A Family Doctor's Tale - SALPINGITIS

DOC I HAVE SALPINGITIS
Salpingitis is an acute or chronic infection of the fallopian tubes in females.

Acute Salpingitis is usually caused by the following:

Infections:
1.sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea,trichomonas and chlamydia.

2.tuberculosis salpingitis is rare

3.Infection may follow childbirth or abortion

Mechanical irritants:
intrauterine device may cause acute or chronic Salpingitis

Persons who has Acute Salpingitis has the following
Symptoms:

1.severe lower abdominal pain

2.purulent vaginal discharge

3.painful or frequency of urination

4.fever

Signs:
1.tenderness in either lower abdominal quadrant

2.discharge can be seen in female vagina

3.vaginal examination - lateral movement of cervix causes pain
                      - palpation of the fallopian tubes may be very painful

4.swab to culture for bacteria and sexually transmitted organisms and the antibiotic most appropriate for it.

Acute Salpingitis may progress to chronic Salpingitis:

1. tubal infection with abscess formation(pyosalphinx) or cyst formation(hydrosalphinx)

2. Pelvic abscess

3. Ovarian infection

4.Infertility due to tube blockage

5. Peritonitis may occur with rupture of cyst and abscess

1.Approprate Antibiotics for infections especially after uterine bacterial culture

2.Bedrest

3.Surgery may be necessary in cases not responding to antibiotics.
Drainage of the abscess may be done and infected tube resected if necessary

Prognosis is usually good with current antibiotics and medication.

Sexual partner may need to be treated.

Recurrence is quite common.

Infertility may result in blocked or scarred fallopian tubes