Acute inflammatory process. Cardinal signs of inflammation. For cervicitis it is

Gail Malesky, MD, has been publishing articles on healthy lifestyles, nutrition and alternative medicine for over 20 years. She is a clinical nutritionist and author of seven books on nature conservation, sustainable energy, and the role of vitamins and minerals, and is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the Health Association. She also runs a private nutritional consulting practice in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Here is what she writes about chronic inflammation:

“Chronic inflammation is associated with a wide range of health problems that can significantly affect your quality of life at any age. Anti-inflammatory dietary supplements can provide effective help with little to no side effects. Before you start taking NSAIDs or other potentially harmful medications, why not consider some safe, natural alternatives?

Manifestations of inflammatory processes - pain, swelling, redness and temperature - are a double-edged sword. This process signals the activation of the immune system, which is crucial if you are injured or sick. It helps the body fight infection and remove damaged tissue. But inflammation can become chronic if your body is unable to turn off this reaction, or it can be activated when there is no objective reason for it.

The inflammation may last for several years. It can be concentrated in a specific area, such as your skin, sinuses, prostate, bladder, or gums. (Any diagnosis that ends in "-itis" means an inflammatory process.) Inflammatory processes may also underlie many systemic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They pose a serious threat. Therefore, it is important to know how to keep them under control.

A diet that includes vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, nuts, and whole grains can reduce inflammation. Dietary supplements also help, which, unlike drugs, do not threaten complications such as stomach ulcers.

There are many natural anti-inflammatory agents. The following products are in the top ten:

1. Fish oil

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the release of a large list of inflammatory biochemicals in the body, that is, they do the same as most NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - inhibitors of COX-1 and cyclooxygenase 2). They also help reduce levels of inflammatory interleukins, specifically interleukin-1, a marker of chronic inflammation.

In ongoing studies, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who took fish oil were able to reduce the doses of anti-inflammatory drugs. It also reduced pain and stiffness in the joints. Fish oil together with aspirin synergistically inhibit the synthesis of thromboxane A2 and leukotrienes B4, which have a high inflammatory activity. It is reported to help with asthma, cystitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, prostatitis, and dermatitis.

2. Antioxidants

When immune cells fight infection, it causes oxidative damage to surrounding tissues, which can trigger a chronic inflammatory process. Reducing this oxidative damage helps control inflammation. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium help reduce oxidative damage by neutralizing “free radicals,” the molecular fragments that set off a chain reaction of tissue oxidation, so they help keep inflammation under control.

3. Quercetin

The anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin is due to its ability to block the production and activity of inflammatory compounds such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins and the release of histamine, which causes allergic symptoms such as allergic rhinitis and watery eyes. Quercetin may also help with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

4. Bromelain

This proteolytic enzyme is derived from the stem and fruit of the pineapple. The anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain lies in its effect on the migration and activity of leukocytes. Leukocytes are white blood cells that are involved in fighting infection but may also contribute to the continuation of inflammation. Bromelain is good for acute and chronic inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, accompanied by damage to the cartilage of the joints.

5. Resveratrol

Some evidence suggests that resveratrol is a more potent anti-inflammatory agent than NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or indomethacin. Resveratrol injections into animal joints reduce inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Just like ginger and fish oil, resveratrol blocks the production of a number of inflammatory agents, including COX-1 and COX-2.

Resveratrol also has a regulatory effect on certain immune cells, including T cells, which are involved in some autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. It also affects granulocytes, cells that are responsible for inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so it may be useful in reducing damage to lung tissue caused, for example, by smoking.

6. Flaxseed oil

For a number of reasons, flaxseed is especially beneficial for the skin. In zoos, it is added to the food of hippos, elephants and rhinos to keep their massive bodily cover healthy. Some of the fats in flaxseed oil are converted into EPA and DHA, the active ingredients in fish oil. Flaxseed oil can be a good addition to fish oil, especially if you're on a low-fat diet or suffer from dermatitis - dry, scaly, itchy skin.

7. Curcumin

Curcumin, a component of the yellow spice turmeric found in curry, has anti-inflammatory effects on the eyes, where a layer of yellow pigment serves to protect the retina - and especially the macula - from the harmful effects of sunlight. This pigment acts as a filter that protects the retina from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Curcumin has been shown to be beneficial in chronic anterior uveitis (iridocyclitis) and macular degeneration.

8. Ginger

Certain constituents of ginger, called gingerols, have strong anti-inflammatory effects. They block the production of a number of biochemicals that promote inflammation, including cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Ginger reduces pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, ginger treatment requires patience. It can take up to three months for the effect to show.

9. Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a coenzyme that has many talents, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is water and fat soluble and can restore other important antioxidants such as vitamins E and C and glutathione. It provides anti-inflammatory protection to blood vessels, as well as fatty tissues in the brain and nerves. It must be taken by anyone suffering from diabetes, neuritis and neuropathy, as it also improves glucose metabolism and blood supply to the nervous tissue.

