Salpingitis Health Dictionary

See under STOMACH, DISEASES OF; INTESTINE, DISEASES OF; DIARRHOEA; LIVER, DISEASES OF; PANCREAS, DISEASES OF; GALL-BLADDER, DISEASES OF; KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF; URINARY BLADDER, DISEASES OF; HERNIA; PERITONITIS; APPENDICITIS; TUMOUR.

Various processes that can occur include in?ammation, ulceration, infection or tumour. Abdominal disease may be of rapid onset, described as acute, or more long-term when it is termed chronic.

An ‘acute abdomen’ is most commonly caused by peritonitis – in?ammation of the membrane that lines the abdomen. If any structure in the abdomen gets in?amed, peritonitis may result. Causes include injury, in?ammation of the Fallopian tubes (SALPINGITIS), and intestinal disorders such as APPENDICITIS, CROHN’S DISEASE, DIVERTICULITIS or a perforated PEPTIC ULCER. Disorders of the GALLBLADDER or URINARY TRACT may also result in acute abdominal pain.

General symptoms of abdominal disease include:

Pain This is usually ill-de?ned but can be very unpleasant, and is termed visceral pain. Pain is initially felt near the mid line of the abdomen. Generally, abdominal pain felt high up in the mid line originates from the stomach and duodenum. Pain that is felt around the umbilicus arises from the small intestine, appendix and ?rst part of the large bowel, and low mid-line pain comes from the rest of the large bowel. If the diseased organ secondarily in?ames or infects the lining of the abdominal wall – the PERITONEUM – peritonitis occurs and the pain becomes more de?ned and quite severe, with local tenderness over the site of the diseased organ itself. Hence the pain of appendicitis begins as a vague mid-line pain, and only later moves over to the right iliac fossa, when the in?amed appendix has caused localised peritonitis. PERFORATION of one of the hollow organs in the abdomen – for example, a ruptured appendix or a gastric or duodenal ulcer (see STOMACH, DISEASES OF) eroding the wall of the gut – usually causes peritonitis with resulting severe pain.

The character of the pain is also important. It may be constant, as occurs in in?ammatory diseases and infections, or colicky (intermittent) as in intestinal obstruction.

Swelling The commonest cause of abdominal swelling in women is pregnancy. In disease, swelling may be due to the accumulation of trapped intestinal contents within the bowel, the presence of free ?uid (ascites) within the abdomen, or enlargement of one or more of the abdominal organs due to benign causes or tumour.

Constipation is the infrequent or incomplete passage of FAECES; sometimes only ?atus can be passed and, rarely, no bowel movements occur (see main entry for CONSTIPATION). It is often associated with abdominal swelling. In intestinal obstruction, the onset of symptoms is usually rapid with complete constipation and severe, colicky pain. In chronic constipation, the symptoms occur more gradually.

Nausea and vomiting may be due to irritation of the stomach, or to intestinal obstruction when it may be particularly foul and persistent. There are also important non-abdominal causes, such as in response to severe pain or motion sickness.

Diarrhoea is most commonly due to simple and self-limiting infection, such as food poisoning, but may also indicate serious disease, especially if it is persistent or contains blood (see main entry for DIARRHOEA).

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, and may be due to disease in the liver or bile ducts (see main entry for JAUNDICE).

Diagnosis and treatment Abdominal diseases are often di?cult to diagnose because of the multiplicity of the organs contained within the abdomen, their inconstant position and the vagueness of some of the symptoms. Correct diagnosis usually requires experience, often supplemented by specialised investigations such as ULTRASOUND. For this reason sufferers should obtain medical advice at an early stage, particularly if the symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or resistant to simple remedies.... abdomen, diseases of

Also called peritoneoscopy, this is a technique using an instrument called an ENDOSCOPE for viewing the contents of the ABDOMEN. The instrument is inserted via an incision just below the UMBILICUS and air is then pumped into the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity. Visual inspection may help in the diagnosis of cancer, APPENDICITIS, SALPINGITIS, and abnormalities of the LIVER, GALL-BLADDER, OVARIES or GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT. A BIOPSY can be taken of tissue suspected of being abnormal, and operations such as removal of the gall-bladder or appendix may be carried out. (See also MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY (MIS).)... laparoscopy

