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A fracture of the radius of the hand is considered one of the most common injuries.
It accounts for almost 16% of all injuries in the home. It is especially common in women during menopause.
The first mention of the fracture can be found in ancient medical treatises in Egypt and China. Even then, ancient healers paid attention to this type of injury, and made recommendations for the treatment and rehabilitation of victims.
Radial fracture at a typical site
Traumatologists have such a concept as "fracture of the beam in a typical place." This is due to the fact that the vast majority of fractures (almost 75%) occur in the distal part of the bone (located closer to the hand).
A fracture of the middle and proximal (located closer to the elbow) part of the radius occurs in only 5% of cases.
There are two types:
- Smith, or flexor. It happens when a person falls on a hand bent towards the back of the forearm. As a result, the bone fragment of the radius is displaced to the outer surface of the forearm;
- Wheels, or extensor. Occurs when the victim falls on the palmar surface of the hand. As a result, overextension of the wrist joint takes place, and the bone fragment is displaced towards the dorsum of the forearm.
As you can see from the description, the Smith fracture and the Wheel are mirror images of each other.
Trauma classification
Depending on the nature of the occurrence:
- Pathological - arise not so much under the influence of mechanical force, but as a result of a decrease in bone mineral density. The disease, the striking manifestation of which is pathological fractures, is called osteoporosis;
- Traumatic. They arise as a result of any mechanical factor affecting the bone: impact, fall, twisting, excessive physical exertion, etc.
Depending on the violation of the integrity of the skin:
- Closed fracture of the radius of the hand, when the skin over the site of injury is not damaged;
- Open. In this case, the integrity of the skin is broken, and bone fragments come out.
Depending on the fault line:
Any type of fracture can be with or without displacement of bone fragments.
There is also an anatomical classification:
- Fracture of the diaphysis (body) of the bone;
- Intra-articular fracture of the head and neck of the radius;
- Fracture of the styloid process.
Symptoms
The trauma is accompanied by a rather vivid clinical picture. The main signs and symptoms of a broken arm are as follows:
First aid for a fracture of the radius of the hand
There are three fundamental steps that must be followed when providing first aid. These include:
- Early immobilization (immobilization) of the injured limb;
- Adequate pain relief;
- Local exposure to cold;
Immobilization of the injured limb is the first step in first aid. Correct fixation of a limb performs several tasks at once:
- Minimizes additional bone displacement;
- Reduces the risk of soft tissue damage by fragments;
- Reduces pain.
Before immobilization, it is important to free your hand from rings, watches, bracelets, etc. Otherwise, they can cause compression of blood vessels and nerves. To give a fixed limb a physiological position, it must be bent at the elbow joint at an angle of 90 degrees and brought to the body by turning the hand up.
To minimize pain, you can use drugs from the NSAID group(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These include diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketonal, dexalgin, celebrex, etc. These drugs can be taken in tablet form or as intravenous and intramuscular injections.
Local application of cold also reduces pain. In addition, under the influence of low temperature, vasoconstriction occurs and tissue edema decreases.
It is necessary to use cold for pain relief carefully so as not to provoke frostbite. For this, heating pads or ice packs are wrapped in a towel before use.
Diagnostics
Radiation diagnostic methods are the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of fractures. X-ray of the limb in two projections is most often used in routine practice.
An X-ray will show not only the presence of a fracture, but also its nature, the presence of fragments, the type of displacement, etc. These data play a key role in the choice of treatment tactics.
Sometimes traumatologists use computed tomography to diagnose complex injuries.
Treatment of fractures of the radius
Treatment tactics directly depend on the nature of the damage and is selected individually in each case.
In the case of a bone fracture at a typical site, treatment consists of closed reduction (“assembly”) of the bone fragments and the application of a plaster cast to avoid displacement. Typically, a cast covers the hand, forearm, and lower third of the upper arm.
How much to wear plaster cast for a fracture of the radius of the hand? Immobilization lasts, on average, 4-5 weeks... Before removing the plaster cast, a control X-ray is mandatory. This is necessary to assess the fusion of bone fragments.
Sometimes it is not possible to heal the injury with a plaster cast alone. Then resort to the following methods:
- Percutaneous fixation of fragments with wires. The advantage of the method is its speed and low invasiveness. However, with such treatment, it is impossible to start early development of the wrist joint;
- Open reduction of bone fragments using metal structures. In this case, the surgeon makes an incision in the soft tissues, compares the bone fragments and fixes them with a metal plate and screws.
