What symptoms commonly accompany edema of the eyelid and reddened conjunctiva in bacterial conjunctivitis?

In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, symptoms such as itching or burning sensations and mild photophobia are common and directly relate to the inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva. Bacterial conjunctivitis often leads to an increase in tear production or varying levels of discharge from the eye, which can trigger discomfort and a feeling of itchiness or burning.

Mild photophobia, or sensitivity to light, occurs due to the inflammation affecting how light is perceived by the eye, which can be uncomfortable. This combination of symptoms is indicative of the body's response to infection and irritation in the conjunctiva.

The other options present symptoms that are typically associated with different conditions or systemic issues rather than localized eye infections, making them less relevant in the context of bacterial conjunctivitis. Stiff neck and headaches may suggest meningitis or another serious condition; fever and chills could indicate a more systemic infection; while cough and sputum production are associated with respiratory infections. Thus, focusing on the symptoms specific to the eyes during bacterial conjunctivitis effectively narrows down to itching/burning sensations and mild photophobia.