Prostate – inflamed

Prostatitis is the name given to an acute or chronic
(long-term) inflammation of the prostate gland. It is usually the
result of an infection.

DESCRIPTION

The prostate is the gland most frequently affected by disease
in older men. Prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic
hyperplasia) and Inflamed Prostate account for the majority of
prostate conditions. Inflammation of the Prostate (as opposed to
Prostate enlargement) is usually due to bacterial infection.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms of acute (sudden) bacterial prostatitis include
  chills, fever, the need to urinate more frequently, an urgent need
  to urinate, painful urination, dribbling of urine after urination,
  lower back pain and pain in the testes and behind the scrotum which
  spreads down the legs. The Prostate gland may be very tender.
• Symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis vary but in some
  cases no symptoms may be experienced. Recurring urinary tract
  infections are a common factor. The scrotum may also become swollen
  and tender.
• Symptoms of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis are often the same
  as bacterial prostatitis. There is, however, rarely a history of
  urinary tract infections. This type of prostatitis has no known
  cause and does not respond to antibiotic medication.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this ailment. 

A sample of your urine or discharge from the urethra may be
taken by your Doctor. This will help to identify the cause of the
condition and the most appropriate type of treatment.

Bacterial infections of the Prostate are usually treated with
bed rest, pain relieving drugs, stool softeners and an increased
intake of fluids. When the type of bacteria causing the infection
has been identified, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed.
Nonbacterial prostatitis is often difficult to treat and will not
improve with antibiotics. Hot sitz baths, periodic prostatic
massage by a medical practitioner and certain drugs may be
prescribed to help relieve the symptoms.

DIET HINTS

• A diet which includes all natural foods, lean sources of
  protein, e.g. fish and lean meats and unprocessed, whole grains
  such as brown rice, is generally considered best.
• This diet has an emphasis on raw foods, particularly seeds and
  nuts. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc. Zinc is believed to
  have a stabilising and protective effect on the prostate gland.
  Other foods which contain zinc include oysters, liver, yeast, egg
  yolks, herring, wholegrains and beef.
• Try to eat a few servings of vegetables and fruit every
  day.
• Foods containing soy bean may help to reduce the severity of
  cases of prostate problems. Soy foods include; soy milk, tofu,
  tempeh and Soy beans.
• Try to avoid eating fatty and sweet foods.
• Coffee, tea and alcohol should be avoided or at least drunk in
  moderation only. Try using a coffee replacement and drink herbal
  teas, juices and fresh, filtered water instead.
• Fresh fruit and vegetable juice is an ideal way to make sure
  that you are receiving adequate vitamins during the day.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

• Zinc deficiency has been associated with
  Prostatitis. 
• Essential fatty acids (fish oil) are important in prostate
  function. 
• Alanine, Glutamine and Glycine are all important amino acids
  for maintaining normal prostate function.
• Kelp may supply necessary minerals for improved prostate
  function.
• Chinese ginseng may be beneficial for prostate health.
• Saw Palmetto is another herb that has been successfully used
  for Prostate inflammation.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Follow the Diet Hints.
2. If you need help to stop smoking, ask your Pharmacist for
   advice.
3. Avoid stress as much as possible.
4. Ask your Pharmacist if you have any queries prescribed
   medication.
5. Maintain sufficient fluid intake. It is a temptation to
   restrict fluid intake to avoid frequent urination, however this is
   the wrong approach. Restricting fluids will not allow the bladder
   to stretch and the muscle tone may be lost. Not drinking enough
   fluid may also increase the risk of developing a urinary tract
   infection.
6. Avoid drinking tea, coffee and cola drinks, especially before
   sleeping, as these contain caffeine which stimulate the body to
   release more fluid. This may cause dehydration, constipation and
   increase the frequency of urination.
7. Have regular exercise. Swimming and walking are two good
   examples. 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended. See
   your Doctor for a check-up before starting an exercise
   programme.
8. Ask your Pharmacist about ways to avoid and treat constipation.
   Constipation can cause you to strain which puts extra pressure on
   the bladder and Prostate.
9. If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements.