Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis in the Elderly

Cellulitis is a complex health condition that adversely affects the health of elderly adults. If you are caring for a parent that has complications involving chronic infections, it is important to become familiar with the health issues associated with cellulitis, especially when those infections frequently involve the sinus cavity. Orbital cellulitis, a complication of progressive sinus infections, can be common among elderly and equally as difficult to treat.

The eyes are typically not a part of the face that we associated with a sinus infection. However, in older adults, and in very young children, the eyes, including the orbitals, can be placed a very unique risk for adverse health outcomes. When any type of infection arises in the facial features, the eyes should be cared for even if they do not readily show signs of cellulitis complications.

When a sinus infection is not well managed and treated, the infection can spread to other areas of the face and cause respiratory complications and difficulty with the other senses. The eyes, and especially the orbitals, can fall prey to a bacterial infection that can lead to cellulitis development. Typically when this occurs, there will be a significant amount of swelling, pain, and discharge from the eyes with a risk for severe head pain and loss of vision.

In elderly adults who have complications with a sinus infection, that has lead to the development of preseptal cellulitis or orbital cellulitis, admission to a hospital is typically recommended as IV antibiotic therapy is necessary. Because cellulitis in the eyes can lead to a total loss of vision, it must be addressed aggressively. When caring for your aging parent, always monitor for these types of eye pains.

Not all sinus infections lead to such severe outcomes in elderly adults. However, in the elderly who delay treatment, or in those with compromised immune systems, the eyes can be particularly vulnerable and a physician should be consulted immediately. Without early healthcare, hospital admission is inevitable to reduce the risks associated with cellulitis.

Sources: Cellulitis, by Icon Group International, pub. 2009