Prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease that men of mature and old age often face. Despite the fact that tissue growth is benign, it brings a lot of discomfort to the patient's life.
Of course, many people are interested in more information. Why does such a disease develop? What symptoms should you look out for? Is benign prostatic hyperplasia dangerous? What treatments do doctors offer? Such questions are asked by many men to the doctor.
General information about the disease
In fact, tens of thousands of men are faced with such a problem as prostatic hyperplasia. What does such a diagnosis mean? Hyperplasia, also known as prostate adenoma, is a benign neoplasm that occurs due to the overgrowth of prostate structures.
As you know, the prostate is locatedunder the bladder, around the posterior urethra. Normally, this organ does not interfere with the processes of urine outflow. But when the prostate begins to enlarge, it compresses the tube of the urinary canal, as a result of which the flow of fluid is disturbed, which is fraught with very dangerous complications.
The main causes of the development of the disease
According to statistics, approximately 80-90% of men in a certain period of life face such a problem as hyperplasia. In most cases, prostate enlargement develops with age, so many doctors tend to believe that the pathology is the result of natural aging of the body.
The fact is that after 40 years, a man's body begins to change. For example, there is a decrease in the amount of synthesized androgens (testosterone), as well as an increase in estrogen levels. It is these processes that can lead to pathological growth of prostate structures.
Risk factors include physical inactivity (lack of or insufficient physical activity), inflammatory and infectious diseases, a weakened immune system, malnutrition - in such situations, the likelihood of developing complications against the background of hyperplasia (for example, the formation of stones) increases.
Genetic predisposition and even nationality matters. According to information collected during statistical studies, Asians are diagnosed with this disease much less often.
What are the symptomsailment
Before considering the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, you need to study the main symptoms of the pathology:
- In the initial stages, there are only slight difficulties with urination. The jet of liquid becomes sluggish, intermittently interrupted.
- Night urges become more frequent. A man wakes up several times a night to go to the bathroom.
- As the prostate gland enlarges, it feels like the bladder is not emptying completely.
- A new symptom also appears - false urges, in which a man cannot empty himself.
- In the later stages of the development of the disease, imperative urges may appear, in which the patient cannot control the process of urination or restrain himself. In this case, the volume of urine decreases. On the other hand, she begins to excrete in small portions throughout the day without the urge.
- During urination, a man needs to make an effort, such as tightening the abdominal wall in order to create additional pressure.
- Hyperplasia is often associated with sexual disorders, in particular, erectile dysfunction.
Prostatic hyperplasia: degrees of development
Of course, the symptoms of the disease directly depends on the stage of its development. To date, there are three main stages:
- The first degree (compensated) is the initial stage. Someexternal symptoms are practically absent. The urine stream becomes slightly sluggish, and patients are more likely to wake up at night due to the urge to urinate. At this stage, the bladder is still emptying completely.
- The second degree (subcompensated) is accompanied by more pronounced symptoms. The prostate enlarges and begins to squeeze the urinary canal, as a result of which the bladder never empties completely. Urine is excreted in small portions, but the urge to urinate becomes more frequent, especially at night.
- The third degree (decompensated) is characterized by a significant increase in the volume of the bladder as a result of the accumulation of a large amount of fluid in it. Urine begins to stand out drop by drop. Patients complain of constant pain, suffer from inflammatory lesions of certain organs of the reproductive and excretory systems.
Forms and varieties of hyperplasia
The disease can develop in different ways. Depending on the degree of involvement of the organ in the process and the nature of the course, two forms are distinguished.
- Diffuse prostatic hyperplasia is accompanied by a uniform increase in the volume of the organ.
- The nodular form is accompanied by the formation of one or multiple nodules in various parts of the organ. Such nodules may increase in size. During palpation, hard seals can be felt in the tissues of the prostate.
