Prostatitis - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment Options

Monday, October 1, 2012

In terms of Prostate Health - Prostatitis is the medical term that is applied for an inflammation of the prostate gland. It is a rather complex condition and can affect men of any age.

There are essentially two main types:

1.Bacterial Prostatitis:

This can be:
Acute - which is a short term infection; or Chronic - which is a long term infection.

2.Non Bacterial Prostatitis

This is in essence also a chronic form and is sometimes also referred to as `chronic pelvic pain`
* Symptoms (Acute)
The following acute symptoms are indicative of this condition:
-A pain or burning sensation when urinating
-Lower back pain
-A pain upon ejaculation
-The need to urinate frequently - including at nighttime
-A sudden onset of an urgent need to urinate
-Having a weak urine stream, particularly when starting or stopping
-Experiencing fever and chills & aches and pains
* Symptoms (chronic)
The following chronic symptoms are also indicative of this condition:
-Pain in the pelvic area, often to be experienced in the pelvic floor or perineum ( this is the area between the anus and the testicles)
-Variable symptoms - coming and going from week to week. Sometimes the pain can be rather severe and disabling.
-Problems with urinating

* What Treatment is available?

The following are some of the treatment options available.
- Bacterial Prostatitis - (this includes both chronic and acute conditions). These can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
It is also advisable to take plenty of rest and maintain regular fluids in order to assist in fighting the infection.
- Non Bacterial Prostatitis - This is an area that has had less research and therefore there is less known about the cause and treatment options. This can come as a rather unpleasant surprise to sufferers of the condition!

Treatments in practice therefore tend therefore to be rather limited to that of pain relief. Antibiotics may additionally be prescribed in case the symptoms are cause by an infection that has yet to be identified.

The pain can be quite severe and seriously impact upon the quality of life of a sufferer

It is therefore advisable to take regular hot water baths and hydrotherapy to assist in relieving pain
Research has been carried out by Doctors at Stanford University which has indicated that in some men; the severe pelvic pain that is experienced is as a result of the human instinct to protect the genitals, rectum and contents of the pelvis from injury or pain.

This is achieved by contracting the pelvic muscles

However, over time, this can lead to circulation problems and resultant nerve damage which can in turn cause pain.

This is a highly complex issue and we have only just scratched the surface here. make sure you read further and seek out more high quality information.

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Diagnoses & Treatment of Prostatitis

Diagnoses of prostatitis.

Treatment more effective for prostatitis depend primarily an accurate diagnosis. Addition to physical examination and complete medical history, diagnostic procedures for prostatitis may include:

• Culture of urine, including collection of urine sample triple urination (also called the method of three urine collection bottles) - this procedure, often used in conjunction with massage prostate consists of collecting and evaluating the prostatic fluid and urine in order to detect the presence of blood white and bacteria.

• Rectal exam digital - procedure which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland to detect signs of cancer.

• cystoscopy (Also called cystourethroscopy) - a test which a flexible tube and viewing device is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and tract urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.

Treatment of prostatitis
Treatment specific for prostatitis will be determined by according to your doctor:
• age, general health status and medical history
• gravity disease
• tolerance certain medications or therapies
• expectations for disease progression
• opinion or preference

By the American Foundation for Urologic Diseases (American Foundation for Urologic Disease) treatment may include:

Prostatitis acute bacterial

The treatment of acute bacterial prostatitis usually involves in the administration of antimicrobial drugs for several days to two weeks. Treatment usually effective for this type of prostate infection, but this will take the complete medication prevent the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria even when no symptoms. Analgesics (Drugs that calm the smell) may also be prescribed as necessary and may be recommended to patients to drink more fluid. In most cases severe may require hospitalization.

Prostatitis chronic bacterial

Treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis usually involves the administration of antimicrobials for four to twelve weeks. This type of prostatitis is difficult to treat and may recur. If the infection does not respond to antimicrobial medication, you may be prescribed low dose antimicrobial medication for a period of time. It may be necessary to resort to surgery.

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Prostatitis Tips - The Importance of Water Intake

It seems the older we get, the more we worry about staying healthy. The fewer trips we have to make to see a doctor, the better for everyone. We all hear the diet suggestions, or the drugs that we can take to fix this or that. Truthfully, simple changes in diet can prevent many common, non-life threatening issues.

For men, prostate health is becoming more prominent in the news, on commercials, and ads everywhere. It seems, as men get older, the prostate can become an issue. It can become enlarged, a condition referred to as, Prostatitis.

This can be due to bacteria that have infected the prostate or surrounding area. Signs that you have Prostatitis are painful or difficult urination, pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals, and sometimes, flu-like symptoms.

What is a prostate and what is its function? The prostate is a gland that adds the milky fluid to sperm at ejaculation. A normal, healthy one is about as big as a walnut. It will be larger if infected. That is what the doctor is checking when he asks you to turn your head and cough.

Now you know what it is and what it does. It just makes sense that drinking more water can keep a prostate healthy. If there is not enough fluid in your body, then it just does not function right. Diet also plays an important role in keeping you healthy, but the most important thing you can do for the health of every part of your body, is drink enough water.

