What are the stages of catheter-related phlebitis. How is phlebitis diagnosed. What treatments are available for IV-related phlebitis. What are the risk factors for superficial thrombophlebitis. How does phlebitis differ from thrombophlebitis.

Understanding Catheter-Related Phlebitis: A Comprehensive Guide

Catheter-related phlebitis is a common complication associated with intravenous (IV) therapy in hospital settings. This condition involves inflammation of a vein due to the presence of an IV catheter. To better understand and manage this issue, healthcare professionals use a staging system that assesses the severity of symptoms.

The Phlebitis Staging Scale

The phlebitis staging scale ranges from 0 to 4, with each score corresponding to specific symptoms:

• Score 0: The IV site appears healthy with no signs of inflammation
• Score 1: Slight redness and pain near the IV site
• Score 2 (Early-stage phlebitis): Noticeable redness and pain at the IV site
• Score 3 (Medium-stage phlebitis): Redness, swelling, and pain along the path of the IV cannula
• Score 4 (Advanced-stage phlebitis): Severe redness, swelling, pain, and a palpable venous cord along the path of the IV cannula

This staging system helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate course of action for managing catheter-related phlebitis.

Causes and Risk Factors of Catheter-Related Phlebitis

Understanding the underlying causes of catheter-related phlebitis is crucial for prevention and treatment. The primary causes include:

• Infection
• Injury to the vein
• Irritation of the vein wall

These factors can be further broken down into specific mechanisms related to IV therapy:

Mechanical Damage

Mechanical damage can occur when the IV cannula moves within the vein, causing friction. This movement can irritate the vein wall, leading to inflammation. Additionally, using a cannula that is too wide for the vein can also cause mechanical damage.

Chemical Damage

Chemical damage may result from the infusion of certain medications or fluids through the IV line. Some substances can irritate the vein lining, triggering an inflammatory response.

Bacterial Infection

The insertion of an IV catheter creates a potential entry point for bacteria. If these microorganisms infiltrate the vein, they can cause an infection, leading to phlebitis. In severe cases, this infection can progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the infection spreads throughout the body.

Differentiating Phlebitis from Thrombophlebitis

While phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein, thrombophlebitis involves both inflammation and the formation of a blood clot. Thrombophlebitis can affect both superficial and deep veins, but it most commonly occurs in the legs.

Risk Factors for Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Several factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing superficial thrombophlebitis:

• Smoking
• Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
• Pregnancy
• Underlying cancer

Understanding these risk factors can help healthcare providers identify patients who may be more susceptible to developing thrombophlebitis.

Diagnosis of Catheter-Related Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis

Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management of catheter-related phlebitis and thrombophlebitis. The diagnostic approach may vary depending on the suspected condition.

Diagnosing Catheter-Related Phlebitis

For catheter-related phlebitis, diagnosis is often based on direct observation of symptoms at the IV site. Healthcare providers assess the area for signs of redness, swelling, and pain, using the phlebitis staging scale to determine the severity of the condition.

Diagnosing Superficial Thrombophlebitis

When superficial thrombophlebitis is suspected, a more comprehensive diagnostic approach is typically required:

1. Physical examination: Healthcare providers look for signs of redness, warmth, and tenderness along the affected vein. They may also feel for a palpable cord, which indicates the presence of a clot.
2. Medical history: Clinicians gather information about the patient’s risk factors and any conditions that may have caused vein injury.
3. Ultrasound imaging: This non-invasive test can reveal the extent of superficial thrombophlebitis and determine if it has progressed to deep vein thrombosis, a more serious condition.
4. D-dimer blood test: While not always conclusive in cases of superficial thrombophlebitis, this test measures the presence of a protein fragment produced when blood clots dissolve.

Treatment Approaches for Catheter-Related Phlebitis

The treatment of catheter-related phlebitis depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications and promote healing.

Early-Stage Management

For early-stage phlebitis (Score 1-2), the primary approach is to remove the IV catheter and insert a new one at a different site. This simple intervention can often resolve mild cases of phlebitis.

Medium to Advanced-Stage Management

When phlebitis progresses to medium or advanced stages (Score 3-4), additional treatments may be necessary. However, it’s important to note that research on the effectiveness of various treatments is limited. Some potential treatment options include:

• Topical treatments: These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac gel or medications to reduce vein swelling, like heparinoid.
• Oral NSAIDs: These medications can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with phlebitis.
• Warm compresses: Applying warm, moist compresses to the affected area may help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
• Elevation: Keeping the affected limb elevated can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

It’s crucial to monitor the patient closely and adjust treatment as needed based on their response and the progression of symptoms.

Prevention Strategies for Catheter-Related Phlebitis

Preventing catheter-related phlebitis is a key focus in healthcare settings. Implementing effective prevention strategies can significantly reduce the incidence of this complication.

