Acute prostatitis is an inflammatory disease, usually of an infectious nature, which is accompanied by swelling and ulcer formation in the tissues of the organ of the same name. It was thought that it mainly affected older men, but studies show that the pathology has been remarkably "rejuvenated". And now prostatitis occurs in middle-aged patients.
In treatment, it is permissible to use not only drugs, but also the use of folk remedies in consultation with a specialist.
Causes of pathology
Acute prostatitis is diagnosed in 30-50% of men, most often at the healthiest age, that is, from 30 to 50 years. This inflammation leads to:
- erectile dysfunction;
- sterility;
- depression.
The causative agent of the disease are mainly non-specific infectious agents. These are pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli, staphylococci, streptococci, etc. But sometimes acute prostatitis is caused by other pathogens associated with sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis. Often the cause is a conditionally pathogenic microflora - Candida fungi (Candida).
The main reasons for the development of prostatitis are reduced to the penetration of infection, most often through the transcanalicular route. This occurs through the excretory ducts of the prostate gland. Since they open in the wall of the posterior urethra, the development of prostatitis is affected by the presence of such a disease as urethritis.
In men, acute cystitis (inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria) is rare. But if so, then in such cases the prostate suffers, into which the pathogenic microflora enters. The introduction of bacteria into the organ occurs much faster if there are concomitant pathologies - stones in the urethra, which create an increase in intraurethral pressure.
Sometimes it is possible to develop an inflammatory process due to the penetration of the infection into the bloodstream, since the prostate is fed with the help of a developed arterial and venous network. This happens when there are foci of chronic inflammation in the body, but they have nothing to do with the prostate. Infections are transmitted hematogenously with sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, even caries.
The presence of cholecystitis (gallbladder disease) also provokes the development of acute prostatitis. Lymphogenic transmission of infection from the intestine (with proctitis and colitis) is also sometimes possible.
Non-infectious factors in the development of prostatitis: the presence of congestion in the vessels of the pelvis, irregular sexual life and its violations. Including prostatitis is possible in men who practice coitus interruptus.
The factors that provoke the disease are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- digestive disorders (mainly frequent constipation);
- hypothermia and decreased immunity;
- phlebeurysm;
- excessive alcohol consumption.
basic forms
There are three forms of the disease:
- catarrhalThe ducts of the prostate glands are mainly inflamed, but there are no changes at the macro level. In the ducts themselves, dystrophy processes of the integumentary epithelium are observed, in the stroma there is a slight swelling, the vessels are plethoric.
- follicular. Both the reverse development of the process and its increase are possible, when prostatitis turns into a follicular form, and the inflammatory process already affects the tissues of the prostate gland. The body increases in size, becomes flabby. Focal infiltrates appear around the ducts.
- parenchymal. The most serious stage of the disease. With it, the inflammatory process affects the entire gland, an abscess is formed. With an unfavorable course of the disease, it can open, and pus enters the intestines, bladder, urethra.
Symptoms
Common signs are urination disorders, pain and manifestations of intoxication - weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other unpleasant phenomena that cause discomfort.
The remaining symptoms of acute prostatitis correspond to the stages of development of the process:
| Stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| catarrhal | The first signs are a feeling of heaviness and pain in the perineum. There are dysuric disorders, that is, disorders of urination, its increase, the appearance of pain or pain in the process. Body temperature most often remains normal, sometimes slightly rises. Diagnosis at this stage involves the study of prostatic secretion. May show an increase in the number of leukocytes, the presence of mucopurulent threads. Urinalysis shows an increase in leukocytes. At this stage, prostate massage is not prescribed due to pain. But drug treatment allows you to get rid of the pathology in 7-10 days. |
| follicular | Symptoms will be more pronounced. This stage is accompanied by dull pains that are located in the perineum, but can occur in the anus, rectum or lumbar region. Urination becomes so painful that urinary retention is possible. The act of defecation is difficult, also because of the intense pain. Body temperature rises to 38 degrees, the general state of health worsens. The patient experiences:
|
| parenchymal | In acute parenchymal prostatitis, the temperature rises to 39 degrees. There is a fever or chills. Urination can be rapid, but most of the time it is difficult, until it stops completely, as attempts to empty the bladder are accompanied by severe pain. Flatulence appears, digestion is disturbed, constipation occurs. Pain is felt in the rectum. From pain, they become pulsating. A person tries to find a position in which he does not feel pain (most often when lying down with his legs bent). In the acute form of prostatitis, there is an increase and inflammation of the prostate gland. There may be a white or yellowish-green discharge from the urethra |
The consequences of acute prostatitis can be sepsis (general blood poisoning), cystitis or pyelonephritis. If the disease develops with such complications, then the patient needs hospitalization. But in mild cases, the pathology can be treated at home.
Treatment
Treatment of acute prostatitis must be comprehensive. The treatment consists in eliminating the cause of the disease, that is, the pathogenic microorganisms. In such cases, antibiotics are used, their combination, since one drug rarely gives the desired effect.
With timely treatment, the symptoms disappear quickly, in just a few days. But the doctor prescribes a course of at least 4 weeks in order to completely cleanse the body of harmful bacteria, prevent relapses and the transition of the process to a chronic form.
Antibiotics are prescribed only according to the results of tests that revealed the causative agent of the disease and its resistance to certain drugs. Other factors are also taken into account. For example, drugs from the group of aminoglycosides and beta-lactams do not penetrate well into the tissues of the prostate gland.
Antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones and macrolides have a greater penetrating power.
But not only the penetrating ability is important, but also the strength of the bactericidal effect. Therefore, macrolides and other agents are sometimes prescribed. The forms of release of such drugs may be different.
Candles are rarely used. In severe cases of the disease, intravenous administration of antibiotics is indicated (and in a hospital setting). In mild cases, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, the patient takes pills at home.
To relieve pain, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They reduce the temperature, but additional antipyretics are sometimes prescribed. For more severe pain, short-term use of opioids is practiced.
For the treatment of acute prostatitis, an important role is played by drinking plenty of fluids, best of all - cranberry juice or rosehip broth to rinse the urinary tract, reduce intoxication and prevent the development of cystitis and pyelonephritis. Mild laxatives such as petroleum jelly are used.
For problems with urination, antispasmodics and alpha-blockers may be prescribed.
If there is muscle spasm, take muscle relaxants.
Home remedies
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies is possible only as an additional therapy, which enhances the effect of taking medication.
A popular folk remedy is pumpkin seeds. It has been proven that they contain a lot of zinc, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. To get the right dose of this substance, just take 30 g of peeled raw seeds once a day before meals.
You can make a mixture based on pumpkin seeds (only not fried) and honey:
- Twist 500 g of purified raw materials with a meat grinder or blender.
- Add a glass of not too liquid honey.
- Mix well until the consistency is such that the mixture can be molded into walnut-sized balls.
The product is stored in the refrigerator. On the day you need to eat 1-2 of these balls half an hour before meals. The medicine must be chewed completely and not swallowed immediately.