Unfortunately, surgical methods have a number of disadvantages. First of all, it is the risk of wound infection. Therefore, after the operation, it is necessary to drink a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The second disadvantage of the surgical treatment of fractures is the long rehabilitation period.
Recovery time
The duration of the recovery period depends on the complexity of the injury and is, on average, 6-8 weeks. The duration of recovery is influenced by such factors as the scale of the operation, the speed of wound healing, the state of immunity, the presence of bone tissue diseases, etc.
Often, the recovery process after a fracture of the radius is delayed due to the fact that patients neglect the recommendations of doctors, in particular, they remove plaster casts on their own ahead of schedule. This is fraught with a number of complications, which will be discussed below.
If, after removing the cast, the arm is swollen - this is a normal process, you can learn how to get rid of the swelling after a broken arm.
Rehabilitation and how to develop an arm after a radius fracture
Rehabilitation after a fracture should be carried out in a comprehensive manner and include massage, physiotherapy, as well as physiotherapy exercises. The success of treatment largely depends on how responsibly the person approaches each of the listed activities.
Massage
You can start the restoration of the limb with a massage. Correctly performed massage after a fracture of the radius has an analgesic effect, improves recovery processes, and also prevents muscle wasting.
They start with a shoulder massage, then work with the elbow joint, and only after that move on to massage the areas around the injury. At the end, a hand massage is performed. The duration of the massage session is about 15 minutes.
Physiotherapy methods
Physiotherapy plays an important role in rehabilitation. The following procedures are used:
- Electrophoresis with calcium preparations. The essence of electrophoresis is reduced to a slow directional movement of the drug particles deep into the tissues. Calcium increases bone mineral density and accelerates the fusion of bone fragments;
- Low frequency magnetotherapy. It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect;
- UHF method. This technique is aimed at warming up soft tissues. As a result, the local metabolism improves, which speeds up regeneration;
- Ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D is produced, which is necessary for better absorption of calcium.
Exercise therapy classes
As a result of prolonged immobilization, the muscles lose their tone, which is fraught with the development of hypotrophy. That is why it is so important to timely start exercise therapy for a fracture of the radius. Classes should start with the simplest exercises., for example, with alternate flexion of the fingers. The doctor will write out an exercise diagram on how to develop the arm after a fracture of the radius.
Exercises after a fracture of the radius should be performed carefully, without sudden movements.
It is important to carry out exercise therapy under the guidance of a specialist who will select a set of exercises in accordance with the patient's physical capabilities and monitor the correctness of its implementation.
Complications and possible consequences
They can be divided into two groups: direct complications of trauma and its long-term consequences.
Immediate complications of injury include:
- Damage to the nerve bundle (eg, rupture). It entails a violation of sensitivity (thermal, tactile, motor, etc.);
- Damage to the digital tendons, as a result of which the function of flexion or extension of the hand may be impaired;
- Damage to blood vessels with the formation of a hematoma;
- Partial or complete muscle rupture;
- Infectious complications (for example, the attachment of infection to the wound surface).
Long-term complications are less common. These include osteomyelitis (purulent fusion of the bone), deformity of the limb due to improper fusion of bone fragments, the formation of contractures.
Features of a fracture of the radius in a child
The structure of a child's bones is different from that of an adult. This is due to the presence of bone growth zones, better blood supply, as well as the peculiarities of the periosteum - the shell that covers the outside of the bones.
The formation of fractures of the "green branch" type is very characteristic of childhood., or subperiosteal fracture. Due to the fact that the periosteum in children is very flexible, it does not lose its integrity in case of injury.
When dropped or hit, the bone bends, its convex side breaks, and the concave side remains intact. Thus, the fracture is incomplete and heals much faster.
Despite the listed features, fractures in children should be taken seriously. It is not uncommon for an abnormal fusion of bones in childhood to leave an imprint in the form of a dysfunction of the hand for life.
A fracture of the radius in the practice of a traumatologist accounts for 16% of all recorded cases associated with injuries to human bones.
The frequency of this damage is directly related to the mechanism of its occurrence. To understand the features of this injury, it is necessary to consider in detail the specifics of each type, including, as well as the reasons for their occurrence.
Types of fractures
Various fractures of the radius are classified based on the following:
- how the damage occurred;
- what is the degree of damage to the integrity of the skin;
- where is the straight line of the fracture in the bone tissue;
- where the injury is located in accordance with the anatomical zone.
There are traumatic and pathological violations of the integrity of the bone, differing from each other in etiology and mechanism of occurrence.
The fault line also determines the type of injury. There are comminuted injuries, T-shaped and oblique types, helical fractures, transverse and longitudinal.
