(văj-ĭn-ī′tĭs)
[Pronunciation]
[L. vagina, sheath, + Gr. itis, inflammation]

1. Inflammation of a sheath.
2. Inflammation of the vagina.

SYN: colpitis
See: sexually transmitted disease vulvovaginitisNursing Diagnoses Appendix

ETIOLOGY
This condition may be caused by overgrowth or invasion of microorganisms such as gonococci, Chlamydiae, Gardnerella vaginalis, staphylococci, streptococci, spirochetes; viruses such as herpes; irritation from chemicals in douching, hygiene sprays, detergents, menstrual products, or toilet tissue; fungal infection (candidiasis) caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans; or less commonly other candidal species, protozoal infection (Trichomonas vaginalis); neoplasms of the cervix or vagina; poor hygiene, irritation from foreign bodies (e.g., a pessary or a retained tampon), or vulvar atrophy. Other rare causes are parasitic illnesses, or, in malnourished women, pellagra.

SYMPTOMS
The patient experiences vaginal discharge, sometimes malodorous and occasionally stained with blood; irritation, burning, or itching; increased urinary frequency; and pain during urination or examination. On examination, the vaginal mucous membrane is reddened and there may be superficial maceration or ulceration.

TREATMENT
Specific therapy is given as indicated for the underlying cause. Improved perineal hygiene is emphasized by instructing in the proper method of cleaning the anus after a bowel movement, the proper use of menstrual protection materials, and the necessity of drying the vulva following urination.

PREVENTION
Perineal hygiene is emphasized by instructing patients in the proper method of cleaning the anus after a bowel movement, the proper use of menstrual protection materials, and the necessity of drying the vulva following urination. Patients should be encouraged to wear all cotton underpants, or panties with a cotton crotch area, no underwear to bed, and advised to avoid tight-fitting pants and panty-hose that promote moisture and organism growth.

PATIENT CARE
During examination of the patient, aseptic technique is used to collect specimens. The health care provider supports the patient throughout the procedures, explaining each procedure and forewarning the patient of possible discomfort. The patient should be advised that persistent or recurrent candidiasis indicate a need to be assessed for pregnancy or diabetes mellitus. If vaginitis is due to a sexually transmitted disease, the sexual partner should receive treatment together with the patient to prevent reinfection. Certain sexually transmitted vaginal infections are reported to local or state public health officials along with the patient's known sexual contacts.

Subentries:
vaginitis adhaesiva
atrophic vaginitis
candidal vaginitis
chlamydial vaginitis
diphtheritic vaginitis
emphysematous vaginitis
granular vaginitis
nonspecific vaginitis
postmenopausal vaginitis
senile vaginitis
vaginitis testis
Trichomonas vaginalis vaginitis