What are the symptoms associated with bacterial conjunctivitis?

The symptoms associated with bacterial conjunctivitis typically present with an acute onset accompanied by mucopurulent discharge. This type of conjunctivitis is often more severe and tends to produce a thick, yellow, green, or white discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking. The condition is usually marked by inflammation of the conjunctiva, leading to redness and discomfort.

In contrast, other symptoms such as gradual onset in both eyes would not be characteristic of bacterial conjunctivitis, as this condition often begins rapidly in one eye before potentially affecting the other. Additionally, a clear discharge and irritation tends to be more indicative of viral conjunctivitis or allergens, rather than bacterial causes. Itching and redness without discharge may suggest an allergic origin or viral infection, as bacterial conjunctivitis is unlikely to present in such a manner without significant discharge. Hence, recognizing the acute, mucopurulent nature of the discharge is key to accurately associating symptoms with bacterial conjunctivitis.