10. Zinc

Many people take zinc supplements to boost their immune system, but recent research shows that zinc can also act as a natural inflammation quencher. Regular intake of zinc can reduce inflammation as well as provide much-needed immune support. Researchers at Wayne State University in Detroit tested whether zinc supplements actually reduce oxidative stress. They found that taking 25 mg of zinc three times a day for three months reduced TNF-alpha (cachectin), which is a cytokine that increases inflammation.

This study examined the effect of zinc supplementation on the incidence and treatment of colds, upper respiratory tract infections, herpes, flu, and fever. Incidence in people who took zinc supplements was about one third of that in people who did not take zinc. Blood tests from both groups also showed that people who took zinc had lower levels of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Zinc performs many functions in the body, including ensuring that immune cells fight infection normally. Up to 30-35% of older people suffer from zinc deficiency due to the increased age requirement and its lack in food. Zinc supplementation may improve immune function and reduce unwanted inflammatory processes in the body that accompany many chronic diseases.”

All beauty, radiance and health !

Inflammation of the appendages in women is an infectious pathology, while the process affects the ovaries or fallopian tubes, but not the uterus itself. The penetration of the pathogen into the body occurs in various ways.

The disease can proceed for a long time without symptoms, sometimes characterized by the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen and menstrual irregularities. Treatment is aimed at destroying the pathogen and restoring the function of the uterine appendages.

Causes

Why do women develop inflammation of the appendages, and what is it? In medicine, this disease is called salpingo-oophoritis. If the inflammation affects only the fallopian tubes, then salpingitis is diagnosed. An inflammatory process that affects only the ovaries is called oophoritis.

The development of the inflammatory process in the uterine appendages occurs under the influence of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. There are two types of disease:

  • specific adnexitis caused by diphtheria bacteria, tuberculosis bacillus, gonococci;
  • nonspecific salpingoophoritis caused by viruses, fungi, E. coli, streptococci, staphylococci, mycoplasmas, chlamydia and other microorganisms.

The penetration of infection into the uterine appendages can occur in the following ways:

  • ascending (pathogenic microbes from the vagina enter the uterus, bypassing the cervical canal, into the tubes, and then can enter the ovaries);
  • descending (there is already inflammation in the abdominal cavity, which gradually passes to healthy tissues);
  • hematogenous (microbes enter the fallopian tubes and ovaries with blood from other internal organs).

The likelihood of inflammation of the appendages increases with the action of provoking factors on the body:

  • hypothermia;
  • weakening of the immune system;
  • using a contraceptive method such as an intrauterine device;
  • unprotected sex;
  • childbirth or abortion.
can take three forms:
  • acute;
  • chronic;
  • latent (asymptomatic, or sluggish).

The disease can be diagnosed at any age. Both young girls who are not sexually active and older women who have gone through menopause turn to doctors for help.

Symptoms of inflammation of the appendages

In the case of the development of inflammation of the appendages in women, the presence of certain symptoms depends on certain factors:

  • pathogenicity of the ingested microorganism, its type;
  • from the course of the disease, whether it is an acute process, with pronounced symptoms, or chronic, with erased, barely noticeable symptoms;
  • the ability of the girl's body to resist microorganisms and fight the inflammatory process, from the state of the immune system.

For acute form women complain of the following symptoms:

  • tense abdomen in the lower sections;
  • , giving sometimes to the legs or lower back;
  • elevated body temperature (it can reach 39 degrees);
  • change in the menstrual cycle (the occurrence of sudden bleeding or delayed menstruation);
  • vaginal discharge that is different from normal (they may be greenish-purulent or yellowish, profuse or frothy).

An incompletely cured disease in the acute period can turn into chronic inflammation of the appendages, the symptoms of which depend on the period of remission or exacerbation. Every second woman with chronic adnexitis has the following pathological changes:

  • menstrual irregularities;
  • sexual dysfunction;
  • concomitant diseases of the urinary organs (,), etc.

During the period of exacerbation, all the symptoms characteristic of acute adnexitis resume.

Chronic adnexitis

Chronic adnexitis develops as a result of untimely or poor-quality treatment of the acute form of the disease, it occurs with periodic seasonal exacerbations. This form of inflammation of the appendages is characterized by the presence of dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the vagina and lumbar region. Palpation of the abdomen determines moderate pain.

Due to structural and functional changes in the ovaries (lack of ovulation, hypoestrogenism), chronic inflammation of the appendages in women is accompanied by menstrual irregularities, which manifests itself as oligomenorrhea (scanty menstruation), polymenorrhea (abundant menstruation), algomenorrhea (painful menstruation). Also, patients may complain of a lack or decrease in sexual desire, the appearance of pain during intercourse.

Diagnostics

The above symptoms may also be present in other diseases of the genital organs, therefore, only a gynecologist can make an accurate diagnosis after examining the patient, collecting an anamnesis, and the results of laboratory and instrumental studies:

  • Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages;
  • PCR diagnostics (vaginal smear), which allows to establish genital infections;
  • colposcopy (examination of the vagina and its walls);
  • bakposev;
  • tomography;
  • laparoscopy.

Signs of inflammation of the appendages can be determined by the results of a blood test. In inflammatory processes, the blood formula changes significantly,. In addition, during a gynecological examination at a gynecologist's appointment, a woman feels severe pain in the ovaries and uterus.

