Acute prostatitis is characterized by a strong clinical picture. The pathology is dangerous with a number of serious complications, so it needs timely and complex treatment. How to diagnose and treat a disease is described in this article.
Acute prostatitis is an inflammatory disease, which is accompanied by intense painful sensations and can pose a great risk to health. For a successful prognosis of the disease, you should consult a doctor in time to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.
General characteristics of the disease
Acute prostatitis is a rapidly growing inflammatory process in the prostate gland. It has four stages of development:
- Catarrhal.At this stage, the gland swells slightly, the inflammation only affects the mucous membranes of the secretory ducts of the gland. This period is the most favorable time for treatment - if you start it right now, you can get rid of the disease in less than two weeks. The nature of the inflammation is not purulent, but the swelling that occurs blocks the ducts, preventing the secretion from leaving the gland. Stagnation begins.
- Pericarp.As a result of the stagnation, the bacteria that have entered the organ already start their activity in it. As the organ is made up of cells, grouped into lobes and separated by connective tissue, inflammation first affects a part.
- Parenchymal.Inflammation passes from one lobe to another, there are many blisters in different parts of the gland.
- Purulent abscess.The blisters merge into one and a cyst full of purulent contents is formed in the gland. Over time, it can burst, pus spread, enter the area 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 it will develop and how the pathological process will end depends on several factors: the reasons of the inflammation, the timeliness and the appropriateness of the treatment.
Causes
In 90% of cases, the cause of acute prostate inflammation is an infectious lesion. The causative agents may be one or more types of bacteria and viruses:
- Gonococci are one of the most dangerous bacteria, they start purulent processes quickly.
- Trichomonas is the leader among sexually transmitted microorganisms. Therefore, it penetrates the intercellular space of the gland and requires persistent treatment.
- Chlamydia - in addition to toxicity, they are able to attach red blood cells, increasing their rate of sedimentation and blocking blood circulation to the affected area. They penetrate deeper than the Trichomonas.
- Staphylococci, the golden appearance is very common. It can survive in all tissues and organs, causes diffusion and makes the blood thicker.
- Ureaplasma is a cross between monocytes and viruses. It can enter the prostate from the urinary tract or through unprotected sex.
- Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium, a common causative agent of acute inflammation. It enters the body as a result of poor hygiene when preparing food.
This is not a complete list of bacteria and viruses that can cause acute inflammation of the prostate.
Often the reason is not just infections that can live in the body for a long time with almost no symptoms. They start to grow quickly when there are factors that contribute to it:
- Regular or single hypothermia. The cold weakens the body's defenses and makes it more difficult for them to contain pathogenic bacteria, especially if the hypothermia is related to daily work.
- Irregular sex life. Stagnation of glandular secretion (which is an integral part of sperm) promotes the proliferation 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 effects of a purulent sore throat that is not completely cured in the form of streptococci can also cause inflammation. Even caries can cause prostatitis.
- Weakened immunity. If, as a result of illness or uncontrolled intake of antibiotics, the body's defenses become inadequate, the bacteria will certainly manifest.
- Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
Symptoms of Acute Prostatitis
The symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.
During the period of bluetongue prostatitis, there is a slight discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the perineum, the desire to use the toilet at night becomes more frequent. Urination is accompanied by burning and pain. The gland itself is normal or not critically enlarged, palpation causes pain. The temperature remains normal or rises slightly. No intoxication, total prosperity.
The follicular period has more manifestations. The pain grows, becomes constant, sometimes radiating sharply to the penis, sacrum or rectum. Urinary retention occurs, as 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 increases significantly in size, has a dense consistency, is tense, touching it in some places causes severe pain.
Parenchymal prostatitis is very difficult. Appetite disappears, chills appear, general weakness. The frequent urge to go to the toilet with a short urination is replaced by acute urinary retention. Attempting to empty the bladder or bowel becomes almost impossible due to the unbearable pain. It is aggravated by constipation and full bladder, it spreads all over the perineum, slight relief can only come in a prone position with hidden legs.
The temperature rises above 39 degrees. Inflammation begins to spread to other organs, mucus is secreted from the rectum. The prostate gland has a fuzzy outline, it is enlarged and painful. Palpation may not be possible due to edema.
The formation of an abscess is accompanied by the location of the point of acute pain - where the abscess appeared. The passage of urine, feces and gas is extremely difficult, accompanied by intense throbbing pain that spreads to the intestine. The temperature is maintained above 39. 5 degrees, chills, fever and sometimes a delusional state appear.
Then, unexpectedly, comes relief: the pain disappears, the temperature drops. However, this does not mean that the patient has recovered: the fact is that the abscess has burst and now urgent procedures are needed to clear the body of pus, because the negative consequences can be very different.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made based on the assessment of the patient's complaints, the analysis of urine, blood and prostate secretions. In addition, they use the method of digital diagnosis of rectum, ultrasound and computed tomography.
The severity of urological disorders is assessed using urophotometry.
A general urinalysis allows you to diagnose the disease in the early stages, when the characteristic symptoms are still absent. The alkaline acidity index itself indicates the development of inflammation.
Bacteriological examination of urine allows you to determine the nature of inflammation and its causes. Changes in the color, smell or consistency of urine are not considered absolute evidence of acute prostatitis.
A complete blood count is the basis for studying the disease. The hallmarks of acute prostatitis are low hemoglobin levels (normally 130 g / l), high urea and creatinine levels, as well as leukocyte levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Protein should not be normal, as well as high leukocyte levels - there should be no more than 5 units.
The specific analysis of PSA allows you to determine not only the inflammation, but also the malignant formation.
PCR scan allows you to quickly detect any genital infections that often cause acute prostatitis.
Ultrasound allows you to determine the size of the prostate gland, its extremities, the presence of a spot and diffuse changes. If an abscess has formed, this study can determine its size and location. If possible, the study is conducted sequentially. if pain and swelling do not allow this, the gland is examined on the abdomen.
Sometimes the ultrasound is performed by observing the change in the frequency of the sound reflected by the instrument. This allows you to assess the blood supply to the prostate - vascularity, which may increase or decrease depending on the type of inflammation and its stage. It allows you to distinguish a cancerous tumor from acute prostatitis.
If the doctor finds that surgery is necessary, he or she will order a CT or MRI scan to look at the details of the inflammatory process.
Treatment of acute prostatitis
The treatment of diseases is always complex, including taking different medications, procedures and diet. 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 infection. For this, antibiotics are prescribed (alone or in combination). The choice of a drug depends on several factors:
- the susceptibility of the pathogen.
- concomitant diseases of the patient.
- mode of action of the drug.
Self-diagnosis and treatment are not possible: an effective drug is selected based on laboratory tests
Fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins are more commonly used to control the causative agents of an acute inflammatory process. For the treatment of acute prostatitis, the bactericidal action of the antibiotic is fundamentally important.
Depending on the stage and condition of the patient, the dosage and form of release of the drug is chosen: the more neglected the condition, the higher the dose and the more important it is for the drug to reach its destination faster, therefore, theinjectable drugs are preferable to tablets.
It is necessary to normalize the outflow of urine and secretions. If urinary retention has become acute, a trocar epistomy is required - puncture of the bladder, followed by insertion of a thin tube.
If no such drastic measures are required, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to restore normal urination, which relieves swelling and pain. Medicines are prescribed in the form of tablets, injections or suppositories from the rectum.
If acute prostatitis has turned into an abscess, treatment depends on the stage it is at. The filtration stage is treated with active treatment with antibiotics and immunostimulants. Painkillers are given to help the patient overcome the pain.
If an abscess forms, treatment is possible only with the help of surgery: the purulent bladder is opened, washed and drainage is installed. After surgery, treatment is prescribed to fight germs and poisoning.
Treatment of acute prostatitis is not limited to relieving symptoms. The course of antibiotics should be taken until the end and not until the pain disappears.
After the crisis itself is removed, it is time for physiotherapy. Includes UHF and microwave procedures, electrophoresis and prostate massage. The goal is to relieve swelling (if left untreated), to improve the outflow of glandular secretions to prevent congestion.
It is important to follow your diet throughout treatment. You must refuse the following products:
- Alcoholic beverages, coffee, fried and salted - contributes to congestion.
- white cabbage, apples, legumes and raw vegetables - cause bloating, causing the pelvic organs, including the prostate, to compress.
- acidic drinks, intestines - irritate the urinary system.
The diet should include cereals, vegetable stew, dairy products and cooked fruits. All of these contribute to the normal functioning of the intestines. It is necessary to observe the regime of alcohol consumption, drinking at least 2 liters of fluid (water, fruit drinks, juices) a day. The more often the urinary tract is flushed, the lower the risk of inflammation.
Vitamin complexes and peptides should be drunk to improve tissue regeneration and the rapid restoration of normal glandular function.
The favorable course of treatment is judged by the restoration of the glandular 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 is to get rid of acute prostatitis. The complication is every subsequent stage of the disease, the chronic course of the disease, the spread of inflammation to other organs, infertility, sepsis. If the disease has started, you may need to remove the gland itself.
With timely treatment, at the end of the course of treatment, all the functions of the body are restored, the ability to work is fully restored.
Prevention
Preventive measures include the absence of unprotected sexual intercourse (to exclude STDs), careful hygiene and timely treatment of inflammatory processes in the urinary system. It is necessary to maintain immunity, not to start caries and to carefully treat any infectious diseases.
You should also rule out factors that contribute to the development of the disease. For this you need:
- have a regular sex life with a partner.
- avoid hypothermia (permanent and single).
- quit alcohol, smoking and sedentary lifestyle.
- undergo regular routine examination by a urologist;
- do not self-medicate at the first signs of inflammatory processes.
- follow a balanced diet.
- taking vitamins, especially during periods of spread of infectious diseases.
Acute inflammation of the prostate occurs due to infections that develop under favorable conditions. Treatment is with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and vitamins. During the treatment period, it is important to follow a diet and alcohol intake.