Prostatitis can clear up on its own, or through doctor prescribed medication. Prostatitis should not be ignored, some cased do clear up without medication, and some will just go away.

You may think it is as simple as drinking bottled water, but it really is not. Studies have shown that the plastic your water is stored in can be the cause of prostate cancer. It seeps chemicals into your water.

Pesticides like Atrazine, have also been linked to problems with the prostate gland. This very common pesticide is widely used in farming communities. These can easily seep into your tap water.

When you decide to start living more healthy, it is time to drink water that is more healthful. Just make sure you know what is in it. Water filters are available to remove most contaminants, including pesticides. It is best to have your home water tested and then, if necessary, purchase a quality water filter.

Drinking more water can help your body heal itself and prevent cases of prostatitis. Keep your prostate and the rest of your body functioning at its optimum. Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

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Symptoms of Prostatitis - A Quick Guide

Prostatitis symptoms are one of the most common medical problems faced by men. Every year, men make about 2 million visits to the doctor with concerns relating to this condition

Prostatitis is essentially an inflammation of the prostate gland. In terms of appearance, the prostate gland, which is found only in men, is doughnut shaped, and walnut sized.
It is located behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum.

Prostatitis Symptoms - an overview

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis Symptoms include the following:
- Spiking fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul smelling urine
- Pain in the lower back, behind the scrotum, or in the testicles
- Pain with urination or bowel movements
- An inability to urinate and empty the bladder, or the need to urinate frequently
- Painful ejaculation

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Symptoms include the following:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Lower back pain
- Aching sensation in the middle to lower abdomen
- Pain in the penile area and scrotum
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the semen
- A low grade fever
- Painful ejaculation

With Acute Bacterial Prostatitis, symptoms can be quite dramatic and occur rapidly.
These as identified above, include a spiking fever, sweating, cloudy urine and lower back pain. There may be pain behind the scrotum, pain in the testicles, and pain with urination or bowel movements.
You may be unable to urinate and empty the bladder, or you may feel the need to urinate frequently
.
Symptoms of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis by contrast tend to develop more slowly.

Although not as severe as the acute form they still warrant attention. Again, possible symptoms may include difficulties with urination, mild lower pack pain and frequent urination, which are all indicators although not definitive symptoms in terms of diagnosis.

* Treatment Options

Treatments options will vary according to the type of Prostatitis encountered. It is essential that you seek advice from your doctor as soon as symptoms are noted.

As a condition, it does not always immediately respond well to treatments, so a number of different treatment options may be required.

These might include one or more of the following: medications, physical therapy, surgery and the use of warm baths to relieve pain and discomfort.

There are also complementary treatments available including aromatherapy, diet, herbal medicine and the use of nutritional supplements

There is so much more to learn about Prostatitis - this is merely a quick run through of some possible symptoms for both the acute and chronic conditions.

Do consult your doctor and seek out high quality information in order to best assist you.

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Prostate Problems - Chronic Infectious (Nonspecific) Prostatitis

This is the most common form of prostatitis and unfortunately at the same time worse than the others to diagnose and treat. The main objective is not to cure disease--to alleviate its symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of chronic non-infectious prostatitis is very similar to manifestations of chronic infectious prostatitis. But there is one distinguishing feature: in case of non-infectious prostatitis in the analysis of urine and prostatic fluid sample (juice of the prostate) is not detected bacteria. However, the presence of leukocytes in urine conclusively said that there were currently taking place in the inflammatory process.

The main reason for the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment of non-infectious prostatitis is that the end is not clear the causes of the development of this disease. There are many theories explaining the causes of inflammation. However, none of them can not be considered reliable, and many are very difficult to understand. Some of the possible causes.

Excess sexual activity.

In sexually active young people with inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) or sexually transmitted diseases, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, are more likely to develop chronic prostatitis. In other men contributing factor may be the reduction of sexual activity - reducing the frequency of sexual intercourse. It develops stagnation in the prostate gland that contribute to inflammation in the absence of an infectious agent.

Other infectious agents.

Inflammation can be caused by some other infectious agents that exist today can not identify the tests. Despite the fact that the world around us seems to have long-studied and understood, nature is not just tossed doctors puzzle: chlamydia often unremembered now open and is defined in clinical practice, not so long ago.

Anxiety and stress.

Such states can cause contraction of the muscle sphincter of the urethra, which regulates the flow of urine from the bladder, and perineal muscles involved in the processes of urination and defecation (pelvic floor muscles). This can prevent proper relaxation of these muscles, which will irritate the prostate and cause the movement of fluids in the urethra back to the prostate. Once in the prostate, they will lead to irritation of its internal tissue.

Lifting weights.

Lifting heavy objects with a full bladder can also lead to the fact that the urine will rise and fall of the urethra in the prostate gland.

Certain professions.

Men, who by virtue of exposing their prostate constants vibrations, such as truck drivers, are more likely to suffer from chronic prostatitis.

Activities.

Frequent cycling or jogging can irritate the prostate gland.

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10 Must-know Facts About Breast Cancer

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african american woman wearing a breast cancer ribbon
October is breast cancer awareness month, and it is a great time to support breast cancer research, and those women who are breast cancer survivors. It’s also a great time to remember to schedule your yearly mammogram.