A closed fracture of the radius, in contrast to an open one, is characterized by the preserved integrity of the skin in the area of injury.
In accordance with the anatomical area of the injury, a fracture of the bone is noted both in the area of its body, neck or head, and in the area of the styloid process.
Radial fracture at a typical site
A medical term such as fractures of the radius at a typical site indicates a high incidence of bone injuries in one area. 70-78% of such injuries occur in the distal zone - the base of the hand. 
The destruction of the integrity of the bone tissue in the elbow or middle part of the limb occurs only in 7% of cases, according to the statistics of injury.
Fractures of Smith (flexion) and Wheels (extensor) are classified.
The first type of injury occurs when falling onto an outstretched arm. At the same time, the hand is turned towards the inner side of the forearm. As a result, a fragment of bone tissue in case of injury is displaced to the outer region of the forearm.
The second type of injury (wheel fracture) is a mirror image of the first type. As a result of damage, the bone fragment is displaced to the inner side of the forearm, while the hand is turned to its outer region.
All of the above types of injuries occur with or without displacement of bone fragments.
When there is a movement of fragments of the bone destroyed during an injury, then we are talking about a fracture with displacement.
Allocate the longitudinal and transverse displacement of the fragments. Longitudinal displacement occurs when pieces of bone are moved to the upper region of the limb. Lateral displacement is characterized by the formation of 2 bone fragments. Due to the involuntary contractions of muscle fibers during injury, these fragments move to the right and left sides.
A fracture of the radius of the hand often includes both types of displacement of the fragments.
Radial fracture without displacement
This type of injury can occur without displacement of bone fragments, because in parts of the hand such as the base of the hand and the elbow, muscle fibers contract with less force than, for example, in the forearm. This force is not enough to move the damaged area of the bone tissue. Therefore, in this situation, not a fracture of the "beam" may occur, but tissue may form, which is a safer type of injury for the victim than injury with displacement of fragments.
The crack is localized in one area of the tissue, often not even extending to its depth.
First aid
Fractures of the radius in a typical site or other areas require first aid: elimination or reduction of pain syndrome, ensuring the fixation of the injured limb and resting the victim, protection from damage to soft tissues in the area of injury. 
A closed-type bone fracture requires a reliable fixation of the limb in a safe and painless position for the victim.
An open type of injury requires urgent control of bleeding with a tourniquet. Before the arrival of the ambulance doctors, it is necessary to record the time of application in writing (a note is placed under the tourniquet).
A tourniquet is applied above the injured area for no more than 40 minutes to prevent the development of tissue necrosis.
Then a protective bandage is used, for the manufacture of which, in the absence of a sterile bandage, a clean handkerchief or a piece of clothing is suitable, and they await the arrival of medical specialists.
Self-transportation of the victim is strongly discouraged.
Causes of injury
Fractures of the radius in a typical place or other areas occur due to mechanical damage to the hand during physical exertion (for example, during sports training or in the process of hard physical work), when the hand hits a hard surface, falls, or twists the limb.
But there are other reasons for the occurrence of these injuries: age-related changes, congenital pathologies of bone tissue and acquired diseases that provoke its fragility. In this case, the mineral density of the tissue is disrupted and its microarchitectonics changes (observed in osteoporosis), which leads to the risk of injury.
Damage such as a crack in bone tissue is typical for people involved in sports activities, physical labor, under 40-45 years old. This suggests that at a young age, the bone structure is stronger and more elastic.
Fracture symptoms
Fractures of the radius in a typical location and in other areas of the limb have a number of pronounced symptoms, among which are acute pain, aggravated by an attempt to move the injured arm or strain the muscles (especially with an open-type injury). 
Extensive edema and hematoma of the tissues of the damaged area, provoked by the developing inflammatory process and vascular damage, is also a symptom of this type of injury.
Typical symptoms of this fracture include abnormal limb mobility.
If the damage occurred with the displacement of bone fragments, then a symptom such as a reduction in the length of the limb is observed (more pronounced with a longitudinal displacement of the fragments).
The crunch of bone fragments during palpation (carried out only by a traumatologist or surgeon) is referred to as typical symptoms of this injury.
Diagnostics
Only a traumatologist or surgeon can determine whether the victim has a fracture of the "ray" in a typical place or another part of the limb, and also to find out whether a crack has formed in the bone tissue.
To diagnose the resulting damage, X-ray in 2 projections is used. This method demonstrates: the presence and type of displacement of fragments, the presence of hematoma, cracks, the degree of integrity of the joints, ligaments, etc.
In complex cases requiring a deeper and more detailed analysis of the specifics of the trauma, computed tomography is used. It allows you to see the state of the vessels, the capillary network and the integrity of the veins of the injured limb.
Radial fracture treatment
Fracture of the radius of the hand: the treatment and timing of the accretion of the injured limb are problems that require solutions not only from the treating traumatologist, but also from the surgeon.
If the case is severe (open type of injury or the presence of a large number of fragments of destroyed bone tissue), then urgent surgical intervention is necessary.
The therapy regimen is determined on an individual basis. 
A gypsum for a fracture of the radius with displacement is applied after comparing all fragments of the damaged bone tissue. Such fixation avoids repeated displacement and contributes to the positive dynamics of the fragments fusion.
A correctly applied plaster cast (splint or orthosis) fixes the area of the lower third of the shoulder, the entire forearm and hand.
Before removing the fixing splint, the attending physician directs the patient to a control X-ray to determine the degree of tissue fusion, the condition of the callus and the presence of possible complications.
In difficult cases, for the treatment of such a fracture, osteosynthesis of tissue fragments is used by means of pins or metal plates installed through incisions in the soft tissues of the limb. Osteosynthesis is another method of reduction (connection) and fixation of bone fragments.
To prevent infection of the wound or tissue, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics as part of restorative therapy.
For the general strengthening of the patient's body, restoration of the immune system and the protective functions of the body, vitamin complexes, immunostimulating drugs and supplements are prescribed.
Pain medications prescribed by a doctor help to eliminate pain syndrome.
How much plaster is worn for a broken arm?
Depending on the type, severity of the bone fracture, the presence of complications in the form of rupture of muscle fibers and ligaments (in complex cases of injury, surgical operation is required), the period of use of the plaster fixation bandage is determined.
In case of uncomplicated trauma (without displacement of bone fragments), the splint is removed after 1-3 months.
With severe damage, it takes 5-6 months or more for the final bone fusion (excluding the rehabilitation period).
Recovery
The bones necessitate the restoration of hand mobility after bone tissue fusion. Rehabilitation includes massage therapy, physiotherapy procedures and exercise therapy (exercise therapy).
The massage stimulates blood circulation in the damaged area of the limb. The procedure restores nerve fibers.
The first sessions last no more than 10-15 minutes. From the third session, the massage time is increased to 30 minutes.
Physiotherapy procedures include:
- the use of UV rays of various wavelengths for better penetration of phosphorus and calcium into the bone structure;
- stimulation of the nervous and muscle tissues of the damaged area using a magnetic field;
- the introduction of medicines containing calcium into the bone tissue through the mucous membranes or skin by means of an electric current;
- heating damaged areas using an electromagnetic field through muscle fibers.
The development of an injured hand requires special physical therapy (under the supervision of an instructor and a traumatologist), aimed at eliminating or preventing tissue wasting.
The instructor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the type of his injury, develops a special set of exercises, with a gradually increasing load. This prevents injury and reduces the risk of damage.
Gentle flexion, extension of the fingers of the injured limb (sudden movements are prohibited), the grasping of small objects with the fingers and training on special simulators are the basis of exercise therapy for this injury.
As part of the rehabilitation program, the patient is advised to follow a special diet that includes foods saturated with nutrients and elements. Junk food and alcohol are completely excluded from the menu.
Supplementing the diet with protein dishes, fruits, legumes, nuts and vegetables is encouraged.
Full recovery of tissues after an injury with positive dynamics of rehabilitation requires 2 to 4-6 months.
Possible complications
The consequences of a displaced (and non-displaced) radial fracture are complications such as: 
- various types of damage to the nervous tissue (for example, tears), which are responsible for both the mobility of the limb and its sensitivity;
- damage to the tendons that control motor functions of the hand;
- injuries of the main blood vessels, provoking intracavitary hemorrhages (hematomas);
- detachment of muscle fibers from the places of their attachment to the bone tissue, their ruptures, leading to the irreversible deprivation of one or another part of the hand of mobility;
- hematogenous osteomyelitis (as a consequence of an infectious infection of bone tissue).
In addition to the above complications, a violation of the structure of the bone (its curvature) is noted, arising from an incorrectly performed reposition of fragments and an inaccurately applied fixing plaster cast.
It occurs more often than in men, and it is not a viral, non-bacterial disease. This is due to the anatomical feature of the location of the pelvic organs.
Ureaplasma affects the vaginal mucosa, and in the absence of proper treatment, it spreads to the genitourinary system and reproductive organs.
Microorganisms have their own distinctive features: they are sexually transmitted, are not pathogenic, are concentrated in the organs of the urinary system, do not have a membrane and DNA, and have the ability to act destructively on urea.