Oöphoritis (infection of the ovaries) rarely occurs alone, except in viral infections such as mumps. Usually it is associated with infection of the FALLOPIAN TUBES (SALPINGITIS). It may occur as a complication of a miscarriage, a therapeutic abortion, or the birth of a baby. Cases not associated with pregnancy typically result from sexual activity: the most common organisms involved are Chlamydia, E. coli, and Neisseria gonorrhoea. Cervical swabs should be sent for culture and analgesics given, together with the appropriate antibiotics.

Failure of OVULATION is the cause of INFERTILITY in around a third of couples seeking help with conception. It may also lead to menstrual problems (see MENSTRUATION), such as an irregular menstrual cycle or MENORRHAGIA. An uncommon cause of failure of ovulation is POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME, often associated with acne, hirsutism, and obesity. Treatment depends on the symptoms. Early ovarian failure is the cause of premature MENOPAUSE. Treatment consists of hormone replacement therapy using a combination of oestrogen and progestogen.

Ovarian cysts (for example, follicular cysts) result from ovulation. They may be symptomless but sometimes cause abdominal pain, pain during intercourse or disturbances in menstruation. Twisting or rupture can cause severe pain, pyrexia (fever) and nausea, and explorative surgery – endoscopic laparotomy – may be needed to establish a diagnosis (symptoms of ECTOPIC PREGNANCY are similar). The ovary may have to be removed. Simple cysts often disappear of their own accord but a large cyst can cause pressure on surrounding structures and therefore should be surgically removed.

In young women the most common benign tumour is a dermoid cyst, while in older women, ?broma (see under UTERUS, DISEASES OF) is more common. All benign tumours should be removed surgically in order to be sure they are not malignant.

Malignant tumours may be primary (arising in the ovary) or secondary (metastases from a cancer developing in another organ). Treatment depends upon the site and type of the primary tumour.

Around 5,000 women a year are diagnosed as having ovarian cancer in England and Wales. Unfortunately it is not readily detected in its early stages; around 85 per cent of women do not see a doctor until after the tumour has spread. Early tumours present with symptoms similar to benign tumours, while late ones present with abdominal distension, pain and vague gastrointestinal symptoms. The disease is most common in menopausal women. Earlier diagnosis and treatment can be achieved by ULTRASOUND screening. Treatment is surgical, aimed at totally removing the tumour mass. Nowadays RADIOTHERAPY is only used for palliation. CHEMOTHERAPY is often given to patients with ovarian metastases, or who have residual disease after surgery. The most active cytotoxic agent is the taxane, PACLITAXEL – especially when it is combined with cisplatin.... ovaries, diseases of

(PID) Also called salpingitis, the term is applied to infections of the fallopian tubes that follow or are concurrent with uterine and cervical infections. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the most common organisms, and the infection is usually begun through sexual contact, although metabolic imbalances, subtler systemic infections like a slow virus, the local insult of herpes or candidiasis, the sequela of medication or recreational drugs, birth control pills, even an IUD...all can alter the vaginal flora and induce inflammation sufficient to allow an endogenous organism to start the infection. PID after birth, on the other hand, is usually the result of staph or strep infections infecting injured membranes.... pelvic inflammatory disease

An infection, once called puerperal fever, that starts in the genital tract within ten days after childbirth, miscarriage or abortion (see PREGNANCY AND LABOUR). Once a scourge of childbirth, with many women dying from the infection, the past 50 years have seen a dramatic decline in its incidence in developed countries, with only 1–3 per cent of women having babies now being affected. This decline is due to much better maternity care and the advent of ANTIBIOTICS. Infection usually starts in the VAGINA and is caused by the bacteria that normally live in it: they can cause harm because of the mother’s lowered resistance, or when part of the PLACENTA has been retained in the genital tract. The infection usually spreads to the UTERUS and sometimes to the FALLOPIAN TUBES. Sometimes bacteria may enter the vagina from other parts of the body.