Effects

Any inflammation of the appendages is dangerous because the following complications are possible:

  • development into a chronic form;
  • infertility, as a result of the adhesive process, in which there is obstruction of the fallopian tubes and anovulation;
  • a fairly high risk of ectopic conception;
  • purulent complication (tubo-ovarian formation) - purulent fusion of the ovaries and tubes, followed by an abscess.

Prevention

  1. Regularly visit the gynecologist, without resisting the examination on the chair, take smears.
  2. Avoid hypothermia by dressing appropriately for the weather, changing after swimming, avoiding sitting on cold objects.
  3. If abortion is necessary, do it early or with medication or mini-abortion (avoid curettage).
  4. Treat teeth, intestines and other foci of chronic infection.
  5. Use barrier methods of contraception.
  6. Timely treat gynecological diseases.
  7. Follow the rules of a healthy diet.
  8. Follow the rules of intimate hygiene.
  9. Avoid douching.
  10. Avoid stress.

Thus, inflammation of the appendages is a serious disease that requires timely treatment, which involves strict adherence to medical prescriptions.

Treatment of inflammation of the appendages

When diagnosing inflammation of the appendages, treatment in women should be comprehensive: a combination of medications with physiotherapy, gynecological massage, osteopathy, and physiotherapy.

The main point in the treatment of inflammation are antibiotics. They are selected with a wide spectrum of action and a maximum half-life. In addition, the woman herself needs to monitor her lifestyle (proper nutrition, abstinence from sexual activity, physical education, smoking and alcohol should be avoided).

The disease cannot be started, since the inflammatory process soon passes into the chronic stage, which leads to infertility.

Antibiotics for inflammation of the appendages

Antibiotics for inflammation of the appendages is the first and main condition that must be met for a favorable outcome of the disease. How to treat inflammation of the appendages, the dosage and number of doses for each particular woman is determined by a specialist, however, we will give you the most commonly prescribed pairs of medicines:

  1. Nitroimidazole derivatives (for example, Metronidazole) to eliminate anaerobic flora that can live in an anoxic environment, such as gonococci (causative agents of gonorrhea);
  2. Inhibitor-protected penicillins (Amoxiclav), 3rd generation cephalosporins (Ceftriaxone), macrolides (Erythromycin), etc., which affect the aerobic (living in an oxygen environment) flora;
  3. Antifungal drugs (eg Diflucan, Nystatin).

The first three to four days before the condition normalizes, all these drugs are administered as injections. Then you can switch to tablet forms and reduce the dose.

Concomitant treatment

In addition to the appointment of antibacterial drugs, detoxification therapy is carried out (intravenous infusions of saline solutions, glucose, hemodez, rheopolyglucin and others in a volume of 2-3 liters).

Relief of pain, and reduction of the inflammatory process is carried out with the help in the form of tablets. These are Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ketarol and other drugs. Be sure to prescribe vitamins C and B, as well as allergy pills.

When removing an acute process and in the treatment of chronic inflammation of the appendages without exacerbation, physiotherapy is widely used: electrophoresis of copper and zinc in the phases of the menstrual cycle, electrophoresis with lidase or iodine, ultrasound, high-frequency pulsed currents (SMT, DDT). Also in rehabilitation treatment, immunomodulators, autohemotherapy, injections of aloe, FIBS, Longidase, and so on are used. In chronic adnexitis, spa treatment is indicated - mud, paraffin, therapeutic baths and douching.

Candles for inflammation of the appendages

To reduce signs such as inflammation, pain, swelling, and temperature, special suppositories are used that can relieve inflammation. They can also prescribe such suppositories that are able to strengthen the immune system, and this is very important for any illness. Also, these drugs cleanse the body of harmful substances.

All candles are prescribed by a doctor, but in any case, such treatment will be additional.

Folk remedies

At home, you can use some folk recipes:

  1. Take 4 teaspoons of finely chopped buckthorn roots, Chernobyl and peony, add 3 teaspoons of burnet roots and elecampane. After that, pour 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture with half a liter of boiling water. Boil for half an hour on low heat, and then let cool for half an hour. After strain and you can add a little honey for taste. Take the drug should be half a cup 3-4 times a day.
  2. One tablespoon chopped dry grass boron uterus pour a glass of boiling water. Insist 2 hours. Strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 1 month. After a monthly course of treatment of adnexitis with a pine forest uterus, it is advisable to drink another infusion for 2 months - from the field yarutka grass. 1 st. l. herbs pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 4 hours, strain. Drink 1 tsp. 30 minutes before meals 4 times a day.
  3. Buldenezh should be collected at the very beginning of flowering (until insects have started in them). Tincture of them has excellent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A liter jar is filled with inflorescence balls, filled with vodka and sent for 15 days to a dark, cool place. The lower abdomen is rubbed with this tincture, and the inflorescences are applied in the form of compresses.
  4. Take flowers of coltsfoot, sweet clover, centaury in equal proportions. Mix, pre-grinding, pour boiling water, let it brew for an hour, then strain the broth through gauze and drink half a glass twice a day. During treatment, abstinence from sexual intercourse is recommended.

