Acute prostatitis is characterized by a pronounced clinical picture. Pathology is dangerous with a number of serious complications, therefore it needs timely and complex treatment. This article describes how to recognize and treat a disease.
Acute prostatitis is an inflammatory disease, which is accompanied by pronounced painful sensations and can pose a great danger to health. For a successful prognosis of the disease, you need to consult a doctor in time for diagnosis and the prescription of competent treatment.
General characteristics of the disease.
Acute prostatitis is a rapidly developing inflammatory process in the prostate gland. It has four stages of development:
- Catarrhal.At this stage, the gland swells a little, the inflammation affects only the mucous membranes of the excretory ducts of the gland. This period is the most favorable time for treatment: if you start it at this time, you can get rid of the disease in less than two weeks. The nature of the inflammation is not purulent, but the edema that appears obstructs the ducts, preventing the secretion from leaving the gland. Stagnation begins.
- Follicular.As a result of stagnation, the bacteria that have entered the organ already begin their activity in it. Since the organ is made up of cells, grouped into lobes and separated by connective tissue, inflammation affects one part first.
- Parenchymal.The inflammation passes from one lobe to another, there are many pustules in different parts of the gland.
- Purulent abscess.The pustules merge into one and a bladder filled with purulent contents forms in the gland. Over time, it can burst, the pus spreading and penetrating the space around the prostate and bladder, urethra, or rectum. When an abscess opens, the pus does not come out completely and this becomes a new round in the inflammatory process.
How quickly the disease process will develop and how it will end depends on a number of factors: the reasons for the inflammation, the timeliness, and the appropriateness of the treatment.
Causes
In 90% of cases, the cause of acute inflammation of the prostate is an infectious lesion. The causative agents can be one or more types of bacteria and viruses:
- Gonococci are one of the most dangerous bacteria, they quickly start purulent processes.
- Trichomonas is the leader among the sexually transmitted microorganisms. It penetrates the intercellular space of the gland, therefore, it requires long and stubborn treatment.
- Chlamydia: in addition to toxicity, they can stick erythrocytes, increasing their sedimentation rate and preventing blood circulation in the affected area. They penetrate deeper than Trichomonas.
- Staph, the golden appearance is especially common. It can survive in any tissue and organ, causes suppuration and thickens the blood.
- Ureaplasma is a cross between unicellular and virus. It can enter the prostate from the urinary tract or through unprotected sex.
- Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium, a frequent causative agent of acute inflammation. It enters the body as a result of improper hygiene during food preparation.
This is not a complete list of bacteria and viruses that can cause acute inflammation of the prostate gland.
Often the reason does not lie only in infections that can live in the body for a long time with almost no symptoms. They begin to develop rapidly when there are factors that contribute to this:
- Regular or single hypothermia. The cold weakens the body's defenses and it is more difficult for them to contain pathogenic bacteria, especially if hypothermia is associated with daily work.
- Irregular sex life. Stagnation of the gland's secretion (which is an integral part of sperm) promotes the multiplication of bacteria.
- Running infections. These can be infections that result from unprotected sex or bacteria that have caused mild inflammation in the urinary tract. The consequences of a purulent sore throat that does not heal completely in the form of streptococci can also lead to inflammation. Even tooth decay can cause prostatitis.
- Weakened immunity. If, as a result of illness or uncontrolled intake of antibiotics, the body's defenses become insufficient, bacteria will certainly manifest themselves.
- Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
Symptoms of acute prostatitis
Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.
During the period of catarrhal prostatitis, there is slight discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the perineum, the need to use the bathroom at night becomes more frequent. Urination is accompanied by burning and pain. The gland itself is normal or non-critically enlarged, palpation examination causes pain. The temperature remains normal or rises slightly. No intoxication, general well-being.
The follicular period has more manifestations. The pain grows, becomes constant, sometimes abruptly radiating to the penis, sacrum or rectum. Urine retention appears, since urination is difficult due to acute pain. Defecation is also accompanied by severe pain.
The temperature rises to 38 degrees and remains at this level. The prostate gland noticeably increases in size, has a dense consistency, is tight, touching it in some places causes sharp pain.
Parenchymal prostatitis is very difficult. Appetite disappears, chills appear, general weakness. The frequent urge to go to the bathroom with brief urination is replaced by acute urinary retention. Trying to empty the bladder or bowel becomes almost impossible due to excruciating pain. It is aggravated by constipation and a full bladder, spreads throughout the perineum, slight relief can only occur in a prone position with bent legs.
The temperature rises above 39 degrees. The inflammation begins to spread to other organs, the rectum secretes mucus. The prostate gland has an indistinct outline, enlarged and painful. Palpation may not be possible due to edema.
The formation of an abscess is accompanied by the localization of the acute pain point, where the abscess appeared. The passage of urine, feces, and gas is extremely difficult, accompanied by severe stabbing pain that spreads to the intestine. The temperature remains above 39. 5 degrees, chills, fever, and sometimes a delusional state appear.
Then, unexpectedly, relief comes: the pain disappears, the temperature drops. However, this does not mean that the patient has recovered: the truth is that the abscess has burst and urgent procedures are now needed to cleanse the body of pus, because the negative consequences can be very diverse.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is made on the basis of an evaluation of the patient's complaints, analysis of urine, blood and prostate secretions. In addition, they use the digital rectal diagnostic method, ultrasound and CT.
The severity of urinary disorders is assessed by uroflowmetry.
