Name of the Condition

• Acute Inflammatory Disease of the Uterus (ICD-10 Code: N71.0)

Summary

• Acute inflammatory disease of the uterus involves sudden inflammation of the uterine tissue. This condition can lead to discomfort, pain, and other serious health issues if not treated promptly.

Causes

• This condition is often caused by bacterial infections, particularly following childbirth, miscarriage, or gynecological procedures. Other potential causes include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Risk Factors

• Factors that increase the risk of developing this condition include having multiple sexual partners, previous PID or STIs, history of uterine procedures, and postpartum infections due to retained tissue.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include pelvic pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, irregular menstrual bleeding, and pain during intercourse or urination.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic examination, laboratory tests to identify bacterial infections, pelvic ultrasound, and sometimes endometrial biopsy to assess the uterine lining.

Treatment Options

• Treatment often involves antibiotics to address the underlying infection, pain relief medications, and in some cases, drainage of any abscesses. Severe cases might require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With prompt treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Long-term monitoring is essential to ensure the infection is resolved and to prevent complications. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are recommended.

Complications

• Potential complications include chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or the spread of infection to nearby organs or the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, attending regular medical check-ups, and following post-operative care instructions. Healthy lifestyle choices can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is necessary if experiencing severe pelvic pain, high fever, or heavy bleeding. Early intervention can prevent severe complications.

Additional Resources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - acog.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - cdc.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of the condition’s acute nature. Double-check for any related infections or complications that might require additional coding. Avoid coding chronic conditions under this ICD code N71.0 unless clearly specified.