Acute prostatitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease that covers the tissues of the prostate, causing severe swelling and the appearance of purulent foci. The disease can manifest itself in different ways depending on the stage of development. Therefore, an integrated approach is required for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment of acute prostatitis is mostly based on the use of medication and physiotherapy techniques.
The reasons
Alcoholism can cause acute prostatitis.
The disease most often develops in men over the age of 30. In most cases, the disease develops due to the negative influence of pathogenic microflora on the male body. For example, acute prostatitis in men can be triggered by the activity of the following microorganisms:
- Staphylococcus aureus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli;
- klebsiella;
- Enterococci;
- Proteus.
Most of the above microorganisms are constantly in the human body while inflammation is not observed. When such bacteria penetrate the tissues of the prostate, the process of their active reproduction begins, as a result of which severe inflammation develops in the prostate.
The penetration of bacteria into the genitourinary system can occur during unprotected sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is very important for people who do not have regular sexual partners to use condoms.
Inflammation can also be non-infectious in nature and develop for the following reasons:
- Obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- less frequent sexual intercourse;
- significant hypothermia;
- Interruption of sexual intercourse;
- Eating disorder;
- Smoking and alcohol abuse.
The above factors create fertile ground for the stagnation of prostate secretion. At the same time, stagnant blood processes are detected in the vessels in the immediate vicinity of the organ.
With a significant accumulation of prostate secretions, a favorable environment for the reproduction of the pathogenic microflora is created. As a result, the development of the inflammatory process occurs. The latter can cause a number of complications, such as:
- BPH;
- Abscesses;
- oncological process.
Important!Against the background of acute prostatitis, most men develop problems with potency and there is a risk of infertility.
Therefore, in the risk group for the development of this disease there are people who:
- there is no regular sex life;
- there is a lack of physical activity;
- there are bad habits.
Forms and stages
If you have symptoms of prostate discomfort, you should go to the hospital immediately.
In modern medicine there are three main stages of this disease. Let's take a closer look at them:
- The first stage is known as catarrhal.It is characterized by the appearance of a primary inflammatory process with the appearance of edema of the glandular tissue and expansion of the acini. In this case, the prostate enlarges. If the disease is not treated, the inflammation gradually spreads to the excretory ducts of the prostate, which are connected to the back of the urethra. With inflammation of the prostate ducts, their gradual narrowing and blocking occurs, which makes the secretion process of the prostate a little difficult. At the catarrhal stage of its development, the inflammatory process covers only the layers of mucus.
- The follicular stage of the disease follows.It is characterized by the further progression of the inflammatory process, in which the remaining tissues of the organ are gradually involved. As a result, an acute form of bacterial prostatitis develops. When analyzing the urine at this stage of the development of the disease, pus is present. However, despite the damage to a significant number of tissues, the follicular form of prostatitis responds well to treatment.
- The last stage is called the parenchyma.It is characterized by a destructive change in the tissues of the prostate. At the same time, the swelling gradually increases, and the inflammatory process eventually covers the entire organ. When the development of the disease reaches this stage, the treatment process is very complicated and requires radical measures. Without timely and adequate treatment, chronic prostatitis can develop.
At the initial stage of the development of this disease, a subacute stage is usually distinguished. It is characterized by a weak severity of symptoms, which is explained by the low activity of pathogens. The disease can be at this stage for a long time if the patient's body has good resistance. At the same time, it is very difficult to diagnose the disease in the subacute stage, which is why most of the patients are not treated on time.
Symptoms
Each of the forms of this disease is characterized by its own set of symptoms. Hence, you should consider them separately.
Catarrhal form
This form of the disease is characterized by frequent desire to leave with little need.
Once the infection has reached the excretory ducts, this stage of the disease develops. But, despite the fact that the inflammatory process does not go beyond the mucous membrane, the prostate increases and swells. In this case, the urethra is squeezed.
The symptoms of acute prostatitis at this stage are mild:
- due to the compression of the canal, the patient may experience minor urination problems;
- at night the urge to urinate becomes more frequent;
- possibly an increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees;
- When the patient is sitting, he may feel a certain feeling of heaviness in the perineum.
In some cases, the catarrhal form occurs without severe hyperthermia.
Symptoms of the disease may go away on their own a few weeks after it develops. And most patients don't go to the doctor in this case. However, this is fraught with the transition of the disease to a chronic state. Provided that the treatment of acute prostatitis is started on time, the disease will resolve after 10 days.
Follicular shape
If the catarrhal stage has not been treated, the disease will progress and affect individual lobes of the organ. In this case, pronounced symptoms appear:
- sharp pain observed when urinating;
- the patient's body temperature is kept at about 38 degrees;
- a dull pain occurs in the perineum, radiating to the penis;
- the process of urination is complicated;
- the patient has difficulty defecating due to severe pain.
Since this stage is characterized by a purulent lesion of the prostate, filaments of pus can be observed in the patient's urine. If therapy is carried out in a timely manner, the disease at this stage will be completely cured in less than two weeks after the procedures begin.
Parenchymal shape
It is also called diffuse. Since the inflammatory process includes the entire organ, the following symptoms appear:
- Perineal pain becomes almost unbearable. At regular intervals they move to the glans. Some pain relief is possible in the supine position if the patient presses both legs to the chest.
