Acute prostatitis is an inflammatory disease, usually of an infectious nature, which is accompanied by swelling and the formation of ulcers in the tissues of the organ of the same name. It used to be thought that they mostly affected older men, but studies show that the pathology has noticeably "rejuvenated". And now prostatitis occurs in middle-aged patients.
In the treatment, it is allowed to use not only medications, 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 of the most able-bodied age, that is, from 30 to 50 years. This inflammation leads to:
- erectile dysfunction;
- infertility;
- depression.
The causative agent of the disease are mainly non-specific infectious agents. These are pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, staphylococci, streptococci, etc. But sometimes acute prostatitis is caused by other pathogens that are 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 a disease such as urethritis.
In men, acute cystitis (inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria) is rare. But if it is, 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 increased intraurethral pressure.
Sometimes it is possible to develop an inflammatory process due to the penetration of infection with the bloodstream, since the prostate is supplied 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 by the hematogenous route with sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, even caries.
The presence of cholecystitis (gallbladder disease) also causes the development of acute prostatitis. Sometimes lymphogenous transmission of infection from the intestine is also possible (with proctitis and colitis).
Non-infectious factors in the development of prostatitis - the presence of congestion in the vessels of the pelvis, irregular sex 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:
- catarrhal. The ducts of the prostatic glands are mainly inflamed, but there are no changes at the macro level. In the ducts themselves, processes of dystrophy of the integumentary epithelium are observed, in the stroma there is mild swelling, the vessels are plethoric.
- Follicular. It is possible both the reverse development of the process and its increase, when the 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, and 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, urination disorders, its increase, the appearance of pain or pain in the process. Body temperature most often remains normal, sometimes rises slightly. Diagnosis at this stage involves the study of prostate secretion. It can 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 | The symptoms will be more pronounced. This stage is accompanied by dull aching pains that are localized in the perineum, but can be given to the anus, rectum or lumbar region. Urination becomes so painful that urinary retention is possible. The act of defecation is difficult, also because of severe pain. The 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 often it is difficult, up to a complete cessation, since attempts to empty the bladder are accompanied by severe pain. Flatulence appears, digestion is disturbed, constipation occurs. Pain is felt in the rectum. From aching, they turn into pulsating. A person tries to find a position in which he will not feel pain (most often when he lies with his legs tucked in). In the acute form of prostatitis, there is an increase and swelling of the prostate gland. There may be a discharge from the urethra that is white or yellowish green |
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, pathology can be treated at home.
Treatment
Therapy of acute prostatitis should be comprehensive. Treatment involves eliminating the cause of the disease, that is, pathogenic microorganisms. In such cases, antibiotics are used, their combination, since one drug rarely gives the desired effect.
With timely treatment, the symptoms go away quickly, in just a few days. But the doctor prescribes a course for at least 4 weeks in order to completely cleanse the body of harmful bacteria, prevent relapses and the transition of the process into 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 higher penetrating power.
But not only penetrating ability is important, but also the strength of the bactericidal effect. Therefore, macrolides and other agents are sometimes prescribed. Forms of release of such drugs can be different.
Candles are rarely used. In severe cases of the disease, intravenous administration of antibiotics is indicated (moreover, 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 anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs are used. They reduce the temperature, but sometimes additional antipyretics are prescribed. For more severe pain, short-term use of opiates 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 flush the urinary tract, reduce intoxication and prevent the development of cystitis and pyelonephritis. Mild laxatives such as vaseline oil are used.
For problems with urination, antispasmodics and alpha-blockers may be prescribed.
If there is muscle spasm, take muscle relaxants.
Folk remedies
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies is possible only as an additional therapy, which enhances the effect of taking medications.
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, it is enough to eat 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 thoroughly 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 thoroughly, and not swallowed immediately.