Proper Catheter Selection and Insertion

Choosing the appropriate catheter size and using proper insertion techniques are crucial steps in preventing phlebitis. Healthcare providers should:

• Select the smallest catheter size necessary for the prescribed therapy
• Use aseptic technique during catheter insertion
• Choose an appropriate insertion site, avoiding areas of flexion when possible

Regular Monitoring and Assessment

Frequent monitoring of the IV site is essential for early detection of phlebitis. Healthcare providers should:

• Assess the IV site at least once per shift
• Document any signs of redness, swelling, or discomfort
• Use the phlebitis staging scale to track the progression of symptoms

Proper Catheter Care and Maintenance

Maintaining the catheter and surrounding area can help prevent infection and irritation. Best practices include:

• Regularly changing dressings using sterile technique
• Flushing the catheter with saline before and after medication administration
• Removing the catheter as soon as it is no longer needed

Complications and Long-Term Outlook

While catheter-related phlebitis is often a manageable condition, it can lead to more serious complications if left untreated or if it progresses to advanced stages.

Potential Complications

Some potential complications of catheter-related phlebitis include:

• Sepsis: If the infection spreads beyond the localized area, it can lead to a systemic infection.
• Deep vein thrombosis: In rare cases, superficial phlebitis can progress to involve deeper veins.
• Chronic venous insufficiency: Repeated episodes of phlebitis can damage vein valves, leading to long-term circulation problems.

Long-Term Outlook

With prompt recognition and appropriate treatment, most cases of catheter-related phlebitis resolve without long-term consequences. However, patients who experience recurrent episodes may be at higher risk for chronic venous issues.

To improve long-term outcomes, healthcare providers should focus on:

• Early detection and intervention
• Patient education about signs and symptoms to watch for
• Implementing robust prevention strategies in healthcare settings

Future Directions in Catheter-Related Phlebitis Research

As our understanding of catheter-related phlebitis continues to evolve, several areas of research show promise for improving prevention and treatment strategies.

Advanced Catheter Materials

Researchers are exploring new materials for catheter construction that may reduce the risk of phlebitis. These include:

• Antimicrobial-coated catheters to prevent bacterial colonization
• Self-healing materials that can repair minor damage and reduce irritation
• Biocompatible materials that mimic natural tissue properties

Novel Treatment Approaches

Ongoing studies are investigating new treatment options for catheter-related phlebitis, including:

• Targeted drug delivery systems to reduce systemic side effects
• Nanoparticle-based therapies for more efficient drug administration
• Biologic agents that modulate the inflammatory response

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Advancements in diagnostic technology may lead to earlier and more accurate detection of phlebitis. Some promising areas include:

• Wearable sensors for continuous monitoring of IV sites
• Advanced imaging techniques for non-invasive assessment of vein health
• Artificial intelligence algorithms for predicting phlebitis risk

As research in these areas progresses, we can expect to see improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of catheter-related phlebitis, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Patient Education and Self-Care Strategies

Empowering patients with knowledge about catheter-related phlebitis can play a crucial role in early detection and prevention. Healthcare providers should focus on educating patients about:

Recognizing Early Signs of Phlebitis

Patients should be taught to identify the following symptoms:

• Redness or streak formation along the vein
• Warmth or tenderness at the IV site
• Swelling or hardness of the affected area
• Pain or discomfort, especially when the IV site is touched

Self-Care Measures

Patients can be instructed on simple self-care techniques to manage mild symptoms and prevent complications:

• Applying warm compresses to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day
• Keeping the affected limb elevated when possible
• Avoiding tight clothing or jewelry that may constrict blood flow
• Staying hydrated to promote healthy circulation

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s crucial to educate patients about when to alert healthcare providers. They should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Fever or chills
• Rapid spread of redness or warmth
• Discharge or pus from the IV site

By involving patients in their care and providing them with the knowledge to recognize potential issues, healthcare providers can create a collaborative approach to managing catheter-related phlebitis.

What are the stages of catheter-related phlebitis?

Phlebitis stages indicates the severity of inflammation in a vein due to an intravenous (IV) catheter. The score ranges from 0–4, according to how severe the symptoms are.

Symptoms in the early stage involve redness and pain at the IV site. If the condition progresses to the advanced stage, additional symptoms include swelling and a palpable venous cord, which is firmness in the vein.

In the early stage, doctors recommend removing the IV device and inserting a new one in another site. If phlebitis reaches the medium stage, they advise considering treatment.

One treatment may entail topical anti-inflammatory medications for people to apply to the skin over the vein. Another treatment option is an oral medication to reduce the formation of blood clots.

Keep reading to learn more about phlebitis stages due to IV therapy, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook.

Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, which results in redness, swelling, and pain. It can happen in an arm when a person receives IV therapy in a hospital.

The condition may also occur from a blood clot. When this happens, it is called thrombophlebitis. This may affect veins near the surface of the skin or deeper veins, but it usually occurs in the leg.

The staging system only applies to phlebitis due to IV therapy, a method of putting fluids into the bloodstream. It involves inserting a tube called a cannula into a vein. Approximately 25–35% of people who receive IV therapy in a hospital acquire phlebitis, notes an older 2002 study.

The chart below shows the phlebitis staging scale for IV therapy.