Remember that folk remedies are only an addition, and in no way can replace drug therapy prescribed by a specialist.

DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT AND GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Inflammation (Greek - phlogosis; lat. - inflammation) is one of the most complex processes that occur in human pathology and are often the cause of many violations of the body's vital functions.

Inflammation is an important problem and subject of study in all branches of medicine and belongs to those phenomena, discussions about the essence of which have been conducted by physicians, biologists and philosophers for centuries. The problem of inflammation is as old as medicine itself. However, there is still no single idea of ​​where the place of inflammation in biology, medicine and pathology is. Therefore, there is no exhaustive definition of this process yet.

Currently, most experts believe that inflammation is a protective and adaptive homeostatic reaction of the body to damage that has been formed in the process of evolution, consisting in certain changes in the terminal vascular bed, blood, connective tissue, aimed at destroying the agent causing damage and restoring damaged tissue. , which, having become redundant with respect to the stimuli that caused it, is transformed into a typical pathological process. The biological meaning of inflammation as an evolutionarily established process is the elimination or limitation of the focus of damage and the pathogenic agents that caused it. Inflammation is ultimately aimed at localizing, destroying and removing the factors that caused it, "cleansing" the internal environment of the body from a foreign factor or a damaged, altered "one's own" factor, followed by rejection of this damaging factor and the elimination of the consequences of damage.

Being an evolutionarily developed protective process, inflammation at the same time has a damaging effect on the body. Locally, this is manifested by damage to normal cellular elements during the destruction and elimination of everything foreign. In this, predominantly local, process, the whole organism is involved to some extent, and, above all, such systems as the immune, endocrine and nervous systems.

Thus, inflammation in the history of the animal world was formed as a two-pronged process in which there are, and always act, protective and harmful elements. On the one hand, this is damage with a threat to the organ and even to the whole organism, and on the other hand, this is a favorable process that helps the body in the struggle for survival. In general pathology, inflammation is usually considered as a “key” general pathological process, since it has all the features inherent in typical pathological processes.

Inflammation is a typical pathological process that has evolved as a protective and adaptive reaction of the body to the impact of pathogenic (phlogogenic) factors, aimed at localizing, destroying and removing the phlogogenic agent, as well as eliminating the consequences of its actions, characterized by alteration, exudation and proliferation.

ETIOLOGY OF INFLAMMATION

Inflammation occurs as a reaction of the body to a pathogenic stimulus and to the damage it causes. Pathogenic, in this case called phlogogenic, irritants, that is, the causes of inflammation, can be diverse: biological, physical, chemical, both exogenous and endogenous origin.

Endogenous factors that arise in the body itself as a result of another disease include tissue decay products, blood clots, heart attacks, hemorrhages, gall or urinary stones, salt deposits, antigen-antibody complexes. The cause of inflammation can be saprophytic microflora.

With a huge variety of causes, inflammation, in its main features, proceeds in the same way, no matter what it is caused by and wherever it is localized. The variety of influence seems to be extinguished in the uniformity of the answer. That is why inflammation is a typical pathological process.

The development of inflammation, its severity, nature, course and outcome are determined not only by the etiological factor (the strength of the phlogogenic stimulus, its characteristics), but also by the reactivity of the organism, the conditions, the specific circumstances of its occurrence and development.

MAIN CLINICAL SIGNS OF INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is a predominantly local manifestation of the body's general reaction to the action of a pathogenic, extreme stimulus. To denote inflammation in any tissue or organ, use their Latin or Greek name and add the ending - it {- itis). For example: inflammation of the skin - dermatitis, liver - hepatitis, myocardium - myocarditis. At the same time, the entire organism is involved to one degree or another in this predominantly local process.

Local signs of inflammation

The main signs of inflammation have long been known. Even the Roman scientist-encyclopedist A. Celsus, in his treatise "On Medicine", identified the following main local symptoms of inflammation: redness { rubor), swelling { tumor), heat (calories) and pain (dolor). The Roman physician and naturalist K. Galen, to the four signs of inflammation identified by A. Celsus, added the fifth - dysfunction (functio laesa). These symptoms, characteristic of acute inflammation of the external integument, have been known for more than 2000 years, and have not lost their significance today. Over time, only their explanation has changed. These five signs have stood the test of time and received modern pathophysiological and pathomorphological characteristics.

Redness- a bright clinical sign of inflammation, associated with the expansion of arterioles, the development of arterial hyperemia and the "arterialization" of venous blood in the focus of inflammation.

Swelling in inflammation, it is due to an increase in the blood supply to the tissue, the formation of an infiltrate due to the development of exudation and edema, and swelling of tissue elements.

Heat develops as a result of an increased influx of warm arterial blood, as well as as a result of the activation of metabolism, increased heat production and heat transfer in the focus of inflammation.

Pain occurs as a result of irritation of the endings of sensory nerves by various biologically active substances (histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, some prostaglandins, etc.), a shift in the pH of the internal environment to the acid side, mechanical compression of nerve fiber receptors by inflammatory edema.

Impaired function on the basis of inflammation occurs, as a rule, always; sometimes it may be limited to the dysfunction of the affected tissue, but more often the whole organism suffers, especially when inflammation occurs in vital organs. Violation of the function of the inflamed organ is associated with structural damage, the development of pain, and a disorder of its neuroendocrine regulation.

In chronic inflammation and inflammation of the internal organs, some of these signs may be absent.

Doctors all over the world have repeatedly noticed that many inflammatory processes in the body begin with the intestines. Two-thirds of the body's defenses are located in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The digestive system must eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses before they infect the entire body. And we daily provide our gastrointestinal tract with a huge amount of work. Our habits of fast eating, consuming large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates, poisoning the body with chemical additives lead to bloating, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, heartburn - all signs of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Our ancestors ate foods that kept the body in balance with omega-6 and omega-3 acids. Linoleic acid (omega-6) is found in sunflower, corn, and peanut oils. The body converts it to arachidonic acid, which, if the omega-3 acid is deficient, can lead to inflammation. Omega-3s are found in fish, olive oil or flaxseed. Our current omega-6 to omega-3 ratio fluctuates between 10:1 and 25:1! Therefore, it is important to review your diet in order to prevent the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the intestines.

Studies have shown that a low-carbohydrate diet helps reduce various inflammations. Refined sugar and other high glycemic foods raise insulin levels and put the immune system on high alert. Insulin activates enzymes that increase the level of arachidonic acid in the blood. Hormones called eicosanoids can both cause inflammation and, conversely, act as anti-inflammatory compounds, depending on their type. High levels of insulin lead to an imbalance of eicosanoids, that is, there is a “skew” towards the type that causes inflammation. In some cases, depending on various factors, insulin suppresses inflammation, and in other cases it increases the inflammatory process. Research is currently underway to unravel this mechanism. When a group of obese mice with type 2 diabetes were put on a healthy diet at Harvard Medical School, their immune systems recovered almost 100%.

Foods that contain trans fats, which lead to the formation of "bad cholesterol", cause inflammation in the arteries. Trans fats lead to the formation of "free radicals" that damage healthy cells in the body and lead to inflammation.

Thus, the first step to reduce inflammation at the cellular level is to change the diet. As we get older, foods that never bothered us before, such as milk or wheat, can trigger symptoms of inflammation. Avoiding certain foods can significantly reduce inflammation.

Listen to your body to understand which foods are causing your symptoms of inflammation.

Hormonal imbalance.

One of the causes of inflammation is a change in the levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. There is a version that a decrease in estrogen levels promotes the growth of the cytokines interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, which changes the rate of formation of new bones. As a result, osteoporosis develops.

Scientists suspect that before menopause, a normal balance of hormones helps reduce inflammation, but hormones work in complex interactions, so it's hard to determine the exact mechanism. What is known for certain is that the symptoms of chronic inflammation often become more apparent during and after menopause. 75% of women during this period acquire autoimmune diseases.

Hormonal changes lead to weight gain. And there is clear evidence that additional fat cells lead to increased levels of C-reactive protein, which indicates an increase in inflammatory processes.

An analysis of the amount of C-reactive protein and the amino acid homocysteine ​​​​best reveals inflammation in the body. A normal indicator is considered to be numbers from 0 to 0.6, and homocysteine ​​- 5-15.

Ecology.

An important cause of inflammation is the environmental situation. Synthetic fibers, latex, adhesives, plastics, air fresheners, cleaning products are just some of the chemicals that adversely affect the body.

Our body neutralizes 30 heavy metals every day, the most dangerous of which are lead and mercury. Toxins are found in drinking water, food, even breast milk. Many of these substances are fat-soluble, that is, they are stored in fat cells and gradually accumulate in the body.

Constant exposure to harmful chemicals and irritants, even at low doses, overwhelms the immune system year after year.

psychological reasons.

The stress hormone cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands as a result of an anxiety situation, has a direct impact on insulin levels and metabolism. If you have been working hard for a long time without rest, then the body will force you to give it a rest by putting it to bed with some kind of disease. In this case, the disease is a consequence of stress and tension. The body maintains working capacity for a long time, but cannot do it forever. Sooner or later, the nervous system will react and possibly provoke diseases such as asthma, allergies, psoriasis and eczema. Compared to other factors, stress and emotional pain are often overlooked. But it is constant stress that is often the cause of coronary heart disease. A recent study showed that depression increases the likelihood of ischemia by 50%.

Everyone reacts differently to a stressful situation. Some reactions are even laid down at the genetic level. But still, most of the emotions we can control if we understand how it affects our health.

Thus, an unbalanced diet, hormonal disorders, stress, and poor ecology can contribute to the emergence of various inflammatory processes in the body. You can, of course, put up with it and already in middle age acquire a whole bunch of various chronic diseases. But all factors are under our control, and it depends on us how we treat our health.

Women's health is a rather fragile thing that requires careful attitude to oneself, attentiveness. Even a tiny wind of change can bring big problems to life for the whole family. After all, nature entrusted a woman with the most valuable and dear thing that she had - this is the ability to give birth to a new, pure person.

