Senior Citizen Information - Health

Prostatitis is one of the most common conditions that affect the prostate gland. The other common problems are prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hypertrophy) and prostate cancer.

Prostatitis is the infection of the prostate. The prostate is the small gland that is doughnut shaped located at the bottom of the bladder. The prostate sits halfway between the rectum and the base of the penis.

The prostate circles the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. This gland produces most of thefluid in semen.

An infection of the prostate can be diagnosed as either acute prostatitis or chronic prostatitis. Acute prostatitis develops suddenly and presents the following symptoms:
* Chills and fever
*Strong urge to urinate
*Frequent urination with only small amounts of urine produced.
*Low back or abdominal pain
*Occasionally there is blood in the urine
*Pain and burning when urination occurs and when ejaculating

Chronic prostatitis symptoms are milder than those in acute prostatitis. The chills and fever that alert the acute prostatitis sufferers that there is a problem are not symptoms that are seen in individuals with chronic prostatitis. Both infections can be the result of a urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs happen less often in men than women. However, as men age, the prostate becomes more vulnerable to this type of infection.

Men with abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, are more prone to urinary infection. An enlarged prostate gland also can slow the flow of urine, thus raising the risk of infection.

The cause of the UTI is an overgrowth of the E-coli bacteria which is usually present in the digestive system. If the UTI is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to other organs of the body.

Prostate infections can usually be treated on an outpatient basis. Both chronic and acute prostatitis present with pain in the pelvis or perineum. Prostate infections respond well to an antibiotic regimen. Antibiotic treatment is the traditional first line of defense against both types of infection.

If the infection re-occurs,long term antibiotic therapy may be warranted.

The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic after taking a test of the urine and will then determine the best anti-biotic to prescribe.

Alternative medicine recommendations for treating prostatitis include:

1)Drinking large amounts of water.
2)Using herbs that contain antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The recommended herbs are:
*Echinacea,
*Goldenseal
*Garlic

These herbs are thought to help reduce inflammation and knock out the infection. In addition, Echinacea and Siberian Ginseng are immune-system enhancers. These herbs have properties that are thought to help the bodies natural defense system build resistance.

3) Daily regimen of vitamin and mineral supplements that include *Antioxidants, *Vitamins A,C, E, *Beta-carotene and Selenium. *60 mg. of Zinc Picolinate if symptoms are present *30 mg. without symptoms.

4)Cranberry juice may help to prevent infection from spreading to the bladder from the prostate. Can be taken as a juice, or as chewable tablets.

5) Hot baths help soothe the pain and reduce stress.

6)Eat whole grains, steamed vegetables, fresh fruits, herb teas and tinctures, such as Saw Palmetto and Siberian Ginseng, are good for the male reproductive system

7) Use natural diuretics that help flush urine, prevent urine build-up, and provide support for other preventive methods

When men have painful urinary symptoms, infection is not always present. there is another problem that is related to stress or anxiety that is called prostatodynia. Prostatodynia (or Prostadynia) is the non-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome, it is the occurrence of prostatitis symptoms, without inflammation or bacterial infection.

The best defense for prostatitis is prevention. Men can reduce their chances

for prostatitis by following a few simple guidelines:

*Increase water intake to 8-12 glasses per day. The increased fluids will help flush the urinary tract.

*Avoid over consumption of alcohol and coffee. Caffeine causes a strong and frequent urge to urinate. Remember colas and other beverages contain caffeine. *Control stress. A high stress level has been shown to contribute to the onset of prostatodynia.

It is always a smart move to get a diagnosis from your health care provider before starting any type of alternative or traditional treatment at home. See your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of Prostatitis and then make the decision to use alternative or traditional treatment for relief.