Stage	Description
Score of 0.	The IV site looks healthy.
Score of 1.	The IV site looks slightly red, and a person experiences slight pain near the site.
Score of 2, or early-stage phlebitis.	Redness and pain at the IV site are present.
Score of 3, or medium stage phlebitis.	Redness, swelling, and pain along the path of the IV cannula are present.
Score of 4, or advanced stage phlebitis.	Signs include redness, swelling, a palpable venous cord, and pain along the path of the IV cannula.

Causes of phlebitis include:

• infection
• injury
• irritation

The use and removal of an IV can lead to these causes. A 2016 study explains that IV-related phlebitis may stem from:

• Mechanical damage: This may happen when movement of the IV cannula inside a vein produces friction. It can also be due to irritation when a cannula is too wide for a vein.
• Chemical damage: This may occur when a drug or other component of fluid flowing through an IV has a characteristic that produces vein irritation.
• Infection: In response to IV insertion, bacteria may infiltrate a vein. This can create serious complications if the infection develops into sepsis. In sepsis, the infection leaves the IV site and becomes systemic, or circulates throughout the body.

Aside from IV therapy, thrombophlebitis can cause injury or trauma to a vein. If it affects a vein close to the skin surface, doctors call this superficial thrombophlebitis.

Risk factors for surface thrombophlebitis include:

• smoking
• taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
• pregnancy
• underlying cancer

If phlebitis involves an IV site, a diagnosis may be evident by observing the symptoms.

In contrast, if symptoms suggest superficial thrombophlebitis, the following procedures are necessary for diagnosis:

• Physical examination: This entails noting any symptoms of redness, warmth, and tenderness over the track of a surface vein, along with a palpable cord.
• Medical history: This includes discovering whether a person has risk factors or conditions that may cause injury to a vein.
• Ultrasound: This imaging test can show the extent of superficial thrombophlebitis. It may also determine whether it has developed into the complication of deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a deep vein.
• D-dimer blood test: This test measures a protein fragment that results when a blood clot dissolves. As the level of D-dimer is not always higher than normal in superficial thrombophlebitis, its use is limited.

Treatment of IV-related phlebitis differs from the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis.

Treatment for IV-related phlebitis

In the early stage, experts recommend removing the IV and inserting a new one in a different site. Once phlebitis reaches the medium stage, they also advise considering treatment.

A 2015 review evaluated the effectiveness of treatments for IV-related phlebitis. Due to limited, poor-quality data, the authors concluded that research is too preliminary to determine how well current treatments work. However, options include:

• Topical treatments. Examples include a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as diclofenac gel (Voltaren) or a medication to reduce swelling of inflamed veins such as heparinoid (Hirudoid).

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These decrease inflammation and include medications, such as ibuprofen.

Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis

Research from 2018 reports that most cases of superficial thrombophlebitis resolve on their own. Treatment may involve:

• elevating the leg above the heart to reduce swelling
• wearing elastic stockings
• applying warm compresses to the area
• using topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications

If superficial thrombophlebitis is more severe, treatment may include an anticoagulant, such as fondaparinux (Arixtra).

When the cause of the condition is an infection, in rare cases, treatment may necessitate surgical removal of the infected part of the vein.

Cases of phlebitis from an IV infusion can range from those involving mild discomfort to those with severe complications, such as sepsis. The outlook depends on the severity.

Phlebitis stages are a grading system that doctors use to diagnose and monitor the severity of inflammation of a vein associated with IV therapy.

Doctors do not use phlebitis stages to diagnose the severity of thrombophlebitis. Instead, the diagnostic process involves a physical exam, history, and ultrasound.

There are some differences in treatment between IV-related phlebitis and thrombophlebitis. Yet both conditions may entail treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants.

What are the stages of catheter-related phlebitis?

Phlebitis stages indicates the severity of inflammation in a vein due to an intravenous (IV) catheter. The score ranges from 0–4, according to how severe the symptoms are.

Symptoms in the early stage involve redness and pain at the IV site. If the condition progresses to the advanced stage, additional symptoms include swelling and a palpable venous cord, which is firmness in the vein.

In the early stage, doctors recommend removing the IV device and inserting a new one in another site. If phlebitis reaches the medium stage, they advise considering treatment.

One treatment may entail topical anti-inflammatory medications for people to apply to the skin over the vein. Another treatment option is an oral medication to reduce the formation of blood clots.

Keep reading to learn more about phlebitis stages due to IV therapy, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook.

Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, which results in redness, swelling, and pain. It can happen in an arm when a person receives IV therapy in a hospital.

The condition may also occur from a blood clot. When this happens, it is called thrombophlebitis. This may affect veins near the surface of the skin or deeper veins, but it usually occurs in the leg.

The staging system only applies to phlebitis due to IV therapy, a method of putting fluids into the bloodstream. It involves inserting a tube called a cannula into a vein. Approximately 25–35% of people who receive IV therapy in a hospital acquire phlebitis, notes an older 2002 study.

The chart below shows the phlebitis staging scale for IV therapy.

Stage	Description
Score of 0.	The IV site looks healthy.
Score of 1.	The IV site looks slightly red, and a person experiences slight pain near the site.
Score of 2, or early-stage phlebitis.	Redness and pain at the IV site are present.
Score of 3, or medium stage phlebitis.	Redness, swelling, and pain along the path of the IV cannula are present.
Score of 4, or advanced stage phlebitis.	Signs include redness, swelling, a palpable venous cord, and pain along the path of the IV cannula.

Causes of phlebitis include:

• infection
• injury
• irritation

The use and removal of an IV can lead to these causes. A 2016 study explains that IV-related phlebitis may stem from:

• Mechanical damage: This may happen when movement of the IV cannula inside a vein produces friction. It can also be due to irritation when a cannula is too wide for a vein.
• Chemical damage: This may occur when a drug or other component of fluid flowing through an IV has a characteristic that produces vein irritation.
• Infection: In response to IV insertion, bacteria may infiltrate a vein. This can create serious complications if the infection develops into sepsis. In sepsis, the infection leaves the IV site and becomes systemic, or circulates throughout the body.

Aside from IV therapy, thrombophlebitis can cause injury or trauma to a vein. If it affects a vein close to the skin surface, doctors call this superficial thrombophlebitis.

Risk factors for surface thrombophlebitis include:

• smoking
• taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
• pregnancy
• underlying cancer

If phlebitis involves an IV site, a diagnosis may be evident by observing the symptoms.

In contrast, if symptoms suggest superficial thrombophlebitis, the following procedures are necessary for diagnosis:

• Physical examination: This entails noting any symptoms of redness, warmth, and tenderness over the track of a surface vein, along with a palpable cord.
• Medical history: This includes discovering whether a person has risk factors or conditions that may cause injury to a vein.
• Ultrasound: This imaging test can show the extent of superficial thrombophlebitis. It may also determine whether it has developed into the complication of deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a deep vein.
• D-dimer blood test: This test measures a protein fragment that results when a blood clot dissolves. As the level of D-dimer is not always higher than normal in superficial thrombophlebitis, its use is limited.

Treatment of IV-related phlebitis differs from the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis.

Treatment for IV-related phlebitis

In the early stage, experts recommend removing the IV and inserting a new one in a different site. Once phlebitis reaches the medium stage, they also advise considering treatment.

A 2015 review evaluated the effectiveness of treatments for IV-related phlebitis. Due to limited, poor-quality data, the authors concluded that research is too preliminary to determine how well current treatments work. However, options include:

• Topical treatments. Examples include a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as diclofenac gel (Voltaren) or a medication to reduce swelling of inflamed veins such as heparinoid (Hirudoid).

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These decrease inflammation and include medications, such as ibuprofen.

Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis

Research from 2018 reports that most cases of superficial thrombophlebitis resolve on their own. Treatment may involve:

• elevating the leg above the heart to reduce swelling
• wearing elastic stockings
• applying warm compresses to the area
• using topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications

If superficial thrombophlebitis is more severe, treatment may include an anticoagulant, such as fondaparinux (Arixtra).

When the cause of the condition is an infection, in rare cases, treatment may necessitate surgical removal of the infected part of the vein.

Cases of phlebitis from an IV infusion can range from those involving mild discomfort to those with severe complications, such as sepsis. The outlook depends on the severity.

Phlebitis stages are a grading system that doctors use to diagnose and monitor the severity of inflammation of a vein associated with IV therapy.

Doctors do not use phlebitis stages to diagnose the severity of thrombophlebitis. Instead, the diagnostic process involves a physical exam, history, and ultrasound.

There are some differences in treatment between IV-related phlebitis and thrombophlebitis. Yet both conditions may entail treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants.

Sexually transmitted infections and diseases

A lot of suffering is brought to a person by infections that can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. Often, STIs cause a lot of discomfort and interfere with normal life. Often they do not have any symptoms, the person does not even suspect that he has a particular disease. Fortunately, medicine does not stand still, and such infections are treatable.

STI types

Sexually transmitted diseases are diseases that can occur in a person after intimacy. Sometimes they carry a whole range of different symptoms, or they may not even show any signs. Today, the list of such diseases is very extensive, among which are:

• chlamydia;
• trichomoniasis;
• genital herpes;
• HPV;
• syphilis;
• ureaplasmosis;
• HIV;
• Gonorrhea etc.

Transmission methods

Despite the fact that these diseases are among those that are sexually transmitted, you can get infected in other situations:

1. During intercourse . This is the main route of transmission, in which people acquire infections through intercourse without barrier contraceptives with a person who already has this or that disease.
2. Through infected blood . It is also possible to become infected with these unpleasant diseases by transfusing contaminated blood, by reusing medical instruments, needles, syringes – which have not been decontaminated – after an infected person.
3. From infected mother to child. An infant can become infected while still in the womb, during labor, or while breastfeeding a newborn. That is why a pregnant woman should take appropriate tests several times during pregnancy in order to identify and treat a particular disease in a timely manner.
4. When using personal hygiene products, an infected person is rare, but can also become infected. This may include the use of washcloths, towels, toothpaste, razors and other items that contain certain secretions of the patient.
5. Through saliva . This variant of infection transmission is also rare, but, nevertheless, it has a place to be. You can become infected during passionate kisses, smoking a cigarette that has already been in the mouth of an infected person, etc.

