Acute prostatitis symptoms

Acute prostatitis represents sudden inflammation of the prostate gland which may be of different origin, most commonly bacterial. Some individuals completely recover while in a certain number of cases acute prostatitis can progress into chronic form of the disease

The inflammation affects the prostate gland and is responsible for its swelling and all the accompanying symptoms and signs.

Acute Prostatitis Causes

In many men acute prostatitis develops as consequence of infection caused by bacteria which normally live in the bowel. These microorganisms may enter the urethra and spread up to the bladder, prostate or even reach kidneys. Acute prostatitis is either isolated infection or occurs with infection of other parts of the urinary tract. The most contributing factor of acute prostatitis includes any kind of blockage of the urine flow (prostate enlargement, kidney stones etc).

Acute prostate inflammation also affects people who have recently undergone prostate surgery. Furthermore, it is possible in men who have had to wear an urinary catheter. Introduction of bacteria is also possible during interventions which include insertion of any instrument into the urethra and the bladder which are used for diagnosing different urinary tract conditions.

Less commonly acute prostatitis develops due to bacteria that originate from other organs in the body and reach the gland via the bloodstream.Acute Prostatitis Symptoms

Symptoms and sign of acute prostatitis develop rapidly and may be quite severe. They accompany infection of other parts of the urinary tract such as cystitis or urethritis.

Pain is located in the pelvis or at the base of the penis, around the anus, just above the the pubic bone and, if it spreads to the kidneys, it may radiate towards the lower back. Sometimes the pain radiates toward the testicles. It can significantly intensify during defecation.

Additional symptoms and signs of infection include pain while passing urine, blood in urine or complete cessation of urination (urinary retention).

And finally, some patients experience fever and discharge from the urethra. During physical examination (digital rectal exam of the prostate), the gland is enlarged and tender to touch.

Acute Prostatitis Treatment

Acute infection of the prostate gland is treated with potent antibiotics. These drugs are administered prior the confirmatory urine test results are finished. The initial antibiotic may need to be replaced with another one after the final results of the urine test arrive. In order to prevent chronic infection, patients are due to finish the entire course of prescribed antibiotics.

Pain and fever are brought under control with paracetamol or ibuprofen. And finally, patients who have difficulty regarding defecation, or the process is accompanied by intensive pain may benefit from laxatives.