And, unfortunately, it so happened that it is inflammatory diseases that take precedence among a number of other diseases. About 70% of girls turn to gynecologists precisely because of the inflammatory process. And how many of those who do not even suspect about it.

And all this can lead to serious consequences in women's health, up to infertility.

Inflammatory diseases in gynecology speak for themselves - these are problems that arise in the female half of humanity. In medicine, their abbreviation sounds VZPO (inflammatory diseases of the genital organs).

Recently, there have been much more of them than our ancestors had. And this despite the fact that in the new century, women pay attention to hygiene more time than before.

The Ministry of Health claims that the reason for this was too much migration of the population on different continents, confusion in the sexual life of young people, poor ecology and, as a result, too weak immunity.

Inflammatory diseases can occur due to the following factors:

  • Mechanical;
  • Thermal;
  • Chemical;
  • The most common causes are infections.

Nature took care of the woman's health and created a biological barrier to stop the inflammatory process in gynecology.

The first barrier is the vaginal microflora. A woman's vagina contains lactic acid, which has grown under the influence of lactic acid bacteria. It is she who does not allow such a problem as the pathology of the flora to develop, with the help of her acidic environment. And the blood, during menstruation, washes away all foreign microorganisms in the vagina and thereby renews it.

True, if a woman has an operation to remove the ovaries or she has a period, the whole system is disrupted, which easily leads to pelvic inflammation in the future.

The second barrier is the cervix. If it has no damage, it remains natural in its parameters. And the mucous membrane is in good condition and has a bactericidal effect, then here the inflammatory process freezes and does not reunite with the internal genital organs. It is clear that in violation of the clarity and lines of the cervix and its contents, the percentage of penetration is much higher.

The female microflora of the vagina is inhabited by many types of microorganisms, but they are not at all dangerous for her. Of course, if a woman has good health, but poor health can cause a number of inflammatory processes. Hypothermia, psychological factors and much more can affect health.

Where does female inflammation come from?

Causes of inflammation "like a woman"

Every woman, while still a little girl, more than once in her childhood heard from adults: "Do not sit on the cold." Mom explained that now the girl would not feel anything, but later, in adulthood, she would regret it more than once. And this is one of the reasons why inflammatory processes often appear in adulthood.

Inflammation "in a feminine way" can lead to adhesions in the fallopian tubes, and as a result, to infertility.

But in fact, inflammatory processes in the female genital area can be for various reasons, and there are a lot of them.

Ways of penetration of inflammatory pathogens are diverse. These include:

  • Spermatozoa can bring inflammations such as gonococci, chlamydia, E. coli and also gonorrhea;
  • Trichomonas;
  • The so-called passive way - through the flow of blood and lymph;
  • External manipulations inside the uterus. For example, probing, examination on a chair using instruments, various operations (artificial abortion, curettage, etc.);
  • , rings and more. It is one of the most used contraceptives. But those who use such methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy automatically increase their risk of getting inflammatory diseases, as much as 3 times. Inflammation can be localized around the contraceptive itself, inside the uterus. Also, the damaged structure of the cervix and its mucous membrane can become a source. Especially with this they do not recommend joking with women who plan to become mothers;
  • If we have already touched on contraception, then we will single out hormonal protection separately. On the contrary, it contributes to the protective barriers of the body. Scientists, when they created them, invested in them a role that modifies the lining of the uterus. After that, it prevents the sperm from getting to the internal organs of the woman. In addition, the process of blood loss during the monthly cycle is being established, which reduces the possibility of the inflammatory process getting inside the uterus;
  • have protective properties against inflammatory diseases;
  • Abortions, curettage - all this can provoke complications in the form of inflammation of the appendages. In general, such a problem will be visible after 5 days, less often after 2-3 weeks. And if a woman had pathogens before the operation, then the chances of VZPO increase dramatically. It also affects the reduced immunity after the operation.
  • postpartum infection. Quite often this can be encountered. If there was a severe pregnancy, postpartum trauma, caesarean section, then the risk increases. Fact: after a planned caesarean section, there are fewer representatives of the beautiful part of humanity suffering from inflammatory diseases than after a sudden caesarean;
  • A variety of operations associated with gynecological problems.
  • Congenital and acquired pathologies. At a newborn age, problems are associated with the endocrine system, the metabolic process, and so on. Transferred childhood and adolescent diseases, where the causative agent was infection. Problems in the nervous system and diseases associated with endocrine disorders, in an adult increase the risk for VZPO;
  • Negligence in taking other antimicrobial agents. If the rules for taking medications are not followed, an inflammatory process in the woman's body can be provoked;
  • Improper nutrition (malnutrition, overeating, unbalanced nutrition, etc.);
  • Failure to comply with hygiene rules;
  • Unfavorable living conditions;
  • Unfavorable working conditions;
  • Hypothermia of the body;
  • Overheating of the body;
  • Nervous tension;
  • Psychological traumas and their consequences;
  • Lack of a normal sexual life;
  • Constant change of sexual partner;
  • Fear of possible pregnancy;
  • And even one's own dissatisfaction with oneself can provoke inflammatory processes in a woman's body;
  • And other.

As you can see, the reasons can be varied and provoked by external, internal factors and the factor of thought.

