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 formation of ulcers in the tissues of the organ of the same name. It used to be thought that it mainly affected older men, but studies show that the pathology has visibly "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 at the healthiest age, that is, 30-50 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. 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.

It is sometimes possible to develop an inflammatory process due to the penetration of the infection into the bloodstream, as 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 it has nothing to do with the prostate. Infections are transmitted via the hematogenous route with sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and even caries.

The presence of cholecystitis (gallbladder disease) also causes the development of acute prostatitis. Sometimes lymphogenic transmission of intestinal infection 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 sexual life and its violations. Including prostatitis is possible in men who have coitus interruptus.

The factors that cause the disease are:

  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • digestive disorders (especially frequent constipation);
  • hypothermia and decreased immunity;
  • phlebeurism;
  • excessive alcohol consumption.

basic forms

There are three forms of the disease:

  1. catarrh. The ducts of the prostate glands are mostly 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 slight swelling, the vessels are plethoric.
  2. follicular. It is possible both the reverse development of the process and its increase, when prostatitis turns into a follicular form, and the inflammatory process already affects the prostate tissues. The body increases in size, becomes flaccid. Focal infiltrates appear around the ducts.
  3. Parenchyma. 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 urinary 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 often remains normal, sometimes it rises slightly. Diagnosis at this stage involves the study of prostate secretion. It 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 uncomfortable pains located in the perineum, but can be applied to the anus, rectum or lower back. Urination becomes so painful that urinary retention is possible.

The act of defecating is difficult, also because of the intense pain. Body temperature rises to 38 degrees, the general state of health worsens. The patient feels:

  • weakness;
  • headaches;
  • sore muscles and joints;
  • feeling of constant weakness and fatigue
Parenchyma In acute parenchymal prostatitis, the temperature rises to 39 degrees. There is fever or chills. Urination may be rapid, but most of the time it is difficult, until complete cessation, 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 painful, they become pulsating. A person tries to find a position in which he does not feel pain (most often when he lies down with his legs bent). In the acute form of prostatitis, there is an enlargement and swelling of the prostate. 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 will need hospitalization. But in mild cases, the pathology can be treated at home.

Treatment

Therapy for acute prostatitis must be comprehensive. Treatment involves eliminating the cause of the disease, ie pathogenic microorganisms. In these cases, antibiotics, their combination, are used, as a drug rarely produces the desired effect.

With timely treatment, symptoms disappear quickly, in just a few 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 to a chronic form.

Antibiotics are prescribed only according to the results of tests that have 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 prostate tissues well.

Antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones and macrolides have greater penetrating power.

But not only penetration ability is important, but also the strength of 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 done on an outpatient basis, the patient takes the 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 intense 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 wash the urinary tract, reduce intoxication and prevent the development of cystitis and pyelonephritis. Mild laxatives like 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 increases the effect of taking drugs.

A popular folk remedy is pumpkin seeds. They are proven to contain a lot of zinc, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. To get the right dose of this substance, just eat 30 g of peeled raw seeds once a day before meals.

You can make a mixture of 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 very liquid honey.
  3. Mix well until the consistency is such that the mixture can be formed 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.