In most cases, ureaplasmosis is asymptomatic, only in the stage of exacerbation a woman can be tormented by minor discharge and short-term pain in the lower abdomen!
More than half of the women of the entire planet are carriers of ureaplasma. Microorganisms usually do not declare themselves, but when exposed to provoking factors, the natural microflora with lightning force is affected by ureaplasma, leading to serious diseases.
Is it necessary to treat ureaplasmosis in women if it is in remission and does not interfere with a woman's life? Let's consider this issue in the article.
The human immune system is always on guard for health. If the defenses weaken, all infectious and pathological processes are activated and spread to healthy organs and tissues. Ureaplasma, in this case, is no exception.
While the immune forces are strong, microorganisms are dormant and are part of the vaginal microflora. As soon as a failure occurs in the body, it attacks the pelvic organs of the woman, provoking the development of dangerous pathologies.
In response to an irritating factor, inflammation occurs. Diseases caused by microorganisms are manifested:
So, is it necessary to treat ureaplasma in women? After all, do not in themselves pose a danger to women's health?
Attention! Both partners need to treat ureaplasma, in order to avoid!
It is imperative to get rid of ureaplasmosis, especially. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the obtained smear data on the flora and the presence of STDs. With an increase in the leukocyte count and the presence of ureaplasma in a smear, a woman is shown antibiotic therapy.
Ureaplasma during pregnancy
Is it worth treating ureaplasma if a woman is already pregnant?? The gynecologist will definitely prescribe a course of treatment aimed at suppressing pathogenic microflora.
The risk of exacerbation of the disease during pregnancy is very high... It is advisable to get rid of third-party microorganisms long before pregnancy. Conception by healthy parents significantly increases the likelihood of having a baby without congenital anomalies and pathologies.
If ureaplasma is revealed during examination of a pregnant woman, do not panic.
There are many drugs that can help solve the problem of ureaplasmosis for 5 to 7 days.
With minimal risk to the fetus, ureaplasmosis is treated with.
Important! Ureaplasmosis can cause serious complications in the postpartum period, so treatment should be taken care of before pregnancy!
What happens if ureaplasma is not treated? Is there a risk of giving birth to a defective child? No, microorganisms do not affect the development of the fetus in any way. Ureaplasmas can disrupt the gestation process.
In pregnant women with a latent form of ureaplasmosis, the risk increases:
- Premature birth of a baby;
- Detachment of a normally located placenta;
- Miscarriage;
- Infection of amniotic fluid.
After the birth of a child, a woman's body weakens and microorganisms launch an attack, causing:
- Endometritis;
- Inflammatory process in the appendages;
- Inflammation in the urethra.
To avoid dangerous complications, you need to timely undergo examinations by a gynecologist and take tests indicating a change in the microflora.
Consequences of the disease
Under ureaplasmosis, concomitant pathologies can be masked, such as:
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- inflammatory process in the uterus;
- urolithiasis disease.
Often, exacerbation of ureaplasma is associated with the presence of Trichomonas, gonococcal, etc.
Mixed processes are much more difficult, and the symptoms will be more pronounced. The woman will be tortured:
- weakness;
- lower abdominal pain;
- discharge of a mucous nature from the vagina;
- itching in the perineum;
- an increase in body temperature to subfebrile numbers.
It is important to remember that ureaplasmosis is a consequence of a weakening of the body's defenses, therefore, drugs that increase immunity are necessarily included in therapy.
Ureaplasmosis is very easily amenable to antibiotic therapy. It is important to identify pathology in the early stages in order to avoid complications in the future.
In contact with
There are several types of ureaplasma, each of which has a different meaning for a woman's reproductive health. Symptoms of ureaplasmosis in women are most often very scanty, in most cases they are found during routine examinations.
What is this bacteria
Ureplasma infection in women, what is it? The human body is not sterile. And even such a concept as "sterile blood" is the lot of the last century, often used by doctors out of habit. New technologies make it possible to determine what previously could only be suspected. On the one hand, it helps in the diagnosis and development of treatment for many diseases, on the other, it increases the amount of doubt and confusion. This happened with ureaplasma. Over the past ten years, opinions about her have radically changed at least three times.
Pathogen or norm
According to the latest recommendations, ureaplasma should be classified as mycoplasma. There are about 20 varieties of these pathogens. Diseases in humans can be caused by the following types of mycoplasmas:
- Mycoplasma pneumonia;
- Mycoplasma genitalium;
- Ureaplasma species (includes Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum).
When examining sexually active women, this pathogen is found in two out of three women. At the same time, there are not always complaints.
Ureaplasma is considered to be a conditional pathogen. This means that, theoretically, it can be present in the genital tract in an insignificant amount, but under certain conditions it begins to actively multiply, causing inflammation and other significant changes. The most urgent issue is the detection of ureaplasmas in women during pregnancy, since against the background of a physiological decrease in immunity, a conditional pathogen can cause serious complications - leakage of water, infection of the fetus.
How is it transmitted
As such, the pathogen does not have an incubation period. Ureaplasmas are found in 10% of girls and adults who are not sexually active in scrapings from the urethra. This is further evidence that this bacterium can be considered a variant of a woman's normal flora. It is also characterized by the following transmission routes:
- sexual - traditional sex, as well as oral, anal and other types of intimate relationships;
- vertical - from mother to fetus through the placenta, as well as an ascending option through the cervical canal and during natural childbirth;
- with organs and blood- with organ transplants and even blood transfusions, the transfer of microbes is possible.
Ureaplasma infection is not transmitted in the following ways:
- when visiting a shared toilet;
- in the pool, sea and other bodies of water;
- through bedding as well as towels;
- through the common dishes.
How it proceeds
Ureaplasmas can be found in perfectly healthy women, for example, during a routine examination before planning pregnancy. With a combination of factors, microbes can become the causes of the following diseases in a woman.
- Urethritis and cystitis... Inflammation of the urethra and bladder is accompanied by burning, itching in the area of the external opening of the urethra, as well as painful and frequent urination. Chronic cystitis and urethritis are often associated with ureaplasma infection. Most often, in this case, ureaplasma urealiticum is found in women.
- Vaginosis and vaginitis... These microbes can cause dysbiosis and bacvaginosis. At the same time, women complain of an unpleasant "fishy" smell, abundant secretion of liquid mucus. In addition, there may be recurrences of thrush or nonspecific colpitis (with yellow, greenish discharge).
- ... Inflammation of the surface of the cervix and its canal, especially against the background of erosion or ectopia. Ureaplasma together with herpes simplex virus (HSV) of the first and second types, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia can also provoke malignant cell degeneration.
- ... It is observed when ureaplasma is activated in the uterine cavity after childbirth or termination of pregnancy, as well as after diagnostic procedures such as curettage or hysteroscopy.
- Adnexitis. Ureaplasma, along with other conditional pathogens against the background of immunodeficiency, can cause signs of inflammation of the appendages. However, they do not give such serious consequences as, for example, chlamydia (infertility due to adhesions).
The clinic of ureaplasma infection is nonspecific. Discharge, pain, unpleasant odor have no characteristic signs and can accompany other diseases. Therefore, an important place is given to diagnostics.
What research will help you figure it out
Many methods can be used to detect ureaplasmas, however, not all of them are of clinical significance. In order to determine the further tactics of managing a woman with suspected sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is necessary to undergo the following examination.
- A swab from the posterior fornix of the vagina... This is the main marker of whether there is active inflammation at the moment or not. Ureaplasma is not determined by it, but increased leukocytes in a smear in women is not the norm, but a "signal" for starting treatment, including ureaplasma.
- Cervical swab... The principle is the same as with vaginal swabs.
- PCR material from the vagina... In order for the PCR to be more informative, it is better to perform real-time PCR, as well as follow all recommendations before the examination (do not urinate for two hours; do not have sexual intercourse during the day; do not wash on the eve of the study). PCR-real-time will reveal only active ureaplasmas, and not the remnants of the cell membrane of already treated "dead" bacteria.
- Bacteriological culture... This analysis for ureaplasma allows not only to identify pathogens in women, but also to determine their number. It is believed that an excess of 1 * 10 4 colony-forming units is a pathological condition, however, it is necessary to approach in a more differentiated manner.
Are these microorganisms dangerous?
Ureaplasmosis in women can proceed for years without causing any harm to health. That is why they are classified as conditional pathogens. However, it is often possible to meet with the fact that ureaplasmas in association with other bacteria become the causes of the following conditions:
- inflammation of the pelvic organs;
- pathology of the cervix, including dysplasia;
- recurrent thrush;
- nonspecific inflammation in the vagina.
The greatest danger is ureaplasma during pregnancy. Therefore, at this time, most of the specialists are inclined to treat it. The following consequences are possible:
- the threat of short-term interruption;
- leakage of water in the second and third trimesters;
- intrauterine infection of the fetus;
- premature birth;
- congenital pneumonia in a child and other complications of an inflammatory nature.
An active inflammatory process in a man or woman can lead to infertility due to immobilization of sperm cells, the appearance of pathological forms, as well as the death of an egg already in the genital tract. In this case, it will be possible to get pregnant only after treatment.
Do I need to be treated and how
The question of whether it is necessary to treat ureaplasma in women is controversial. The latest recommendations boil down to the following indications for starting active therapy:
- planning pregnancy or its presence;
- supposed change of partner;
- complaints from a woman, for example, pain or leucorrhoea;
- the presence of diseases of the cervix;
- detection of other STIs.
It is noteworthy that the range of drugs for the treatment of ureaplasmas and other types of mycoplasmas, as well as chlamydia, is the same. Therefore, in any case, complex therapy is carried out. It is not recommended to use only folk remedies, since their effectiveness has not been proven. But it can be combined with the main therapy.
Drugs
Treatment regimens for ureaplasma in women include the following groups.
- Antibiotics It is optimal to prescribe them taking into account sensitive microbes according to the results of bacteriological culture. Often prescribed "Doxycycline" (aka "Unidox", "Vibramycin") 100 mg twice a day for 10 days, "Azithromycin" ("Azikar", "Sumamed") 1 g twice with an interval of a week or according to another scheme , as well as its analogues ("Josamycin", "Clarithromycin").
- Locally candles. In addition, it is useful for women to lay suppositories with an antibacterial effect. For example, "Polygynax", "Terzhinan", "Clotrimazole", "Trichopol", "Flagil".
- Immunomodulators... Given that ureaplasmas are activated during the period of immunodeficiency, it is advisable to use drugs to strengthen it. Most often these are drugs based on interferon, for example, "Ruferon", "Genferon".
At the discretion of the doctor, according to indications, enzyme preparations (for example, "Wobenzym"), hepatoprotectors (for example, "Harsil"), antiviral treatment for co-infection may be prescribed. The woman takes the drugs on her own at home, they are all in the form of tablets or suppositories, there is no need to do injections. During treatment, there is no need to follow special diets, with the exception of avoiding alcohol.
Ureaplasma parvum is an intracellular microbe that lives on the mucous membranes of the genitals and oral cavity. In the normal state of the immune system, it does not manifest itself in any way. During the weakening of the immune system, the tissues of the reproductive organs are damaged, accompanied by inflammation. This type of ureaplasma develops with a frequency of 50%.
Ureaplasma parvum are small microorganisms that belong to intracellular microbes. When in contact with mucous membranes, they attach to the epithelium, sperm and leukocytes, which leads to the destruction of cell membranes and penetration into the cytoplasm. This provokes inflammation, which can be asymptomatic.
There is an acute and chronic type of ureaplasmosis. It is very difficult to diagnose the presence of an infection, since the symptoms are often blurred in nature. Women who have found a pathogenic microorganism often suffer from trichomoniasis or chlamydia. At the same time, it is very difficult to determine whether the ureaplasma provoked these diseases, or it has the role of a concomitant agent.
Important! A decrease in immunity and the presence of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs increases the risk of infection with ureaplasma.
What is the danger of ureaplasma parvum?
Ureaplasma is the cause of genitourinary inflammation. Women suffer from cystitis and vaginitis, adnexitis develops, there are problems with bearing a fetus. When performing abortions, the risk of infectious diseases increases. Infection of the fetus is possible. A woman has an increased risk of contracting all STDs through sexual intercourse.
With strong immunity, ureaplasma parvum may not harm the female body, but this does not mean that treatment can be abandoned. The woman will be the carrier of the disease. You can also get ureaplasma from a man, but they develop it less intensively.
Frequent stress, unhealthy diet or pregnancy - all this is an additional burden for the body, which can cause the development of ureaplasma, which is infected with a woman. At the slightest decrease in the functions of the immune system, ureaplasma can manifest itself and cause serious harm to the reproductive system.
Ureaplasma is especially dangerous during pregnancy. It can cause premature or prolonged labor, miscarriages, and also provoke various fetal pathologies. When treating a disease, great importance must be given to strengthening the immune system in order to avoid re-infection.
Important! Infection of children with ureaplasma parvum is possible from an infected mother or at birth.
Symptoms and signs of the disease
The insidiousness of ureaplasmosis is that it may not manifest itself in any way and be chronic. The identification of this microbe most often occurs when taking tests during pregnancy. If the disease is acute, then it has symptoms similar to most sexually transmitted diseases.
Signs of the disease:
- Purulent and mucous discharge.
- Dark brown discharge.
- Soreness during intercourse.
- Itching and burning while urinating.
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen.
- Redness and swelling.