- Foreign body sensation in the rectum. There is significant pain during bowel movements. Constipation becomes more common, and when the inflammatory process turns into a reactive form, mucus secretion from the anus begins.
- Serious urination problems occur. Partial as well as complete urinary retention is possible.
- Body temperature can reach 40 degrees. The patient suffers from chills.
diagnosis
Various studies are required to make a definitive diagnosis.
This disease is diagnosed by a specialized urologist who will conduct a comprehensive study using the following procedures:
- physical examination;
- instrumental research;
- Laboratory research.
During the initial examination of the patient, the specialist palpates the gland. This must be done very carefully, avoiding massaging movements and strong pressure. Otherwise, you can cause considerable discomfort to the patient.
The main diagnostic method is the examination of the prostate, which is carried out by inserting a probe into the rectum. This procedure allows specialists to obtain the following data:
- Determine the pain response;
- identify the main sources of destruction;
- Confirmation or denial of signs of purulent tissue fusion;
- Assess the shape of the organ and its symmetry, size and consistency.
As a rule, when palpating the prostate, the secret of this organ is highlighted. Its analysis allows you to accurately determine the presence of an inflammatory process. The research checks the number of white blood cells, amyloid cells and other components.
- Bacterial culture of urine and urethral discharge with antibiotic;
- Scraping PCR studies;
- Sowing blood for blood cultures.
The type and severity of dysuric disorders in the acute course of the disease are assessed using uroflowmetry.
Ultrasound of the prostate with moderate pain syndrome can be performed transrectally and, if the pain reaction is severe, transabdominally. Echoscopically assess the shape, size of the gland, the presence of focal or diffuse changes, determine the stage of the acute inflammatory process.
When planning surgical intervention for destructive forms of acute prostatitis, it is advisable to perform an MRI of the pelvic region.
Handling of complaints
The main treatment method for acute prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. It is based on the timely appointment of antimicrobial drugs to the patient, which prevent the further development of pathogenic microflora in the pelvic organs. In addition to drugs, folk remedies and physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed to the patient. A balanced diet plays an essential role in the treatment of acute prostatitis.
Medication
Treatment for acute prostatitis should involve getting rid of the infection that caused the inflammation. In addition, the task of therapy is to eliminate stagnation and normalize blood circulation.
In most cases, outpatient treatment is carried out in patients with acute prostatitis. If the patient has a parenchymal form of the disease, then he must be hospitalized.
Therapy of acute infectious prostatitis includes the mandatory use of antibiotics. In this case, the duration of treatment, as well as the drugs used, will be determined by a specialist.
Antibiotics from different groups are effective against different microorganisms. Therefore, professional treatment is only given on the basis of a thorough diagnosis. In this way, the doctor can select precisely the remedy that is effective against a specific pathogen. Usually treatment is carried out with drugs of these groups:
- Fluoroquinolones;
- Penicillins;
- Macrolides.
The former are considered the most effective. It is for this reason that they are most commonly used in the treatment of acute prostatitis.
Although antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, they aren't the only drugs used for acute prostatitis. In particular, antihistamines and gut-friendly bacteria are prescribed to patients.
At all stages of acute prostatitis treatment, it is very important to stimulate the immune system. For this reason, immunostimulating drugs are prescribed to patients.
In addition to the above agents, interferons are used to treat acute prostatitis. It is possible to take such drugs both in the form of tablets and through intramuscular injections. The latter option is considered preferred.
physical therapy
Under the condition of properly selected drug treatment for acute prostatitis, the severity of the symptoms of this disease is significantly reduced. To consolidate the results obtained, the following physiotherapeutic techniques are used:
- Microwave and UHF therapy;
- rectal electrophoresis;
- Prostate massage.
Home remedies
Many experts argue that a cure for acute prostatitis is impossible with traditional medicine alone. In addition, such self-medication can greatly aggravate the disease, which leads to a number of complications. In this case, folk recipes can only be used as a complement to official medicines. In addition, many pharmaceutical drugs are made from various plants.
As a rule, with an acute form of prostatitis, patients are prescribed various infusions and decoctions. They should be taken orally or used for healing solution while bathing. The most effective in this case are the following plants:
- Chestnut;
- Mother and stepmother;
- Field horsetail;
- Oak bark;
- Chamomile.
Diet food
The key to curing acute prostatitis is eating a balanced diet. The inclusion of certain products in the patient's weekly menu depends on the severity of his illness. Regardless of the stage of the disease, however, the following foods should be excluded from the menu for a while:
- smoked meat;
- fried food;
- Conservation;
- strong tea and coffee;
- alcoholic drinks;
- spicy and salty foods;
- fatty fish and meat.
prophylaxis
Exercising is very useful for preventing prostate disease.
Prevention of acute prostatitis involves the timely elimination of the inflammatory process. To do this, it is necessary to treat bacterial, fungal and viral diseases in a timely manner. At the same time, all medical manipulations related to endourethral or endovesic examinations must be carried out in compliance with the appropriate aseptic rules.
Effective prevention of acute prostatitis is based on the following principles:
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Genital hygiene.
- Have a regular sex life.
- Systematic physical activity and walks in the fresh air.
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Normalization of diet.
Regular prostate massage can be an excellent prevention against a number of urological conditions.
If you notice the first signs of prostatitis, then do not hesitate - you need to see a specialist as soon as possible. This will help to cure the disease faster and avoid a number of negative consequences.