Prolapse is a protrusion, omission of something. In medicine, this term refers to the prolapse of the entire organ or part of it through natural openings. Let's try to figure out what this phenomenon is.
Prolapse of the amniotic sac. Classification
The fetal bladder is the baby's natural biological environment, a place for its development, which is filled with amniotic fluid (or in other words, amniotic fluid). The fetal bladder plays an important role in the metabolism of the fetus, protecting it from microbes that enter the woman's body through the vagina. This is a very important function, because infections entail various pathologies.
Prolapse of the bladder is a serious diagnosis, because the risk of abortion is very high. That is why the correct and timely diagnosis of pathology is especially important.
How is the fetal bladder kept in the uterine cavity? Mainly, it is held by the cervix - one of the parts of the female genital organ, which has the shape of a cylinder. On both sides, it is limited by a pharynx: from the side of the uterus - internal, from the side of the vagina - external. Therefore, during pregnancy, the length of the uterine cervix is always strictly controlled by the doctor. If for some reason something went wrong, the neck ceases to perform its function normally and begins to expand and shorten. As a result, this diagnosis is made. Due to the fact that the cervix cannot function properly, the fetal bladder descends. In this case, there are many risks for the fetus: it is no longer protected from vaginal infections, and the risk of rupture of the membranes of the bladder also increases. This, in turn, will lead to the death of the fetus.
In medical parlance, shortening and opening of the cervix is called isthmic-cervical insufficiency (ICI) - damage to the muscular ring of the cervix.
There are two types of ICI:
- traumatic;
- functional.
It must be remembered that in case of isthmic-cervical insufficiency with further prolapse of the fetal bladder, urgent hospitalization with mandatory complete rest is required.
Causes of occurrence
There can be several reasons for the development of pathology:
- Multiple pregnancy always involves many additional risks. Prolapse in multiple pregnancies is more common in identical twins.
- The lack of a hormone such as progesterone (this is a sex hormone that is necessary for a normal cycle, conception and pregnancy of a woman) is the cause of many pathologies during pregnancy, including prolapse.
- Stitches on the uterus, made earlier(for example, with a caesarean section) can also cause such a disease. Therefore, before pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo an examination and check the condition of the sutures.
- Various deviations in the female reproductive system (including congenital).
Symptoms of the development of pathology:
- leakage of amniotic fluid;
- discomfort in the reproductive organs;
- increased urination.
The biggest problem with this pathology is that it is easy to miss, because the symptoms may not be clearly expressed.
Diagnosis and treatment of prolapsed membranes
Unfortunately, it is impossible to detect this pathology in the early stages. Most often, it appears on the second ultrasound or even later. After all, since that time the fetus has been intensively increasing in size, which means that the pressure on the cervix is also growing.
The sooner the doctor can detect the prolapse of the amniotic sac, the higher the chance to save the baby.
As a treatment, hormonal drugs are prescribed (with a lack of any hormone) or a special pessary for obstetrics is used. This is a piece of plastic or silicone that is placed inside a woman's vagina. Made in the form of a ring, it relieves pressure from the cervix, and also supports other organs from excess stress.
If for some reason the use of an obstetric pessary is not possible, doctors resort to such a method as suturing the cervix. This is a fairly simple and safe procedure, whichwill help stop prolapse. Of course, regardless of the method of treatment, from now on, a woman needs constant medical monitoring and examination in the antenatal clinic.
Both ways are good in their own way. At the 38th week of pregnancy, when the child has already reached the development necessary for childbirth, the stitches and the ring are removed.
Prevention of prolapse of the amniotic sac is the same as with any risk to pregnancy. More rest, no physical activity and no heavy lifting. It is also necessary to pre-test for hormones. In case of deficiency of any of them, constant therapy is required throughout the pregnancy.
Mitral valve prolapse
Before defining this concept, it is necessary to understand what mitral collapse (as it is also called) consists of.
The left atrial ventricle has muscles to which the leaflets of the mitral valve, the so-called plates, are attached with threads. They consist of connective tissue.
When the heart enters the relaxation phase (scientifically called diastole), these valves allow blood to move into the left ventricle.
In the systole phase, the left ventricle, on the contrary, contracts, and meanwhile the valves close, preventing blood from entering it.
So we can define. So, prolapse is the prolapse of one of the valves into the left atrium. As a result, the entrance to the left ventricle may be completely or partially blocked. So it appearedthe concept of regurgitation (active movement of blood in the wrong direction). Strictly speaking, valve prolapse is not a disease.
There are two types of mitral valve prolapse:
- Anatomical feature. This is a genetic anomaly, that is, a person is already born with it, and it is transmitted from someone from close relatives.
- A peculiar pathology associated with malfunctioning of the endocrine or nervous system.
Symptoms of such disorders are:
- shortness of breath and weakness;
- an abnormal heart rhythm (tachycardia), in which the heart rate can reach 200 beats per minute;
- aching or stabbing chest pain.
- migraines;
- fainting;
- panic attacks.
It is interesting to note that in many patients the symptoms are not associated with chest pain. These can be pain in the gastrointestinal tract and muscle pain.
Prolapse of the leaflets can be aggravated by blood clots and other types of formations that can provoke a microstroke (transient ischemic attack).
Methods of diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose mitral valve collapse, it is best to use an echocardiographic study (listening to the heart), which allows you to determine the level of blood outflow. In other words, the degree of violation (riguration).
Find this pathology in a person most often by accident, as it has many symptoms that are not associated with pain in the heart.
Medicines containing magnesium and sedatives are prescribed for treatmentdrugs.
Despite the various threats and risks to human he alth, the overall picture of the patient's treatment is most often optimistic. Pathology may not progress for a long time. In some cases, the signs of prolapse may even disappear.
Prolapsed intervertebral disc
A prolapsed disc facing the back is the first step towards a herniated disc.
Types of disc prolapse are classified by location:
- lateral (protrusion is outside the spine);
- anterolateral (protrusion occurs in front of the spine);
- central (towards the center of the vertebrae);
- posterolateral (on the side of the spinal canal).
Prolapse of the intervertebral disc can be localized in the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine.
Symptoms of disease:
- tired after sleep;
- fatigue;
- Mild back pain that doesn't last long;
- frequent numbness of skin areas.
Diagnosis of this type of prolapse is not easy, as it is complicated by mild symptoms. Like the previous disease, it is most often diagnosed by chance. But if there is any suspicion, you can sign up for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which will tell you for sure whether this disease is taking place.
The course of therapy includes:
- physiotherapy (massage, therapeutic exercises, acupuncture);
- receptionvitamins;
- use of medicinal ointments;
- taking various dietary supplements (biologically active substances).
Treatment is aimed at stopping the active development of pathology.
Strengthening the muscular corset, an active lifestyle are practiced as a preventive measure.
Prolapse - diagnosis or sentence?
Despite the fact that prolapse is a general term for all diseases, meaning "prolapse", "protrusion", depending on the organ, the degree of complexity of the pathology also varies.
Nevertheless, whatever the disease may arise, it is necessary first of all not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor.
Proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, annual medical examinations serve as prevention. Remember that timely diagnosis and treatment will help to cope with any ailment.
