Salpingitis - inflammation of the fallopian tubes

Synonyms in the broadest sense

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, adnexitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries)

introduction

Salpingitis is an infection of the fallopian tubes (tube), which can be found as elongated connecting pieces between the ovaries and the uterus in the lower abdomen on both sides.

The inflammation occurs accordingly either on one side or on both sides. Bilateral involvement of the fallopian tubes is far more common.

Furthermore, this disease can be divided into acute and chronic salpingitis, whereby chronic fallopian tube inflammation can be viewed as a complication of acute inflammation.

causes

Infections of the cervix, vagina or inner lining of the uterus (Endometrium) are cause of a so-called ascending inflammation, in which the infection of the respective organ spreads to its neighboring region and thus inflames it, in this case the fallopian tubes.

The ascending infection of the lower genital area is one of them most common cause Salpingitis, as the fallopian tubes are in the immediate vicinity of uterus and a little further away from the sheath.

Pathogens like Intestinal bacteria E. coli, Gonococci (Gonnorhoe pathogen also gonorrhea), Chlamydia, tuberculosis (very rarely, most likely in patients without previous sexual contact) come into question in this context.

The cause can also be Loss of the protective vaginal environment during the Menstruation be.

Have a beneficial effect operative interventions or foreign body like vaginal pessaries that spiral or similar.

Spread of inflammation by blood or lymph flow are further possibilities of the pathogen spreading, which can thus infect the fallopian tubes.

Thus, in rare cases, inflammation of an appendix, adjacent intestinal passages or Crohn's disease is the cause of salpingitis.

Symptoms

With salpingitis comes to Unilateral or bilateral severe, suddenly onset pelvic discomfort which are accompanied by a general feeling of illness (Exhaustion, tiredness, weakness).

As part of the inflammation it comes to Temperature rise.

More symptoms of salpingitis like nausea, Vomit, Flatulence and Diarrhea such as constipation can appear accompanying.

At the Invasion of the surrounding organs how bladder or Intestines there are other symptoms such as pain in the entire pelvic area, Painful urination Etc.

If the genital area (such as the vagina or cervix) is already inflamed, discharge and spotting may occur.

diagnosis

Ultrasound diagnostics

In the physical exam show pain in the right and / or left lower abdomen. The uterus and fallopian tubes react with salpingitis painful to pressure.

In the gynecological examination (Speculum examination), the cervix and vaginal area can be examined. Smears for a pathogen detection can be removed.

in the Ultrasonic can be Thickenings, Fluid build-up and possible abscesses in the area of ​​the fallopian tube and uterus.

There is one in the blood Increase in inflammation parameters (like CRP, White blood cells or sedimentation rate).

Differential diagnoses

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Appendicitis (appendicitis)
  • inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease
  • Ovarian cysts (Fluid-filled cavities in the area of ​​the ovary)

therapy

On the one hand, the therapy of salpingitis focuses on Improvements to the present complaints, on the other side of the Preservation of the fallopian tube function. Usually this requires one lengthy inpatient treatment with administered intravenously Antibiotics.

Once the Pathogen detected by the smear antibiotic therapy specific to the pathogen is initiated.

Can no pathogen be clearly detected or remains the Antibiotic therapy unsuccessful becomes a Broad spectrum antibiotic given.

If the symptoms improve, it can antibiotic given into the vein be switched to tablets.

You can use it to relieve the swelling in the inflamed area of ​​the fallopian tubes Anti-inflammatory drugs (Anti-inflammatory drugs).

Help with salpingitis at the start of therapy brief cooling symptoms improve in the fallopian tube area. The narrowing of the vessels in the area of ​​cooling helps to alleviate the symptoms.

Offer later and during the course of therapy moist, warm wraps or fango packs good support for antibiotic therapy through blood flow stimulation.

Complications

From a untreated or inadequately treated fallopian tube inflammation Chronic salpingitis can develop. This is the inflamed tissue pitted and connective tissue rebuilt.

It comes to one permanent or temporary closure of the fallopian tubes, whereby fluid collects in the fallopian tubes (= Hydrosalpinx). The Fluid build-up exerts pressure on the fallopian tube tissue and leads to tissue shrinkage in the tube.

The Risk of sterility (= infertility) increases and becomes more and more probable in the course without therapy.

Possible complaints are alternating dull pain in the lower abdomen or discomfort during sexual intercourse (due to possible adhesions or adhesions).

Please also read our page Bonding of the fallopian tubes.