Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Bph) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP or BPE), adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia and benign prostatic hypertrophyis a benign (noncancerous) increase in size of the prostate.
BPH involves hyperplasia of prostatic stromal and epithelial cells, resulting in the formation of large, fairly discrete nodules in the transition zone of the prostate.
When sufficiently large, the nodules impinge on the urethra and increase resistance to flow of urine from the bladder.
There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery.

Complications include:

•     Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention).
•      Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
•      Bladder stones.
•     Bladder damage.
•     Kidney damage.

Causes Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is unknown, but most experts agree that it’s linked to hormonal changes that occur as a man gets older.

Risk factors Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

•     Aging. Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60 and about half do so by age 80.
•     Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or brother, with prostate problems means you’re more likely to have problems.
•     Ethnic background. Prostate enlargement is less common in Asian men than in white and black men. Black men might experience symptoms at a younger age than white men.
•     Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA.
•     Lifestyle. Obesity increases the risk of BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA, while exercise can lower the risk.

Symptoms Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

Signs and symptoms of BPH include:

•     Frequent or urgent need to urinate
•     Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
•     Difficulty starting urination
•     Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
•     Dribbling at the end of urination
•     Straining while urinating
•     Inability to completely empty the bladder
•     Urinary tract infection
•     Inability to urinate
•     Blood in the urine

Diagnosis Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

In order to diagnose BPH the following tests are conducted:

•     Digital rectal exam.
•      Urine test., to help rule out an infection or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
•     Blood test. The results can indicate kidney problems.
•     Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
•     Neurological exam.
•     Urinary flow test, help determine over time if the patients’ condition is getting better or worse.
•     Postvoid residual volume test. This test measures whether one can empty your bladder completely.
•     24-hour voiding diary.
•      Transrectal ultrasound.
•      Prostate biopsy
•     Urodynamic and pressure flow studies.
•      Cystoscopy
•     Intravenous pyelogram or CT urogram

Treatment Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

The following treatment options are available:

•     Medication
  Alpha blockers.  5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
  Combination drug therapy.
  Tadalafil (Cialis)
•     Minimally invasive or surgical therapy
•     Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
•     Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
•     Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
•     Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA)
•     Laser therapy
  Ablative procedures.
  Enucleative procedures.
•     Prostate lift
•     Embolization
•     Open or robot-assisted prostatectomy

By : Natural Health News