are not associated with diseases, they pass on their own after the causes have been eliminated. The appearance of bags under the eyes of a child can be caused by the same diseases as in adults and in this case, a doctor's consultation is mandatory. You need advice from a pediatrician if:

• Bags under the eyes of a child have suddenly appeared, accompanied by lacrimation, redness of the eyes, clear discharge from the nose, anxiety. In this case, probably the presence of allergies( Quincke's Edema), which requires immediate medical attention.
• Bags under the eyes are combined with an increase in body temperature, headache, back pain, urinary disorders( rapid or rare urination, the presence of blood in the urine).These symptoms indicate kidney disease.
• Bags under the eyes are accompanied by the bulging fontanelles, anxiety, crying of the child. The likely cause of swelling under the eyes of a child in this case is an increase in intracranial pressure.
• Bags under the eyes do not pass a long time, increase with time, are noted throughout the day.

Bags under the eyes during pregnancy

The appearance of bags under the eyes during pregnancy is often a normal phenomenon and is caused by the delay of the water's salt in the body of a pregnant woman. Excess fluid accumulates in adipose tissue and subcutaneous fat, causing the appearance of bags under the eyes, weight gain, increased skin moisture.

But the appearance of edema under the eyes of a pregnant woman can also indicate kidney disease, preeclampsia( dropsy) of pregnant women or other diseases that threaten the life of not only the future mother, but also the fetus, so timely consultation of the obstetrician-gynecologist and mandatory general urine analysis forelimination of pathology.

Treatment of bags under the eyes

Treatment of "bags" under the eyes at home is possible only if the cause of it is pulpal edema, and not its pathological proliferation, and if this edema does not appear due to any disease. In this case, people's remedies recommend the restoration of the regime of work and rest, the rejection of bad habits, the observance of a diet with the correct content of salt, microelements, vitamins and fiber.

Cosmetic folk remedies will help to remove bags under the eyes of cold and hot compresses with herbs( sage, chamomile, tea, dill, fennel).You can use self-massage and daily exercises to strengthen the muscles of the eyes. After consulting a cosmetician you can be recommended professional hardware. The most radical way to combat "bags" under the eyes is surgical treatment - blepharoplasty

I want to warn against unreasonable use of medicines not intended for the treatment of edema. In my practice there was a case when from the edemas on the face( on the advice of acquaintances) the patient applied ointment for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Needless to say, this led to deplorable results in the form of severe irritation and prolonged treatment in a dermatologist. Skin eyelids are very tender and require special care.

Without a doctor's recommendation, do not use diuretics. This can lead to a violation of the balance of trace elements in the body, in particular potassium and sodium, which is fraught with serious irregularities in the work of the heart.

"Bags" under the eyes do not themselves bring pain or inconvenience to their wearer and only spoil the appearance. But if they are caused by serious diseases, then delaying the time to see a doctor can adversely affect their prognosis. Improper treatment of kidney and heart disease often leads to irreversible changes in these organs that threaten life. Allergic diseases can signal the onset of bronchial asthma.

To which doctor to consult with bags under the eyes

In all the nuances under the power to understand only the doctor. In such cases, in addition to a cosmetologist, to exclude diseases as a cause of periorbital fiber edema, it is necessary to visit a therapist. Consultations of narrow specialists are advisable only after additional examination, if they are necessary.