- Profuse leucorrhoea.
In the initial stages of the development of an acute type, the infection may not manifest itself in any way, but sooner or later a woman will notice an increased occurrence of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. Some of the signs of the disease may be absent or be the cause of other infections, which indicates the mandatory testing for bacteria.
In the chronic type of the disease, latent infections are often found in the body. Often, women cannot cure inflammation of the pelvic organs for a long time due to ureaplasma parvum, and only after its treatment is it possible to achieve complete recovery.
Diagnosis of the disease
It is quite difficult to diagnose ureaplasma parvum due to mild symptoms. In addition, it is very important not only to identify the presence of parvum ureaplasma in the body, but also to assess its activity and quantity:
- PCR diagnostics... The disease can be detected by performing PCR diagnostics with the determination of the DNA of the pathogen. This method allows you to determine even the ureaplasma parvum, which is in a latent state. But with this method it is impossible to determine the activity of ureaplasma.
- Bacterial culture. A very effective method, which involves placing the material taken for inoculation (blood, urine) in a favorable environment. Diagnostics is carried out by assessing the number of overgrown microorganisms.
To identify the stage of the inflammatory process and what triggered the activity of ureaplasma parvum, additional examinations are necessary.
The most reliable analysis is a microscopic examination, which allows you to establish the presence of inflammation of the reproductive organs, its nature and degree of development. Such studies are indicated for frequent inflammation of the genital organs, inability to conceive or bear a child.
Should ureaplasma be treated?
Treatment of ureaplasma parvum is mandatory. It must be carried out in conjunction with a sexual partner to eliminate the risk of re-infection. This disease is dangerous for both women and men. If in women it is the cause of inflammatory diseases and the inability to get pregnant, then in men it reduces sperm motility.
For a long time, ureaplasma was not considered a disease and was not treated. It has now been proven to be a paraviral infection that disrupts cell division. It is especially important to carry out treatment when planning a pregnancy or during it. In the absence of a positive result after the first course of treatment, it is repeated, but with other antibiotics. About 10% of girls and 5% of boys are born infected with ureaplasma parvum.
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Treatment methods
Treatment of ureaplasma is carried out according to an individual scheme, depending on the stage of the disease and the type of localization. Medication includes taking antibiotics that are sensitive to these microorganisms. The course of treatment is at least 14 days. The most popular drugs are Doxycycline or Azithromycin... Also use:
- Ofloxacin;
- Clarithromycin;
- Midecamycin;
- Erythromycin.
The main goal of treatment is to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. In the chronic type of the disease, several antibiotics are prescribed. Together with the treatment of ureaplasmosis, the inflammatory diseases that it provoked are treated. In this case, the duration of treatment may increase up to a month. In no case should you interrupt the course of treatment yourself.
Important! Treatment of ureaplasma must necessarily include drugs to enhance the immune system in order to avoid the development of a secondary infection.
Taking antibiotics should be combined with eubiotics, which will help eliminate dysbiosis and restore the intestinal and vaginal microflora. Their use should be during the entire course of antibiotic treatment. The intake of vitamins and minerals is recommended, aimed at strengthening the immune system. A month later, a follow-up examination is carried out, which will show the effectiveness of treatment and the presence of ureaplasma in the body.
- During treatment, a complete refusal to have sex is necessary.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Diet and alcohol avoidance.
- Avoiding stressful situations.
- Partner treatment.
How does the infection take place?
Infection with ureaplasma parvum occurs sexually. Women are most often carriers of this disease, and men become infected. The incubation period for development is up to 5 weeks. With a weakened body, it can be reduced up to a week. Often, the disease begins to manifest itself after a decrease in immunity and against the background of other inflammatory diseases of the body.
Important! In the absence of treatment within 2 months, the disease becomes chronic.
With ureaplasma parvum, vertical infection of the child is possible during childbirth. Some children self-heal as they get older. But most often the microbe negatively affects their body and leads to various inflammations and developmental pathologies. Contact-household infection is not excluded, although it is very rare.
Important! The risk of infection in a swimming pool, public toilet or when using someone else's hygiene products is minimal.
Disease prevention
Prevention of ureaplasmosis is no different from other gynecological diseases, and includes the following rules:
- Compliance with hygiene.
- Refusal of casual sex.
- Condom use.
- Proper nutrition.
- Healthy lifestyle.
- Regular examination by a gynecologist.
Most often they become infected with ureaplasma during sexual intercourse. This bacterium is present in almost every second woman who does not even know about it. You can protect yourself from infection only by carefully choosing sexual partners and refusing from casual relationships.
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