What is acute prostatitis in men

pain in a man with acute prostatitis

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 was thought to primarily affect older men, but studies show that the condition is noticeably "rejuvenated". And now prostatitis occurs in middle-aged patients.

In the treatment it is allowed 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 of the most skilled 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 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 into 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 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 the infection into 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 hematogenously transmitted with sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and even tooth decay.

The presence of cholecystitis (gallbladder disease) also provokes the development of acute prostatitis. Sometimes lymphogenic 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 pelvic vessels, irregular sex life and its violations. It is possible to include prostatitis in men who practice interrupted coitus.

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:

  1. catarrhal. The 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.
  2. Follicular. Both the reverse development of the process and its increase is 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.
  3. parenchymal. The most severe 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 development stages of the process:

Phase 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 it rises slightly. Diagnosis at this stage involves the study of prostatic 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 Symptoms will be more pronounced. This phase is accompanied by dull and 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 due to the severe pain. The body temperature rises to 38 degrees, the general state of health worsens. The patient experiences:

  • weakness;
  • headache;
  • aching muscles and joints;
  • feeling of constant weakness and fatigue
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 complete cessation, as attempts to empty the bladder are accompanied by severe pain. Appears flatulence, disturbed digestion, constipation. Pain is felt in the rectum. From aching, they turn into pulsating. A person tries to find a position where he will not feel pain (most of the time when he is with his legs bent). 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, the patient needs hospitalization. But in mild cases, the pathology can be treated at home.

Treatment

Acute prostatitis therapy should be comprehensive. Treatment involves eliminating the cause of the disease, that is, pathogenic microorganisms. In such cases, antibiotics are used, their combination, since a drug rarely gives the desired effect.

With prompt treatment, symptoms go away quickly, within days. But the doctor prescribes a course for at least 4 weeks to completely cleanse the body of harmful bacteria, prevent relapses and the transition of the process into a chronic form.

Antibiotics are prescribed only based on the results of tests that revealed the causative agent of the disease and its resistance to certain drugs. Other factors are also taken into consideration. For example, drugs from the group of aminoglycosides and beta-lactams do not penetrate well into the tissues of the prostate gland.

Antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone and macrolides group have a higher penetrating power.

But not only the penetration capacity 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 can be different.

Candles are rarely used. In severe cases of the disease intravenous administration of antibiotics (and in the hospital setting) is indicated. In mild cases, the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, the patient takes the pills at home.

Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain. They reduce the temperature, but sometimes additional antipyretics are prescribed. For more severe pain, short-term opioid use is practiced.

For the treatment of acute prostatitis, an important role is played by drinking plenty of fluids, especially: cranberry juice or rosehip broth to wash the urinary tract, reduce intoxication and prevent the development of cystitis and pyelonephritis. Light laxatives such as petroleum jelly are used.

For urination problems, antispasmodics and alpha blockers may be prescribed.

If there is a 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 shown that they contain a lot of zinc, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. To get the right dose of this substance it is sufficient to eat 30 g of raw peeled seeds once a day before meals.

You can make a mixture based on pumpkin seeds (only not fried) and honey:

  1. Twist 500 g of purified raw materials with a meat grinder or blender.
  2. Add a glass of not too liquid honey.
  3. Mix well until you get a consistency that can form balls the size of a walnut.

The product can be kept in the refrigerator. On the day you need to eat 1-2 of these balls half an hour before meals. The medicine should be chewed thoroughly and not swallowed immediately.