inflammation of the fallopian tubes, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory disease (inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries)
Introduction
Salpingitis is an infection of the fallopian tubes, which are elongated connecting pieces between the ovaries and the uterus in the lower abdomen on both sides. The inflammation can be unilateral or bilateral. Infection of the fallopian tubes on both sides is much more common. Furthermore, this disease can be divided into acute and chronic salpingitis, whereby the chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes can be considered a complication of the acute inflammation.
Causes
Infections of the cervix, the vagina or the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) are the cause of a so-called ascending inflammation, in which the infection of the respective organ spreads to its neighbouring region and thus inflames it, in this case the fallopian tubes. The ascending infection of the lower genital area is one of the most common causes of salpingitis, as the fallopian tubes are located in the immediate vicinity of the uterus and somewhat further away from the vagina. Pathogens such as intestinal bacteria E. coli, Gonokokken (pathogen of the Gonnorhoe also gonorrhea), Chlamydia, tuberculosis (very rarely, most likely with patients without preceding sexual contact) come into consideration in this connection.
The cause can also be the loss of the protective vaginal milieu during menstruation. Surgical interventions or foreign bodies such as vaginal pessaries, the coil or similar have a beneficial effect. The spread of an inflammation via the bloodstream or lymphatic flow are further possibilities, a spread of the pathogens, which can thus attack the fallopian tubes. Thus, in rare cases, the inflammation of an appendix, adjacent intestinal passages or Crohn’s disease is the cause of salpingitis.
Symptoms
Salpingitis can cause severe, sudden lower abdominal pain on one or both sides, accompanied by a general feeling of illness (fatigue, tiredness, weakness). The inflammation is accompanied by a rise in temperature. Other symptoms of salpingitis such as nausea, vomiting, flatulence and diarrhoea as well as constipation can also occur.
If the surrounding organs such as the bladder or intestine are affected, further symptoms such as pain in the entire pelvic area, pain when urinating etc. may occur. If the genital area (such as the vagina or cervix) is already inflamed, discharge and spotting may occur in the course of the procedure.
The physical examination reveals pain in the right and/or left lower abdominal area. In salpingitis, the uterus and fallopian tubes react sensitively to pressure. During the gynecological examination (speculum examination), the cervix and vaginal area can be examined.
Swabs can be taken for pathogen detection. Ultrasound can be used to visualize thickening, fluid accumulation and possible abscesses in the area of the fallopian tube and uterus. In the blood there is an increase in inflammation parameters (such as CRP, white blood cells or blood sedimentation rate).
- Extrauterine pregnancy
- Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
- Ovarian cysts (fluid-filled cavities in the area of the ovary)