Classification of female inflammatory diseases

"Women's" diseases

According to the duration of the disease, the following processes are understood:

  • Acute. About three weeks;
  • Subacute. Up to 1.5 months;
  • Chronic. that have been going on for over two months.

Inflammatory processes occur on:

  • External genitalia. For example, on the vulva;
  • Internal genital organs. These include problems in the uterus, diseases associated with appendages, the pelvis, the vagina, etc.

There are also VZPO of the upper and lower parts of the gynecological organs. Conventionally, they are separated by an internal uterine os.

According to the type of causative agent, VZPO are divided into:

  • Specific. These include diseases that are created by pathogens such as staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
  • Non-specific. Trichomonas disease, candida, virus, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, Klebsiella, Proteus, chlamydia and others are caused here.

Now consider the most famous and common types of diseases.

Inflammatory process of the lower parts of the female body:

  • Vulvitis. Appears on external female organs. exists in a primary and secondary form, there is an acute and chronic form.
    Symptoms: pain, burning in the perineum and when going to the toilet in a small way. Feeling of self-irritation in the vulva. General malaise, severe leucorrhoea, a person's temperature rises. In appearance, you can see swelling of the labia or partial swelling, small abscesses on them, purulent are possible.
    Treatments prescribe this: refusal of sexual intercourse, the use of ointments, tablets for the vagina, baths, immunotherapy, vitamin therapy. Physiotherapy may be prescribed: UVI of the external genital organs,. use folk methods of treatment with the help of herbs such as oak bark, pharmacy chamomile, etc.
  • Furunculosis of the vulva. These are inflammations that occur with a purulent process in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hair follicles of the sebaceous glands.
    Symptoms: redness around the hairs, then they turn into dark red nodules, which eventually turn into swelling, boils. They fester at first, then come out and the wound heals.
    Treatment produce ointments, creams and hygiene.
  • Colpitis or vaginitis. Inflammation in the vagina and its membranes. The causative agents are chlamydia, trichomonas, mycoplasmas, streptococci, staphylococci and others. This is one of the most popular diseases in the female part. If this disease is started, then the inflammation will move further towards the cervix, to the uterus itself, appendages, and so on. In the end, everything can come to serious consequences, such as infertility,.
    Symptoms: heaviness in the lower abdomen, burning during urination, profuse discharge, purulent discharge. When viewed on a chair, you can see swelling of the vaginal mucosa, rashes, redness, and so on.
    Treatment appointed by the result of a smear. It can be local or general. According to the method, the following are distinguished: douching, treatment with solutions, the introduction of balls, tablets, suppositories, compresses with ointments, creams. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed. At home, the following herbs are used: nettle, elderberry, thick-leaved bergenia, pharmacy chamomile, garlic, celandine and much more.
  • Bartholinitis. Inflammatory process in the large gland of the vestibule of the vagina. At the entrance to the vagina, one or two glands increase, they hurt when pressed, pus may be released. Redness can be found around.
    Symptoms: the patient may have an increase in body temperature and worsen the general condition. If treatment is refused, neoplasms appear in the form of phlegmon, gangrene.
    Treatment: cold compresses, taking a course of antibiotics, rest. In the advanced stage, operations are prescribed.
  • Genital warts. Benign formations on the upper layers of the skin of the perineum. The causative agent is a common virus. You can find it on the labia, in the perineum, in the vagina, in the inguinal folds, on the cervix.
    Symptoms is a copious selection. Their appearance is similar to a mushroom - a cap with a leg. They can be at a distance from each other or gather together. Sometimes, they can secrete pus and emit an unpleasant odor.
    Treatment is to remove them and eliminate the cause. If the cause was identified independently by the patient and treated, then the condylomas are eliminated by themselves.
  • vaginismus. Inflammation manifests itself in the form of nerve contractions inside the vagina. Such a disease may indicate complications of such diseases as a disease of the vulva, vagina. Also, vaginismus can be the result of rough sex or impotence of a sexual partner, and so on.
    being treated anti-inflammatory drugs, hypnosis, with the help of a psychotherapist, etc.
  • Candidiasis (). Inflammatory processes in the vulva, cervix are caused by infections. Pathogens yeast-like fungi, candida.
    Symptoms: itching, burning in the vaginal area, profuse discharge, often curd-like, with a sour smell, pain during lovemaking.
    Treatment prescribe local (cream, vaginal tablet) and ingestion (tablet, capsule).
  • Cervical erosion . Changes in the structure of the mucous membrane of the cervix. Basically, a woman cannot independently detect erosion in herself, she is found at a preventive examination in a gynecologist on a chair. If it is in a neglected form, then it turns into a polyp on the cervix, which can ooze or release blood. If it is not treated further, then after a while you can find cervical cancer in yourself.
    Treatment consists of administration with oils, creams, emulsions with antibiotics. In the absence of positive results of treatment, electrocoagulation is prescribed.

