Symptoms
Inflammation of the abdomen can show many different symptoms. For example, an inflammation of the vagina can lead to increased discharge (fluoride), itching, discomfort in the vaginal area or pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). Depending on the pathogen or cause, the discharge may be of different colors (yellow, white, green, bloody), odors or consistencies (foamy, slimy, crumbly).
In the case of an inflammation in the uterus region, patients report pain in the middle of the lower abdomen, and on palpation of the abdomen, they report a pain of pressure. Here, too, an increased malodorous discharge (bloody, whitish yellow, purulent) may occur. In addition, increased, prolonged or painful menstrual bleeding, as well as spotting or bleeding between periods can also occur.
In the case of inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, patients often report sudden onset of lower abdominal pain, which is particularly pronounced on one side, or severe pain during intercourse. Strong pain can also occur when touching or palpating the abdomen. In addition, there may be increased discharge or spotting. Very severe infections can cause a strong feeling of illness with high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, pain when urinating or intestinal paralysis (ileus), and inflammation of the liver. Pelvic inflammatory disease is often an acute emergency.
Diagnosis
An inflammation of the vagina can be easily diagnosed by a clinical examination or gaze diagnosis. The vaginal mucosa often appears swollen and reddened. In addition to these typical signs of inflammation, small vesicles can sometimes be seen.
Those affected also report a disturbing discharge (fluorine).As important diagnostic methods, the doctor will determine the pH value of the vagina, take a smear of the mucosa and examine it under a microscope or request a microbiological examination in a laboratory. This allows the exact pathogen to be identified. In the case of an inflammation in the uterus, in addition to the exact questioning of symptoms (anamnesis) by the doctor, a mirror examination (speculum examination) should be carried out to detect inflammation or purulent discharge in the area of the uterine mucosa.
A smear should also be taken and examined microscopically and microbiologically. The smear is taken in the area of the cervix (cervical smear). An ultrasound examination can also give an indication of an inflammation in the area of the uterus.
This may reveal changes in the mucous membranes, accumulations of pus in the uterus and uterine changes (size, shape, myomas or polyps). Inflammation in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes can be diagnosed by palpation, ultrasound or keyhole surgery (laparascopy). The ultrasound and laparascopy can detect the swelling and fluid accumulation (e.g. abscesses) caused by the inflammation.
Common to all inflammations of the abdomen is that in addition to fever, blood changes can also be seen. These changes can be detected in the so-called blood count. Thus, increases in the typical inflammatory parameters in the blood (CRP value, white blood cells or also the blood sedimentation rate) with additional typical symptoms can point the way to an inflammation of the abdomen.