Thus, sexually transmitted infections can be in the body of a healthy person and through other sources. But it is worth noting that it is not so easy to get infected with such diseases, since pathogens cannot exist for a long period of time outside the human body, and it is impossible to enter the body through food or water. You can not get infected through handshakes, hugs or a friendly kiss. You can use the same items, drink water from the same fountain, eat food in public transport, etc.

STI symptoms

Each disease has its own symptoms, some of which may not appear at all. In general, all sexually transmitted infections have similar symptoms. So, women suffer from such manifestations as:

• itching and discomfort in the vagina;
• discomfort during intimacy, accompanied by soreness;
• atypical vaginal discharge;
• soreness during urination;
• rashes, ulcers, irritation in intimate area;
• changes in the lymph nodes.

Men may experience:

• itching in the intimate area;
• during urination – increased pain;
• atypical discharge;
• rash, sores, redness and other formations in the intimate area.

If at least one of these symptoms is detected, you should immediately seek medical help. The doctor will examine the patient, and also appoint a list of studies that must be completed in order to diagnose a particular disease.

Syphilis

The infection can pose a real danger to human life in the absence of the necessary treatment. Syphilis refers to an infectious disease that can be caused by a pathogen such as spirochete pallidum. You can become infected with the disease through unprotected sex. The infection manifests itself after ten days.

There are three degrees of the disease:

1. Syphilis begins with the formation of a rather hard chancre in the genital area, resembling an ulcer in appearance. Later, they form in the mouth, as well as on the fingers.
2. If you do not undergo treatment at this stage, then there is a transition of such sores to the whole body. The patient feels very bad because of the inflammatory processes occurring in the body, he is overcome by headaches, body aches appear.
3. The third stage is characterized by the manifestation of complications in the form of meningitis. At this stage, the disease can lead to paralysis and even death of a person.

Chlamydia

This is another rather insidious disease that belongs to STIs. Its insidiousness lies in the fact that in the early stages it is quite difficult to identify the disease, since the symptoms are very mild. This is especially true for women, since they have practically no signs of the disease. But it is worth noting that the disease caused by chlamydia is a very terrible disease that concerns women’s health. It can lead to inflammatory processes in the intimate area, ectopic and non-developing pregnancies, and even infertility.

In men, chlamydia is manifested by certain signs, which are impossible not to notice. During sex and urination, they may feel pain and cramps. This is due to the presence of inflammatory processes occurring in the male genital organs.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another sexually transmitted infection. She also may not let women know about herself at first. The stronger sex, on the contrary, feel the whole range of symptoms and they appear almost immediately. They may be tormented by unpleasant discharge with pus, very frequent and painful urination, blood may appear during ejaculation and other uncomfortable manifestations.

In the absence of proper treatment, the infection, as a rule, leads to complications. Just at this stage, the disease begins to manifest itself in women. They may experience pain during sex, as well as discharge with blood after it. The temperature may also rise, and the general condition will worsen. Gonorrhea of ​​any degree is treatable, but it is best not to take it to extremes and visit a doctor immediately after the first signs.

Trichomoniasis

A disease of a bacterial nature, which is caused by such a pathogen as Trichomonas vaginalis. An infection, like those already mentioned, may not make itself felt at first, and the first symptoms will appear only a couple of weeks after infection.

In men, pain in the urethra is observed, and unpleasant discharge may also appear. Women experience the most obvious signs, manifested in inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina. As a result, she may experience pain during intimacy. Another sign of trichomoniasis is yellow-green thick and frothy discharge that has an unpleasant odor. During pregnancy, it is imperative to receive treatment, because during childbirth, the child can also become infected with this infection.

Genital herpes

A highly contagious sexually transmitted disease is genital herpes, which is derived from herpes simplex. Unlike previous ailments, this can be contracted both through intimacy and through contact with the patient directly through the skin.

The infection manifests itself almost immediately. The very next day after infection, a person may experience minor blisters on the genitals, which cause discomfort in the form of mild itching. Then they develop into sores, which cause a lot of torment to a person, lymph nodes also increase and body aches appear.

It is worth noting that the external manifestations of the disease are only part of the problem. Most importantly, the herpes virus, even with its complete cure, remains in the human body forever. It is very dangerous for pregnant women and in the absence of the necessary treatment, complications can occur that even lead to a missed pregnancy.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Another nasty infection is the human papillomavirus. It also refers to sexually transmitted diseases, but you can also get sick when using other people’s personal hygiene products, visiting public places (pools, baths, gyms), from mother to child during childbirth. But these methods of transmission are not so common. It is worth noting that it is HPV that is the cause of cervical cancer. This applies to the virus of the sixteenth and eighteenth types.

