Frequent Styes: Causes and Seeking Medical Advice

Frequent occurrence of styes?

Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month.
Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I have developed one on my right eye as well.
Over the past six months, I have undergone three incision and drainage procedures at the clinic for my eyes.
I usually go to bed around 10:30 PM and perform warm compresses daily, yet the styes continue to occur frequently.
The ophthalmologist mentioned that it might be due to an allergic constitution, but this frequency has only increased in the past six months.

In addition to the styes, I also visited a doctor last month for gastroenteritis, and I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements recently.
Furthermore, I have been having frequent headaches over the past few days, with occasional mild discomfort on the side of my neck.
Sometimes I also feel chest tightness, and I occasionally experience sharp pain on the right side of my heart, but it goes away after a while.

I would like to ask the doctor whether I should undergo a comprehensive health check-up or see an allergist/immunologist/rheumatologist.
If I only get a general health check-up, will it reveal any issues with my immune system? I apologize for the lengthy description, and I appreciate your help in answering my questions.
Thank you!

S, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/04

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine

Hello, thank you for your inquiry.
Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint where the issue lies.
If you are very concerned, you may consider undergoing a comprehensive health check-up.
If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurrent styes or chest tightness, you can seek consultation at a rheumatology clinic.
Standard health check-ups typically do not include detailed immune system assessments, but if necessary, you can ask your rheumatologist to arrange for one.
The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.

Reply Date: 2023/11/04

More Info

Frequent styes, or hordeola, can be quite bothersome and may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. Styes are typically caused by bacterial infections of the oil glands in the eyelids, often due to Staphylococcus bacteria. However, the frequency with which you are experiencing these styes, especially if they are occurring monthly, suggests that there may be additional factors contributing to this condition.

Given your description, it seems that you have been proactive in seeking treatment, including surgical drainage of the styes and practicing good hygiene with regular hot compresses. However, the persistence of your symptoms raises some concerns that warrant further investigation.

Possible Causes of Frequent Styes
1. Allergic Reactions: As your ophthalmologist mentioned, allergies can lead to inflammation and blockage of the oil glands, making you more susceptible to styes. If you have developed new allergies or sensitivities, it may be worth exploring this further.

2. Immune System Issues: Frequent infections can sometimes indicate an underlying issue with your immune system. If your body is not effectively fighting off infections, this could lead to recurrent styes.
3. Hygiene Practices: While you are already practicing good hygiene, it’s essential to ensure that you are not inadvertently spreading bacteria. Regularly washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes can help reduce the risk of infection.

4. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or other metabolic disorders can predispose individuals to infections. Your mention of gastrointestinal issues and headaches could suggest that there may be a broader health concern that needs to be evaluated.

Recommendations for Further Evaluation
Given your symptoms and the frequency of your styes, I recommend the following steps:
1. Comprehensive Health Check-Up: A full-body health check-up can help identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your frequent styes. This should include blood tests to evaluate your immune function, blood sugar levels, and any signs of infection or inflammation.

2. Allergy Testing: Since your ophthalmologist suggested allergies as a potential cause, consulting with an allergist or immunologist could provide valuable insights. They can perform tests to identify specific allergens that may be triggering your symptoms.

3. Consultation with a Rheumatologist: If there are concerns about autoimmune conditions or systemic issues affecting your immune system, a rheumatologist can help evaluate these possibilities.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the frequency of styes, any associated symptoms (like headaches or gastrointestinal issues), and any potential triggers you notice. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers in diagnosing the underlying cause.

Conclusion
In summary, while styes are common and often manageable, the frequency with which you are experiencing them suggests that further investigation is warranted. A comprehensive health check-up, along with allergy testing and possibly consulting with a rheumatologist, could provide clarity on your condition. It’s essential to address not only the styes but also any potential underlying health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. Your proactive approach to your health is commendable, and I encourage you to continue seeking the answers you need for better overall well-being.

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