Fever, an o?ensive-smelling post-partum vaginal discharge (lochia) and pain in the lower abdomen are the main features. Untreated, the women may develop SALPINGITIS, PERITONITIS and septicaemia. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection and any retained placental tissue must be removed.... puerperal sepsis

A group of broad-spectrum ANTIBIOTICS which include oxytetracycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, lymecycline, minocycline, and demeclocycline.

All the preparations are virtually identical, being active against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (see GRAM’S STAIN). Derived from cultures of streptomyces bacteria, their value has lessened owing to increasing resistance to the group among bacteria. However, they remain the treatment of choice for BRUCELLOSIS, LYME DISEASE, TRACHOMA, PSITTACOSIS, Q FEVER, SALPINGITIS, URETHRITIS and LYMPHOGRANULOMA INGUINALE, as well as for infections caused by MYCOPLASMA, certain rickettsiae (see RICKETTSIA) and CHLAMYDIA. Additionally they are used in the treatment of ACNE, but are not advised in children under 12 as they may produce permanent discoloration of the teeth. Tetracyclines must not be used if a woman is pregnant as the infant’s deciduous teeth will be stained.... tetracyclines

Two small tubes rising from either side of the womb, connecting with the womb cavity, one from each ovary. After ovulation the egg (ovum) passes along a Fallopian tube on its way to the womb. From the womb sperm swim up the Fallopian tube to engage the egg. Inflammation may cause scarring of the lining of the tube, with blockage, and lessen chances of conception. See: SALPINGITIS. ... fallopian tubes

Two female reproductive organs situated below the Fallopian tubes, one on each side of the womb, comparable to testes in the male. An egg cell or ova develops inside the ovary and when mature bursts through the surface into the abdominal cavity where it is attracted into a Fallopian tube and conveyed to the womb. If fertilised, the egg attaches to the lining of the womb and develops into a foetus. Otherwise it is expelled from the womb during menstruation. In addition to producing eggs, ovaries secrete hormones essential to body function. Ovarian disorders include:– 1. Inflammation (oophoritis – usually with salpingitis).

Causes: mumps, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea or, if following childbirth or abortion, sepsis. Inflammatory adhesions may cause ovary and tube to mat together and ulcerate.

Symptoms: feverishness, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling.

Treatment. Decoction, powders, liquid extracts or tinctures.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Helonias 1; Cramp bark 1; Liquorice quarter. Dosage. Decoction: half-1 cup. Powders: one-third teaspoon. Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily in water/honey.

External. Castor oil pack to abdomen.

2. Cysts. Single or multiple hollow growths containing fluids may grow large, obstruct abdominal circulation, interfere with digestion and cause shortness of breath. They are caused by excessive stimulus from the pituitary gland. A fluid-filled sac on the ovary grows in preparation for egg release but fails to rupture. The follicle continues to grow, accumulating fluid and a cyst results.

Liquid Extract Thuja: 5-10 drops, thrice daily. Of value.

Notes. Bulimia Nervosa (eating disorder) has been linked with polycystic ovary disease. (St George’s Hospital Medical School, London)

The presence of acne is a valuable clue to ovarian disorder: a treatment for acne reacts favourably on ovaries.

3. Tumour (non-malignant). May avoid detection. Usually revealed by laparoscopy or X-ray. When a tumour or cyst twists on an ovary’s ligament severe abdominal pain is followed by vomiting and shock.

Treatment. Secondary to surgery. Decoction, powders, liquid extracts, or tinctures. Combination. Cramp bark 2; Poke root 1; Thuja half. Dosage. Decoction: half-1 cup. Powders: 500mg (one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons in water/honey thrice daily.

Following surgical removal of ovaries: Pulsatilla. Pre- and post-operative pain: Cramp bark BHP (1983). Black Willow. (Dr J. Christopher)

Supplements: calcium, magnesium.