The disease manifests itself as the appearance of small warts in the genital area, and this applies to both men and women. By the way, STIs may not manifest themselves at all. At the same time, you can find out if there are traces of this virus in the body after conducting laboratory tests.

Ureaplasmosis

The pathogen of ureaplasmosis is ureaplasma. Today, the infection is classified as opportunistic, that is, the bacterium lives in the human body all its life. The disease manifests itself during the period when the active reproduction of ureaplasma begins. Symptoms can be noticed after 2-3 weeks. Patients begin inflammatory processes in the genitals, there is a burning sensation during going to the toilet.

In the fair sex, discharge of an atypical nature predominates, pain in the abdomen and other unpleasant symptoms occur. The danger of ureaplasmosis is that the lack of treatment leads to a chronic stage, which, in turn, causes a number of other problems: cystitis, colpitis, endometriosis and other unpleasant ailments. Also, the disease can lead to the inability to have children. Pregnant women often have problems with the fetus, which leads to non-developing pregnancy and premature birth.

Mycoplasmosis

Another nasty infection is mycoplasmosis. This disease can also be caused by opportunistic bacteria – mycoplasmas. That is, an uninfected person also has a small amount of microorganisms, and their active growth just leads to the appearance of mycoplasmosis. Symptoms of infection may include pain during urination and during intimacy, pain in the lower abdomen, and abnormal discharge from the genital tract.

The disease affects both men and women, but the symptoms are most pronounced in the second group of people. If appropriate treatment is not received, the disease is fraught with its own consequences and can lead to the development of other diseases: vaginitis, endometritis, cervicitis, etc. It is also very dangerous during pregnancy, as it can lead to abnormalities in the development of the fetus, missed pregnancy and other complications. As for men, mycoplasmosis can cause prostatitis.

HIV

HIV is the most dangerous sexually transmitted disease. Its insidiousness lies in the fact that a person does not even know that he is sick. The incubation period can last from three weeks to three months.

As a rule, HIV is manifested by such symptoms as inflammation of the lymph nodes, weakness, headaches and lack of appetite. Another sign of infection is inflammation of the tonsils. A person, thinking that this is a manifestation of a sore throat, begins treatment, which does not help. It is also possible to increase the temperature, which is not knocked down by antipyretic drugs.

Lack of appropriate treatment leads to very sad consequences. He is constantly overcome by various diseases in the form of pneumonia, herpes, tuberculosis and other diseases. This happens due to reduced immunity. The next stage in the development of HIV is AIDS.

To date, there is no treatment that would completely eliminate this virus from the body. There is only a special therapy that practically stops the further progression of the disease. Thus, a person may well lead a full life.

STI diagnostics

The fact is that there are a lot of sexually transmitted pathogens. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose the disease by conducting a whole range of various studies. If symptoms of the disease are detected, a woman should definitely visit a gynecologist, a man – a urologist.

Among the studies are the following:

• PCR analysis and taking microscopic swabs from the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
• blood and urine test;
• bacterial culture.

In general, tests for men and women do not differ, since the main goal is to identify the causative agent of STIs. You should not delay contacting a doctor, since the disease often becomes chronic, which causes difficulties in treatment.

STI treatment

If the disease was nevertheless detected, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment. For both men and women, it will not be different. Treatment includes:

• antibiotic therapy;
• antivirals;
• taking immunostimulants;
• physiotherapy;
• taking vitamins.

In order for the treatment to be effective, one type of therapy is not enough. That is, a combination of local treatment (ointments, suppositories, etc. ) and correction of the entire state of the body is necessary. A lasting result can only be achieved with an integrated approach. It is strongly recommended not to engage in self-treatment – an adequate therapy should be selected by a doctor, taking into account the characteristics of each patient.

As a rule, if the visit to the doctor was not delayed, the treatment lasts no more than two weeks. Sometimes, in advanced cases, it can last up to three weeks. There are also situations when the course of treatment needs to be repeated after a while. For the period of therapy, the doctor usually prescribes sexual rest.

Sexually transmitted diseases are treated by gynecologists – in women, and in men – urologists. But in some cases, the help of other doctors may be required. This is due to the fact that the disease can affect not only the reproductive system, but also the skin, joints, vision, etc. In this case, dermatologists, infectious disease specialists, oculists, proctologists, etc. are also involved in the treatment.

Also, a prerequisite for getting rid of STIs is the appointment of treatment for both partners. Otherwise, re-infection is possible and you will have to start all over again. After completing the full course, you should again take tests to make sure that the therapy has worked and the disease has receded.

