Acute prostatitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease that covers the tissues of the prostate gland, causing extensive swelling and the appearance of purulent foci. The disease can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the stage of its development. Therefore, an integrated approach is required for its accurate diagnosis. Treatment of acute prostatitis is most often based on taking medications 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 impact of pathogenic microflora on the male body. So, acute prostatitis in men can be triggered by the activity of the following microorganisms:
- Staphylococcus aureus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli;
- klebsiella;
- enterococcus;
- Proteus.
Most of the above microorganisms are constantly in the human body, while no inflammation is observed. If such bacteria enter the tissues of the prostate gland, then 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 of a non-infectious nature, developing for the following reasons:
- obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- rare sexual intercourse;
- significant hypothermia;
- interruption of intercourse;
- eating disorders;
- smoking and alcohol abuse.
The above factors create a fertile ground for stagnation of the secretion of the prostate gland. In parallel, stagnant blood processes are noted in the vessels located in the immediate vicinity of the organ.
With a significant accumulation of prostate secretions, a favorable environment is created for the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. As a result, the inflammatory process develops. The latter is capable of causing 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.
Thus, in the risk group for the development of this ailment are persons who:
- there is no regular sex life;
- there is a lack of physical activity;
- there are bad habits.
Forms and stages
For any symptoms of prostate discomfort, you should immediately go to the hospital.
In modern medicine, there are three main stages of this disease. Let's consider them in more detail:
- The first stage is called catarrhal.It is characterized by the occurrence of a primary inflammatory process with the appearance of edema of the glandular tissue, expansion of the acini. In this case, there is an increase in the size of the prostate gland. If the disease is not treated, then the inflammation gradually passes to the excretory ducts of the prostate glands, connected to the posterior part of the urethra. With inflammation of the ducts of the prostate, their gradual narrowing and blockage occurs, as a result of which the process of secretion of the secretion of the prostate is somewhat difficult. At the catarrhal stage of its development, the inflammatory process covers only the mucous layers.
- This is followed by the follicular stage of the disease.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. In the analysis of 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 parenchymal.It is characterized by a destructive change in the tissues of the prostate gland. At the same time, the swelling gradually grows, and the inflammatory process eventually covers the entire organ. If the development of the disease reaches this stage, then the treatment process is greatly complicated, requiring radical measures. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, chronic prostatitis may 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 signs, 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 patients do not receive timely treatment.
Symptoms
Each of the forms of this disease is characterized by its own symptoms. Therefore, you should consider them separately.
Catarrhal form
This form of the disease is characterized by frequent desires to walk for little need.
If the infection has reached the excretory ducts, then this stage of the disease develops. But despite the fact that the inflammatory process does not go beyond the mucous membrane, the prostate gland increases in size and swells. In this case, the urethra is squeezed.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis at this stage are mild:
- due to the compression of the canal, the patient may notice minor problems with urination;
- at night, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent;
- possibly an increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees;
- when the patient is in a sitting position, he may feel some heaviness in the perineum.
In some cases, the catarrhal form occurs without severe hyperthermia.
Symptoms of the disease can disappear on their own after a couple of weeks after development. And most patients in this case do not go to the doctor. However, this is fraught with the transition of the disease into a chronic state. Provided that the treatment of acute prostatitis is started in a timely manner, the disease recedes after 10 days.
Follicular form
If the catarrhal stage has not been treated, then the ailment develops further, affecting individual lobes of the organ. In this case, pronounced symptoms appear:
- sharp pains observed during urination;
- the patient's body temperature is kept at around 38 degrees;
- a dull pain appears in the perineum, which radiates to the penis;
- the process of urination is complicated;
- the patient has difficulty defecating due to the presence of severe pain.
Since this stage is characterized by a purulent lesion of the prostate, threads of pus may be observed in the patient's urine. Provided that therapy is carried out in a timely manner, a complete cure for the disease at this stage occurs in less than two weeks after the start of the procedures.
Parenchymal form
It is also called diffuse. Since the inflammatory process covers the entire organ, the following symptoms occur:
- Perineal pain becomes almost unbearable. Periodically, they move to the glans penis. Some pain relief is possible in the supine position, when the patient presses both legs to the chest.
- Sensation of a foreign body in the rectum. There is significant pain in bowel movements. Constipation becomes more frequent, and if the inflammatory process turns into a reactive form, then mucus secretion begins from the anus.
- Serious problems with urination appear. In this case, both partial and complete urinary retention is possible.
- Body temperature can reach 40 degrees. The patient suffers from chills.
Diagnostics
To make a definitive diagnosis, a number of different studies will be required.
This disease is diagnosed by a specialist urologist who conducts a comprehensive study involving the following types of 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 deliver significant discomfort to the patient.
The main diagnostic method is the study of the prostate gland, carried out by introducing a probe into the rectum. This procedure allows specialists to obtain the following data:
- determine the pain response;
- identify the main foci of destruction;
- confirm or deny signs of purulent tissue fusion;
- evaluate the shape of the organ and its symmetry, size and consistency.
As a rule, on palpation of the prostate, the secret of this organ is highlighted. Its analysis allows you to accurately determine the presence of an inflammatory process. In the course of research, the number of leukocytes, amyloid bodies and other components is checked.
- bacterial culture of urine and urethral discharge with antibioticogram;
- PCR studies of scraping;
- sowing blood for blood culture.
The nature and severity of dysuric disorders in the acute course of the disease is assessed using uroflowmetry.
Ultrasound of the prostate gland with moderate pain syndrome can be performed transrectally, and in the case of severe pain reaction - transabdominal. Echoscopically, the shape, size of the gland, the presence of focal or diffuse changes are assessed, the stage of the acute inflammatory process is established.
When planning a surgical operation for destructive forms of acute prostatitis, it is advisable to conduct MRI of the pelvic region.
Treatment of ailment
The main method of treatment for acute prostatitis is etiotropic therapy. It is based on the timely appointment of antimicrobial drugs to the patient, which will prevent the further development of pathogenic microflora in the pelvic organs. In addition to medications, the patient is prescribed folk remedies and physiotherapy procedures. A balanced diet plays a significant role in the treatment of acute prostatitis.
Medications
Treatment of acute prostatitis should involve elimination of the infection that provoked the inflammation. In addition, the task of therapy is to eliminate stagnation and normalize the blood circulation process.
In most cases, outpatient treatment is used for patients with acute prostatitis. If the patient has a parenchymal form of the disease, then he is subject to hospitalization.
Therapy of acute infectious prostatitis involves the mandatory intake of antibiotics. In this case, the duration of treatment is determined by a specialist, just like the drugs used.
Antibiotics of different groups are active against various microorganisms. That is why professional treatment is carried out only on the basis of a thorough diagnosis. Thus, the doctor will be able to choose exactly the remedy that will be effective against a particular pathogen. Usually, treatment is carried out using drugs of these groups:
- fluoroquinolones;
- penicillins;
- macrolides.
The former are considered the most effective. For this reason, they are most often used in the treatment of acute prostatitis.
Although antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, they are not the only medications used for acute prostatitis. In particular, patients are prescribed antihistamines and gut-friendly bacteria.
At all stages of the treatment of acute prostatitis, 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 medications both in the form of tablets and through intramuscular injections. The latter option is considered preferable.
Physiotherapy
Under the condition of correctly selected drug treatment of acute prostatitis, the severity of the symptoms of this disease is significantly reduced. To consolidate the results obtained, the following physiotherapy techniques are used:
- Microwave and UHF therapy;
- rectal electrophoresis;
- prostate massage.
Folk remedies
Many experts argue that a cure for acute prostatitis using traditional medicine alone is impossible. In addition, such self-medication can greatly aggravate the disease, leading to a number of complications. In this case, folk recipes can be used only as a supplement to official medicines. In addition, many pharmaceutical medicines 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 to obtain a healing solution when taking baths. The most effective in this case are the following plants:
- chestnut;
- mother and stepmother;
- field horsetail;
- Oak bark;
- chamomile.
Diet food
The key to cure for acute prostatitis is a balanced diet. The inclusion of certain products in the patient's weekly menu is based on the severity of his illness. However, regardless of the stage of the disease, the following foods should be excluded from the diet for a while:
- smoked meats;
- fried foods;
- conservation;
- strong tea and coffee;
- alcoholic drinks;
- spicy and salty foods;
- fatty fish and meat.
Prophylaxis
Sports activities are very useful for the prevention of prostate diseases.
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 time. At the same time, any medical manipulations associated with endourethral or endovesical examinations must be carried out subject to the appropriate aseptic rules.
Effective prevention of acute prostatitis is based on the following principles:
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Genital hygiene.
- Having a regular sex life.
- Systematic physical activity and walks in the fresh air.
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Normalization of the diet.
Periodic prostate massage can be an excellent prevention of a number of urological diseases.
If you notice the first signs of prostatitis, you should not hesitate - you need to see a specialist as soon as possible. This will help to cure the disease faster and prevent a number of negative consequences.