Inflammation in the upper genital organs of a woman:

  • endometritis . Inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the uterus. Often found after menstruation, artificial removal of the fetus. The causative agents are usually infections. Endometritis is chronic and acute.
    Symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating, profuse vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Sometimes the uterus may enlarge. The patient can also observe a high body temperature.
    Treatment: antibacterial drugs are prescribed, mechanical cleaning of the uterine cavity, detoxification. In chronic endometritis, hormone therapy can be prescribed.
  • Adnexitis . This inflammation of the female genital organs is also called salpingo-oophoritis. In this case, we are talking about inflammation and ovaries. Exists with one and two-sided. Most often, the infection comes from the lower genital organs. It can also be carried by Trichomonas, spermatozoa. It is transmitted by sowing the disease, through sexual contact or during manipulations in the middle of the uterus (intrauterine device, abortion, etc.).
    Symptoms little perceptible, sometimes, slight ones can be felt in the groin. If the disease is acute, then the patient's body temperature rises and severe intoxication of the body.
    Treatment is to take a course of antibiotics. A stronger inflammatory process is treated in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor. A course of multivitamins, immunostimulating drugs is also prescribed.
  • Pelvioperitonitis . Inflammatory processes in the peritoneal part of the small pelvis. It often happens that inflammation passes from inflammation of the uterus and genital organs. The causative agents are different: staphylococcus, mycoplasma, streptococcus, chlamydia, gonococcus, pathogenic microflora, escherchia, proteus, bacteroid. There are fibrinous and purulent inflammations of pulvilperatonitis.
    By symptomatic sensations, the patient feels chills, fever, vomiting, swelling and pain in the abdomen. In appearance, a woman may have a white coating on the tongue and feel pain in the back of the vagina.
    Treatment disease passes at the hospital, lie down cold on the stomach. Prescribed antibacterial drugs, antiallergic drugs. If the disease is started, then it is quite possible that peritonitis may develop. Then you can't do without surgery.

Infections through "pleasure": inflammation due to sex

Separately, I would like to highlight inflammatory processes that are sexually transmitted. In the modern world, promiscuous sex can lead mankind not only to pleasure, but also to infectious diseases. In nature, there are more than 50 species. Among them: AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and much more.

Anyone should seek help if they notice symptoms of possible illnesses. This will help him avoid many consequences in the future.

Here are a few issues that may be of concern:

  • redness of the penis;
  • enlarged lymph nodes in the inguinal folds;
  • strange critical days;
  • wounds in the mouth, on the body, hands;
  • increase in body temperature and the like.

But most often, many diseases are not felt in any way, so it is recommended to be examined by a doctor more often.

In the world there are the following diseases that can be transmitted through sex:

  • Trichomoniasis. The causative agent of Trichomonas. The place of entry is the lower part of the genital organs. This is one of the most common inflammatory processes. In the case of men, this disease can affect the ability to conceive a child. FROM the symptoms are as follows: secretion of white-yellow-gray color with a specific odor. Itching, burning of the labia, vagina, pain during sex. There may be pain when urinating, as with. During the treatment of the disease, sexual contact is excluded, two partners are treated at once.
    Prescribe drugs that are aimed at suppressing Trichomonas in the body. Phytotherapy can serve as an adjuvant. Among medicinal plants, these are: lavender, bird cherry, wormwood, oak bark, birch leaves, pharmacy chamomile and many others.
  • Gonorrhea. It happens in acute and chronic form.
    Symptoms: frequent urination, pain and burning during urination, there may be purulent discharge from the urinary canal, increased bleeding. This disease affects the cervix and urinary canal. If a woman is pregnant, the fetus may also be infected. Treatment is carried out in a hospital with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-allergic drugs. Physical procedures can be prescribed (UVI, UHF, electrophoresis, etc.)
  • Chlamydia. The causative agent of chlamydia. Parallel symptoms of pharyngitis, otitis media, pneumonia and others. A woman with chlamydia may experience itching of the external genital organs, discharge of pus from the vagina. At the stage of treatment, both partners are treated at once, sexual rest is prescribed, a course of immunostimulating drugs, an antibiotic, is drunk.
  • Genital herpes . Such a viral infection is transmitted even through a kiss. Basically, the disease is asymptomatic only, sometimes, it may appear on the vulva, inside the vagina, cervix, in the middle of the perineum. Their appearance is similar to red vesicles 2-3 mm in size, swelling of the skin. Somewhere after 3-7 days, the bubbles burst and purulent sores of varying severity appear in their place. With the appearance of sores, pain, itching, burning in the perineum, vagina, and urethra appear. The body can increase, weakness, fatigue develop, sleep patterns get lost, and more. The causes of genital herpes can be sex, neurological experiences, hypothermia of the body, overwork.
    Treat this disease with the help of acyclovir, ointments, creams, antiallergic drugs, courses of vitamins. Among the folk methods are: sitz baths, douching. In this case, there is a possibility of a return of the disease.

Prevention of inflammatory diseases in gynecology

Preventive measures to prevent inflammatory processes in the female reproductive system are as follows:

  • Personal hygiene, especially intimate;
  • Twice a year;
  • A healthy lifestyle in everything: food, bed, daily routine, etc.;
  • Use of contraception;
  • Order in sexual relations.

Dear women, remember that no one is better at taking care of your health than yourself. A healthy person is a happy person.



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