Here are some more facts about breast cancer to keep in mind this month. 

  1. One in 8 women will develop breast cancer – or 12% of women.
  2. A gene mutation called BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the likelihood of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. However, most breast cancer cases are sporadic, or have no known genetic cause.
  3. Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer. That’s because estrogen is carried in fat cells. The more fat cells that are present, the more estrogen is in the body. Women with high lifetime exposure to estrogen may have increased breast cancer risk.
  4. The mammogram remains the most important screening device in the detection of breast cancer and it probably saves thousands of lives every year.
  5. Immunotherapy, or personalized medicine at Penn uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Clinical trials at Penn for immunotherapy and breast cancer are promising.
  6. Women with cancer in one breast have a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast.
  7. Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer.
  8. Men can also develop breast cancer. About 1 out of 5 men with breast cancer have close male or female relatives with the disease.
  9. Symptoms of breast cancer can include anything from a change in the look or feel of the breast to spontaneous nipple discharge, or a lump. Know the symptoms of breast cancer.
  10. Wear pink proudly! The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. The first known use of a pink ribbon in connection with breast cancer awareness was in the fall of 1991, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center
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OSTEOARTHRITIS | Cause, Symptoms, Risk factors, Diagnosis & HOMEOPATHY

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Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases which is due to infection or degenerative changes. This joint disease mostly affects middle-age to elderly people. It is commonly referred to as OA or as "wear and tear" of the joints, but we now know that OA is a disease of the entire joint, involving the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments, and bone. Approximately 80-90% of individuals older than 65 years have evidence of primary osteoarthritis
When bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. As a result of decreased movement secondary to pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax.

What cause OA?

The stresses applied to the joints, especially the weight-bearing joints like ankle, knee and hip joints play an important role in the development of osteoarthritis.
If the cartilage breaks down and wears away, the bones rub together. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Risk Factors for OA

     ·     Ag
     ·     Obesity(increases mechanical stress)
     ·    Trauma
     ·     Genetics
     ·     Sex hormones
     ·     Repetitive use (ie, jobs requiring heavy labor and bending)
     ·     Infection
     ·     Muscle weakness
     ·     Acromegaly
     ·     Crystal deposition
     ·      Heritable metabolic causes (eg, alkaptonuria, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease)
     ·      Previous rheumatoid arthritis (ie, burnt-out rheumatoid arthritis)
   ·         Underlying orthopedic disorders (eg, congenital hip dislocation, slipped femoral        capital epiphysis)
     ·      Hemoglobinopathies (eg, sickle cell disease, thalassemia)
   ·  Neuropathic disorder leading to a Charcot joint (eg, syringomyelia, tabes dorsalis, diabetes)
     ·       Disorders of bone (eg, Paget disease, avascular necrosis)

What are the Symptoms of OA?

·         Knobby swelling at the joint
·         Joint pain and stiffness
·         Cracking or grinding noise with joint movement (cripitus)
·         Decreased function of the joint

Malalignment with a bony enlargement (depending on the disease’s severity) may occur. Most cases of osteoarthritis do not involve erythema or warmth over the affected joint(s); however, an effusion may be present. Limitation of joint motion or muscle atrophy around a more severely affected joint may occur.

Heberden nodes, which represent palpable osteophytes in the DIP joints (Distal interphalangeal joint), are characteristic in women but not in men. Inflammatory changes are typically absent or at least not pronounced.





Differential Diagnoses

    Ankylosing Spondylitis
    Avascular Necrosis
    Imaging in Neuropathic Arthropathy (Charcot Joint)
    Lyme Disease
    Prepatellar Bursitis
    Psoriatic Arthritis
    Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease
    Patellofemoral Arthritis
    Patellofemoral Syndrome

How to Diagnose OA?

Your doctor can detect OA based on the symptoms explained above. To make it clear and differentiate, doctor may need X-ray, CBC, RA factor, Synovial fluid biopsy, MRI, Anti CCP and CRP etc.

Management of OA

Simple lifestyle changes can help you to reduce your OA symptoms. Weight loss and exercise are useful in OA. Excess weight puts stress on your knee joints and hips and low back.

Homeopathy for OA

There are many homeopathic remedies which will deal with Osteoarthritis. The complete picture of your mental, physical and emotional states will be needed for right remedial diagnosis. A qualified homeopath can help you to prescribe a correct remedy for your OA. Do not take medicines without a doctor’s advice.
 Most commonly used homeopathic remedies are,
Bryonia Alb
Calc Carb
Rhus tox
Ledum pal
Guaiacum
Lithium carb
Kali carb
Ferrum pic
Lycopodium
Oxalic acid.
Contitutionally Phos, Ars alb, Nat mur, Ignatia, Carcinosin, Sepia, Sil etc can come up.
Do not prescribe yourself, Consult a classical homeopath.


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Source:-
http://emedicine.medscape.com/
www.sophisticatededge.com
www.hpathy.com
www.rheumatology.org
www.homeopathyworldcommunity.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoarthritis.
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