How to diagnose Bartholinitis?

The Bartholin's glands are located at the back of the labia majora on both sides, and the gland duct opens to the inner side of the labia minora near the hymen. Due to the characteristics of the anatomical location, pathogens can easily penetrate and cause inflammation when the vulva is contaminated during sexual intercourse, childbirth or other situations. Bartholin's gland inflammation often occurs in children of childbearing age, and rarely occurs in infants and postmenopausal women. The pathogens are mostly Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus and Enterococcus, and a few are gonococci. How to diagnose Bartholin's gland inflammation?

Western medicine diagnosis of Bartholinitis: What are the diagnostic criteria for Bartholinitis? The reference diagnostic criteria for Bartholinitis are as follows:

1. A red, swollen, hard lump can be seen at the lower 1/3 of the labia majora on one side, with obvious tenderness or obvious fluctuation.

2. There are systemic symptoms such as fever.

3. Laboratory examination: The total number of white blood cells may increase, and pathogens may be found in the secretions of the lesions. Symptoms of Bartholinitis:

1. Vulvar swelling and pain: The infection is mostly unilateral, with local swelling and pain in the acute phase. If an abscess is formed, the pain will worsen.

2. Fever: Fever is common, but chills are less common.

Signs of Bartholinitis:

1. Vulvar swelling and pain: The infection is mostly unilateral, with local swelling and pain in the acute phase. If an abscess is formed, the pain will worsen.

2. Fever: Fever is common, but chills are less common.

3. Swollen lymph nodes: If the inflammation persists or recurs, there may be swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Gynecological examination of Bartholin's glands can reveal a hard mass at the lower 1/3 of the labia majora on one side, which is obviously painful. When an abscess is formed, the mass may increase to the size of a chicken egg or a goose egg, and may be obviously painful and fluctuating. The surface skin may become thinner, and may even spontaneously rupture and discharge a large amount of pus. Vaginal examination with a speculum is often difficult and can be postponed depending on the condition.

Laboratory diagnosis of Bartholinitis: 1. Secretion smear and bacterial culture examination: Generally, secretions are taken from the opening of the Bartholin glands, the urethral orifice, and the paraurethral glands for smear examination to identify the pathogens; or direct bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test can be performed.

2. Routine blood test: The total white blood cell count may increase significantly.

Differential diagnosis of Bartholinitis: It is mainly differentiated from Bartholin's cyst: Their common feature is that both can be seen with a mass in the Bartholin's gland. However, Bartholinitis is manifested by fever, and examination shows that the mass is red, with obvious swelling and pain, and fluctuating sensation. When pressure is applied, pus can be seen overflowing from the gland opening, while Bartholin's cyst has unchanged skin color, cystic mass, no tenderness, no pus overflowing when pressure is applied, and no systemic symptoms such as fever.