A general urinalysis allows you to identify the disease in the earliest stages, when the characteristic symptoms are still absent. The alkaline acid number itself indicates the development of inflammation.
Bacteriological examination of urine allows you to determine the nature of inflammation and its causes. Changes in urine color, odor, or consistency are not considered absolute evidence of acute prostatitis.
A complete blood count is the basis of the disease study. The characteristic indicators of acute prostatitis are low levels of hemoglobin (normal 130 g / l), high levels of urea and creatinine, as well as the level of leukocytes and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The protein should not be normal, as well as a high level of leukocytes; there should be no more than 5 units.
Specific PSA analysis allows you to identify not only inflammation, but also malignant formation.
PCR investigation allows you to quickly identify any genital infections that are often the cause of acute prostatitis.
Ultrasound allows you to determine the size of the prostate gland, its borders, the presence of point and diffuse changes. If an abscess has formed, this study can determine its size and location. If possible, the study is performed transrectally; if pain and swelling do not allow it, the study of the gland is done from the side of the abdomen.
Sometimes ultrasound is performed by observing the change in the frequency of the sound reflected by the organ. This allows you to assess the blood supply to the prostate - vascularity, which may increase or weaken depending on the type of inflammation and its stage. It allows you to distinguish a cancerous tumor from acute prostatitis.
If the doctor determines that surgery is necessary, he prescribes a CT or MRI scan to examine the details of the inflammatory process.
Treatment of acute prostatitis
Disease therapy is always complex, including taking different medications, procedures, and diets. The treatment can last about 2 months.
The main task of the doctor is to eliminate the cause of inflammation, which most often consists of an infection. For this, antibiotics are prescribed (alone or in combination). The choice of a drug depends on several factors:
- the sensitivity of the pathogen;
- concomitant diseases of the patient;
- mode of action of the drug.
Self-diagnosis and therapy are not possible - an effective drug is selected on the basis of laboratory tests
To combat the causative agents of an acute inflammatory process, third-generation fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins are most often used. For the treatment of acute prostatitis, the bactericidal effect of the antibiotic is of fundamental importance.
Depending on the stage and condition of the patient, the dose and the form of release of the drug are selected: the more careless the situation, the higher the dose and the more important it is that the drug reaches its destination faster, therefore, Medicines in the form of injections are preferable to tablets.
It is necessary to normalize the output of urine and secretions. If urinary retention has developed into an acute form, a trocar epicistomy is prescribed - a puncture of the bladder, followed by the introduction of a thin tube.
If such drastic measures are not required, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to restore normal urination, eliminating swelling and pain. The drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets, injections, or rectal suppositories.
If acute prostatitis has turned into an abscess, treatment depends on the stage it is in. The infiltration stage is treated with active therapy with antibiotics and immunostimulants. A pain reliever block is given to help the patient overcome pain.
If an abscess has formed, treatment is possible only with the help of surgical intervention: the purulent bladder is opened, washed, and drainage installed. After the operation, a therapy is prescribed to combat microbes and intoxication.
Treatment of acute prostatitis is not limited to relieving symptoms. The course of antibiotics should be drunk to the end, and not until the pain subsides.
Once the seizure is removed, it is time for physical therapy. Includes UHF and microwave procedures, electrophoresis, and prostate massage. The goal is to relieve swelling (if left), improve the output of glandular secretions to avoid congestion.
It is important to stick to your diet throughout the course of treatment. You must reject the following products:
- alcoholic beverages, coffee, fried and salty - contributes to the appearance of congestion;
- white cabbage, apples, legumes and raw vegetables - cause bloating, as a result of which the pelvic organs, including the prostate, are compressed;
- acidic drinks, offal: irritate the urinary tract.
The diet should include cereals, stewed vegetables, dairy products, and baked fruits. All of this contributes to the normal functioning of the intestines. It is necessary to observe the drinking regime, drinking at least 2 liters of liquid (water, fruit drinks, juices) per day. The more often the urinary tract is flushed, the lower the risk of inflammation.
Vitamin complexes and peptides should be drunk to enhance the regeneration of tissues and the rapid restoration of the normal functioning of the gland.
The favorable course of treatment is judged by the restoration of the gland tissues, the normalization of the chemical indications of prostate secretions, the absence of pathogens in the analyzes, and the general well-being of the patient.
Prognosis and complications
The earlier treatment is started, the faster and easier it will be to get rid of acute prostatitis. The complication is each subsequent stage of the disease, the chronic course of the disease, the spread of inflammation to other organs, infertility, and sepsis. If the disease has started, the gland may need to be removed.
With timely treatment, at the end of the course of therapy, all the functions of the body are restored, the ability to work is fully restored.
Prevention
Preventive measures include the absence of unprotected sex (to exclude STIs), careful hygiene, and timely treatment of inflammatory processes in the urinary tract. It is necessary to maintain immunity, not to start caries, and to carefully treat any infectious diseases.
You should also exclude factors that contribute to the development of the disease. For this you need:
- have a regular sex life with a partner;
- avoid hypothermia (both permanent and single);
- give up alcohol, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle;
- regularly undergo a routine examination by a urologist;
- do not self-medicate at the first signs of inflammatory processes;
- follow a balanced diet;
- take vitamins, especially during periods of spread of infectious diseases.
Acute inflammation of the prostate appears due to infections that develop under favorable circumstances. Treatment is with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and vitamins. During the therapy period, it is important to follow a diet and drinking regimen.