It is worth paying attention to the location of pathological processes:
- As you know, the prostate gland consists of glandular and muscular structures, as well as stroma, which formsconnective tissue strands that divide the organ into separate lobules. Stromal hyperplasia of the prostate is characterized by uncontrolled growth of the components of the stroma. It is worth noting that this form of pathology is rare.
- Much more often in men, the so-called glandular-stromal hyperplasia of the prostate is diagnosed. This pathology is accompanied by an increase in the size of both stroma elements and functional glandular cells. Hyperplasia in this case develops diffusely (evenly covers all parts of the prostate gland).
- Accordingly, glandular prostatic hyperplasia is characterized by an increase in glandular cells. As a rule, the pathological process is nodular.
What complications can the disease lead to
As evidenced by the reviews, the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia most often ends successfully, especially if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. However, patients in most cases go to the doctor in the later stages of development, complaining of severe symptoms. In such cases, there is a possibility of developing complications:
- As already mentioned, the prostate is located around the urethra. An increase in the size of this organ leads to a narrowing of the channel, as a result of which the discharge of urine is disturbed (sometimes there is a sharp urinary retention).
- Prostatic hyperplasia is often associated with various inflammatory diseases, which,again, it is associated with a violation of the outflow of urine. Patients are diagnosed with inflammatory pathologies of the bladder, kidneys and some other organs.
- The disease increases the risk of kidney and bladder stones.
- Due to the accumulation of fluid in the bladder, the walls of the organ stretch and become weak, which leads to the development of diverticulosis. In addition, the muscle tissues of the bladder are gradually replaced by connective structures - the walls of the organ lose their ability to stretch. The accumulation of urine in this case can lead to rupture of the bladder.
- The list of possible complications includes varicose veins that collect blood from the neck of the bladder.
- There is a risk of developing kidney failure (in the most severe cases, if not promptly treated).
This is why prostatic hyperplasia should never be ignored. The patient needs treatment, and immediate treatment.
Diagnostic measures
Only a doctor can make such a diagnosis. Prostatic hyperplasia is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms. If you notice any abnormalities, you should immediately consult a doctor. Of course, a complete examination is necessary to begin with.
- As a rule, information about the symptoms is enough for the doctor to suspect the presence of prostatic hyperplasia.
- Compulsory is a general and biochemical blood test. During the study, it is importantdetermine the level of prostate antigen and sex hormones in the blood.
- A urinalysis is also performed (it makes it possible to determine the presence of inflammation of the urinary system).
- Informative is a rectal examination of the prostate gland. During palpation, the doctor can determine the size and study the structure of the organ, identify the presence of inclusions and other pathological formations.
- Uroflowmetry is performed (during the study, the doctor studies the nature and speed of urine output).
- Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, as well as fluoroscopy, is shown. Such procedures make it possible to determine the presence of stones, cysts, tumors, narrowings and other pathological changes.
Prostatic hyperplasia: how to treat
After the diagnosis, the doctor will draw up an effective treatment regimen. How to treat prostatic hyperplasia? In the initial stages, taking medication will be effective.
- First of all, alpha-1-blockers are used, in particular, drugs that contain tamsulosin, doxazosin, terazosin. Such funds provide relaxation of the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder (more precisely, its neck). This helps to normalize the flow of fluid and prevent further obstruction of the urethra.
- 5-alpha-reductase blockers are also effective (substances such as permixon, finasteride and dutasteride are most commonly used). These drugs inhibit the formationdihydrotestosterone, which allows you to partially reduce the size of the prostate gland.
- If there are complications, then symptomatic therapy is carried out. For example, with cystitis, pyelonephritis and other inflammatory diseases, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines and antipyretics, analgesics are introduced into the treatment regimen.
- Patients are encouraged to change their lifestyle. Physical activity and regular Kegel exercises will positively affect the state of the body. Such activities help to activate the blood flow in the pelvic organs and, accordingly, to establish the trophism of the organs of the reproductive system.
- It is very important to stop smoking, drinking alcohol and other bad habits.