Prevention of sexually transmitted infections

But in order to prevent the development of the disease, one should also think about prevention. There are several rules to help avoid problems:

1. The main and first rule of preventive measures is awareness. It must be understood that there are diseases that can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. Interviews should also be held with adolescent children to protect them from unwanted infections.
2. Barrier contraceptives must be used during intercourse. The best and simplest of them is the condom.
3. You should lead an orderly sexual life, try to avoid casual contacts. Frequent change of partners just leads to problems.
4. Practice good personal hygiene.
5. Strengthen the immune system. Very often, the progression of the disease occurs against the background of reduced immunity.
6. Follow a healthy lifestyle (eat right, give up bad habits, avoid stress, etc.)
7. Do not use other person’s personal hygiene items (towels, toothbrushes, razors, etc.)
8. Regularly undergo medical examinations and visit doctors.
9. At the first suspicious symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor and be examined for a problem.

Thus, sexually transmitted diseases are quite dangerous phenomena. With their manifestations, they bring a lot of suffering to a person, interfere with normal life. But there are also infections that can be completely asymptomatic, which is fraught with the development of dangerous complications that can lead to the development of other diseases and even death. Prevention and timely treatment is the key to a happy and healthy life.

Wounds with infection (purulent): treatment, treatment, ointments

It is dangerous when even a small wound becomes infected with pathogens. Doctors call this situation wound infection . Infection of tissues can create problems not only at the site of the damage itself, but, unfortunately, have serious consequences for the entire body as a whole.

Household injuries and cuts are a high risk group for pathogens ¹ . At first it may seem that a small damaged area will not cause problems. But with improper and untimely processing, conditions are created for the infection to join. Therefore, as a rule, such complications occur when the rules for caring for wounds and surgical sutures are not followed. It is important to remember that the presence of other chronic infectious processes may increase the risk of complications ¹ .

In general, doctors identify several key factors that complicate wound healing and contribute to infection ¹

• The number of copies of microbes that simultaneously entered the wound (doctors call it microbial contamination).
• Reduced protective properties of the body, for example, due to hypothermia or the presence of chronic diseases (eg diabetes, radiation sickness).
• Impaired circulation in an injured part of the body (for example, when applying a hemostatic tourniquet).
• Traumatic conditions, such as traumatic shock or massive blood loss.
• Large wound, presence of remnants of foreign bodies.

Symptoms of infection in the wound

The main symptoms of infection are redness, swelling, soreness, increased temperature of the soft tissues in the area of ​​the wound and injury.

Reproduction of pathogenic bacteria in the wound forms an immediate inflammatory response. The more serious the problem, the more the body tries to protect itself from it. Therefore, the reaction can develop over a larger area than the site of the wound and damage. All this is accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication: fever, nausea, chills, weakness .

It should be remembered that the body’s acute response to a pathogen does not always proceed in the same way. Next, we highlight the key dangerous microbes, in relation to which the body reacts in each case quite specifically:

The first signs of purulent inflammation occur 2-3 days after surgery or injury. If the patient receives antibiotic therapy, the first symptoms may occur after 4-6 days.

Important! After getting injured outside the home, it’s best to play it safe and get a tetanus toxoid vaccine. Unfortunately, advanced form of tetanus in 40-45% of cases is associated with a lethal outcome ³ .

Further, the purulent process has several stages of progression. Over time, an abscess is formed – a purulent focus, delimited by a capsule of connective tissue. The formation of an abscess prevents the spread of infection to healthy tissues and the entry of pathogens into the bloodstream.

Phlegmon , or a diffuse purulent-inflammatory process, spreads through loose cellular spaces beyond the wound. When the pathogen enters the bloodstream, bacteremia and sepsis develop (general infectious infection of the body).

Wound infection complication if ignored

Bacteremia

Bacteremia is a condition in which bacteria enter sterile blood. The danger lies in the fact that they circulate in the bloodstream, which is a further factor in the spread of infection throughout the body. In such situations, endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart), osteomyelitis (purulent-necrotic bone process) and other dangerous diseases that threaten the patient’s life.

Sepsis

Sepsis (translated from Greek means “putrefaction”) is a systemic inflammatory reaction in response to the penetration of microorganisms into the bloodstream. In this case, a large number of microbes enter the blood or the microbes are extremely aggressive in nature.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is confirmed by the presence of two or more signs ² :

• body temperature is more than 38°C or less than 36°C
• heart rate is more than 90 beats per minute
• respiratory rate is more than 20 per minute or hyperventilation is present (occurs when intensive breathing and causes a decrease in carbon dioxide in the blood)
• leukocytosis (increase in the number of leukocytes) more than 12*10 ⁹ /l or leukopenia (decrease in the number of leukocytes) less than 4*10 ⁹ /l, or the presence of immature forms of leukocytes more than 10%

Diagnosis of sepsis is established by the presence of a focus of infection and two or more signs of SIRS.

Severe sepsis is diagnosed in the presence of sepsis and multiple organ failure.

Septic shock is a variant of septic reaction, which is based on serious disorders of blood circulation, metabolism and pathological changes in cells. The patient is immediately admitted to the intensive care unit!

Local complications of wound infection:

Acute

purulent edema, phlegmon

Chronic

ni, bacterial gangrene, osteomyelitis

Local complications of wound infection can occur both independently and in the result of treatment. For example, purulent flow is formed at some distance from the original source of infection due to a violation of the outflow of pus from the wound as a result of blockage of drains or “deaf” suturing of the wound.

Treatment of a wound with infection

In the treatment of infected wounds, adequate debridement is performed ³ . Traditionally, antiseptic solutions are used for this purpose: methylene blue, a solution of furacilin, iodine, hydrogen peroxide. These medicines stop the growth and reproduction of bacteria ^4.5 . However, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution only temporarily reduces the number of microorganisms, and may also impede wound healing ⁶ . modern antiseptics , such as povidone-iodine ( Betadine ^® ).

Betadine® (povidone-iodine) for the treatment of wound infections

Povidone-iodine is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, protozoa, viruses, fungal infections. Experience with the use of povidone-iodine solution in surgical practice indicates a decrease in the likelihood of wound suppuration when using solution Betadine ^® before treatment of the surgical field or suturing. The use of various dosage forms of povidone-iodine in the treatment of problematic wounds reduces the amount of purulent discharge, swelling and pain in the focus of inflammation ⁷ . In this case, the cleansing and healing of wounds occur more actively than when using other antiseptic agents ⁷ .

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In surgery, povidone-iodine (Betadine ^® ) is used as ⁹ :

• 10% solution for external use
• 10% ointments
• for use in drainage systems A 10% solution is diluted 10 to 100 times.
• vaginal suppositories (suppositories), 200 mg

Solution Betadine ^® disinfect the surgical field, treat the hands of medical personnel before surgery.

Solution and ointment Betadine ^® is used for disinfecting care and treatment of postoperative wounds and sutures.

According to studies in the treatment of infected wounds under wipes soaked in solution or ointment Betadine ^® , during the first 5-7 days the edema and the amount of purulent discharge decreased, there was a decrease in pain ⁸ .

Vaginal suppositories Betadine ^® (suppositories) is prescribed before planned operations in gynecology or after surgical treatment to prevent purulent complications.

Watch how to treat wounds in a short video with surgeon Fyodor Yanovich Kraskovsky

Prevention of wound infections

To prevent infection of household wounds, it is necessary to treat the damaged area with an aqueous solution of an antiseptic agent immediately after the injury. Alcohol solutions can only treat the edges of the damaged area and the area around the wound.

In case of planned surgical intervention, preoperative preparation is important – elimination of foci of chronic infection in the patient’s body. Before invasive manipulations (injections and surgery), the skin of the patient and staff is carefully treated with special disinfectants.

To prevent suppuration after surgery, a short course of antibacterial drugs is prescribed. If a purulent complication still appears, timely sanitation of the focus of infection is carried out. Treatment of purulent wounds is carried out in specialized medical institutions.

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Frequently asked questions

What can be used to treat a household wound?

Wash the wound immediately after injury.

The main task at this stage is to mechanically remove contamination with a large amount of liquid and reduce the “microbial number” – the number of bacteria in the wound. For this, a solution of chlorhexidine, an isotonic solution of sodium chloride 0.9%, or pure cooled boiled water is suitable. After that, it is necessary to treat the wound with a 10% solution of Betadine ^® and apply a clean bandage, with a small wound channel, you can use a medical plaster.

A 10% undiluted solution of Betadine ^® can be used to treat wounds and abrasions.

In case of large wounds and bleeding, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention.

What is the best choice for “cauterization” of abrasions?

The majority of the first-aid kit has “brilliant green”, a solution of fucorcin or a 5% alcohol solution of iodine. However, it is worth remembering that an alcoholic solution of iodine is not applied directly to the wound, and brilliant green and fukortsin leave a bright spot behind them. Moreover, the burning sensation caused by alcohol solutions causes discomfort when used in both children and adults.

A modern means for cauterizing abrasions is an iodine-containing aqueous solution on a polymer basis – Betadine ^® . It is devoid of the disadvantages of old-generation alcohol-containing antiseptics: it does not permanently stain the skin, does not sting when used even on fresh wounds. In addition, it has a wide spectrum of action against most infectious agents.

How can a patient reduce the risk of wound infection?

In case of domestic injuries, it is necessary to properly treat the damaged area of ​​the skin.

During surgical procedures, strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations for the treatment and care of the wound.

If you experience throbbing pain, increased swelling in the area of ​​manipulation or fever in the area of ​​the wound and fever – consult a doctor.

Moshkova Elena Mikhailovna

Dermatovenereologist, Head of KDO for the provision of paid services, St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Healthcare “City Dermatovenerological Dispensary”, St. Petersburg

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References

1. Piksin I.N., Pigachev A.V., Kistkin A.I., Ippolitov I.Yu. Wounds and wound infection”// Textbook// Saransk 2012.
2. Rudnov V.A. Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock in medical institutions of St. Petersburg// Bulletin of anesthesiology and resuscitation 2016;13(5):88-94.
3. Klyuchevsky V.V. Injury surgery//Guide for paramedics, surgeons, traumatologists// JSC Rybinsk Printing House 2004, Yaroslavl.
4. Instructions for medical use methylene blue, radar.
5. Instructions for medical use of furatsilin, RLS.