Note: Increased bone loss is associated with ovarian disturbances in premenopausal women. (Canadian Study in “New England Journal of Medicine”) See: OSTEOPOROSIS.

Polycystic ovaries have an important association with heart attacks in elderly women. (Professor Howard Jacobs, Middlesex School of Medicine) ... ovaries

Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes.

Salpingectomy may be performed if the tube is infected (see salpingitis) or to treat ectopic pregnancy.

(See also salpingo-oophorectomy.)... salpingectomy

(ovaritis) n. inflammation of an ovary, either on the surface or within the organ. Oophoritis may be associated with infection of the Fallopian tubes (see salpingitis) or the lower part of the abdominal cavity. Follicular oophoritis is inflammation of the ovarian (Graafian) follicles. A bacterial infection usually responds to antibiotics.... oophoritis

Inflammation of the cervix, usually due to an infection, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydial infections, or genital herpes (see herpes, genital). Cervical infection may follow injury to the cervix during childbirth or surgery. The acute form of cervicitis often does not produce symptoms, although there may be a discharge from the inflamed cervix. The chronic form may produce a vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding from the vagina, and pain low in the abdomen. Untreated cervicitis can spread to cause endometritis, salpingitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. If cervicitis is present in the mother, her baby may be infected during delivery resulting in neonatal ophthalmia or, less commonly, pneumonia due to chlamydial infection.

Treatment is with antibiotics or with antiviral drugs. If symptoms persist, the inflamed area of cervix may be cauterized by electrocoagulation, cryotherapy, or laser treatment.... cervicitis

Infectious diseases caused by chlamydiae, a group of microorganisms. Two main species of chlamydiae cause disease in humans.

The first, CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS, has a number of strains. In men, it is a major cause of nongonococcal urethritis, which may cause a discharge from the penis. In women, the infection is usually symptomless, but it can lead to salpingitis. A baby born to a woman with chlamydial infection may acquire an acute eye condition called neonatal ophthalmia. In parts of Africa and Asia, certain strains of CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS cause trachoma, a serious eye disease.

A second species of chlamydiae, CHLAMYDIA PSITTACI, mainly affects birds but can occasionally spread to people who have contact with pigeons, parrots, parakeets, or poultry, causing a type of pneumonia called psittacosis.

Treatment for chlamydial infections is with antibiotic drugs.... chlamydial infections

One of the 2 tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovary. The fallopian tube transports eggs and sperm and is where fertilization takes place.

The tube opens into the uterus at one end, and the other end, which is divided into fimbriae (finger-like projections), lies close to the ovary. The tube has muscular walls lined by cells with cilia (hair-like projections). The fimbriae take up the egg after it is expelled from the ovary. The beating cilia and muscular contractions propel the egg towards the uterus. After intercourse, sperm swim up the fallopian tube from the uterus. The lining of the tube and its secretions sustain the egg and sperm, encouraging fertilization, and nourish the egg until it reaches the uterus.

Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tube, usually the result of a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, that can lead to infertility.

An ectopic pregnancy (development of an embryo outside the uterus) most commonly occurs in the fallopian tube.... fallopian tube

Inflammation of the peritoneum. Peritonitis is a serious, usually acute, condition. The most common cause is perforation of the stomach or intestine wall, which allows bacteria and digestive juices to move into the abdominal cavity. Perforation is usually the result of a peptic ulcer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis. Peritonitis may also be associated with acute salpingitis, cholecystitis, or septicaemia.

There is usually severe abdominal pain. After a few hours, the abdomen feels hard, and peristalsis stops (see ileus, paralytic). Other symptoms are fever, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

Diagnosis is made from a physical examination. Surgery may be necessary to deal with the cause. If the cause is unknown, a laparoscopy or an exploratory laparotomy may be performed. Antibiotic drugs and intravenous infusions of fluid are often given. In most cases, a full recovery is made. Intestinal obstruction, caused by adhesions, may occur at a later stage.... peritonitis