Surgery
According to statistics, doctors recommend surgery for many patients. The operation is performed in the presence of the following indications:
- rapid prostate enlargement;
- lack of effect from conservative therapy;
- presence of foci of malignant degeneration of cells in the tissues of the prostate;
- presence of severe complications (e.g. bladder stones, etc.).
Today, there are many procedures to remove pathologically altered prostate tissue.
The gold standard is laser transurethral removal of affected parts of the organ. In this case, special surgical instruments, together with a video recorder, are inserted through the urethra. SoIn this way, it is possible to avoid injuries, reduce the risk of developing infections. After the procedure, the patient practically does not require special rehabilitation. The procedure is sometimes the only possible option, because most patients with hyperplasia are elderly men whose body may not be able to cope with the consequences of abdominal surgery.
However, transurethral removal is not always possible, especially if there is too much neoplasm in the prostate. In addition, during the procedure, the doctor is not always able to remove all pathologically altered cells - there is a high probability of recurrence in the future. Sometimes it is impossible to do without a full abdominal operation.
Eating Rules
Treatment for prostatic hyperplasia includes proper diet. Diet recommendations are fairly simple.
- Food should be easily and quickly digested, not irritate the wall of the digestive tract, saturate the body with nutrients, minerals and vitamins. The diet should include vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, vegetable oils, fish, seafood, eggs, cereals (the only exception is semolina), kefir and fermented milk products, honey, berries, pumpkin, green tea.
- It is allowed to eat dietary meats (chicken, rabbit, veal). It is better to cook them for a couple (you can also bake them).
- Recommended fractional meals - you need to eat often, but in small portions.
- There are also forbidden foods: fried, fatty and spicy foods, legumes, carbonated drinks, alcohol, canned food, offal, sweets and pastries,strong coffee and chocolate, rich broths, fatty meat soups.
Traditional medicine
Folk treatment for prostatic hyperplasia is possible. Experienced healers can share a lot of effective recipes:
- Fresh parsley juice is considered effective. It is recommended to take two teaspoons before meals. You need to repeat the procedure three times a day.
- Microclysters give good results. Add 3-5 drops of sea buckthorn or fir oil to the liquid. The course of therapy consists of 25-30 procedures, after which you need to take a break for 2-3 months. Before starting an enema, you should consult with your doctor.
- By the way, fir and sea buckthorn oil can be used in the form of rectal suppositories - they help relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation.
- Some traditional healers recommend propolis extract. 30-40 drops of a 10% solution of this agent should be diluted in 50 ml of water. You need to drink the medicine about thirty minutes before meals three times a day.
Of course, the use of home remedies is possible only with the permission of a doctor. Decoctions and infusions can only be used as adjuvants - they cannot replace full-fledged drug therapy.
Prevention measures
Benign prostatic hyperplasia responds well to therapy. However, it is much easier to try to avoid the development of such a disease. For prevention, doctors recommend that men follow some simple rules:
- Extremely importantis proper nutrition. The diet should contain fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish. But too fatty and spicy foods, sweets and soda should be avoided. By the way, proper nutrition will help prevent the development of constipation and related complications.
- Doctors recommend drinking about 2-2.5 liters of fluid per day. Too much water will put extra stress on the kidneys. At the same time, insufficient drinking is fraught with dehydration and metabolic disorders.
- Physical inactivity is also a risk factor. Hiking, swimming, walking, running - all this has a positive effect on the state of the body, in particular, the functioning of the pelvic organs.
- It is worth trying to avoid psycho-emotional stress, as they entail hormonal disruptions. If it is still not possible to avoid stressful situations, then you need to try to maintain emotional calmness (breathing exercises and regular yoga classes help with this).
- Regular sex life will positively affect the condition of the reproductive organs. Both prolonged abstinence and increased sexual activity can be harmful.
Of course, you should not avoid regular preventive examinations. In case of violations, you should immediately contact a specialist. Hyperplasia is much easier to treat in the early stages.
