Prostatitis
Description
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland due to infection. It is an exclusively a male disorder, and also the most unprecise diagnosis in all of medicine. There are three major forms of this uncommon disease:
Acute bacterial
Chronic bacterial
Chronic nonbacterial
Acute bacterial prostatitis is characterized by a quick onset. It may result from a bladder infection. 80% of the bacteria involved in this disease are strains of Escherichia coli.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is more common than the acute bacterial form. It is a slowly developing condition.
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is the most common form. It is slowly developing. This form is usually difficult to treat effectively. Prostatitis primarily affects elderly men with enlarged prostates. The condition may clear up on its own or linger for long periods of time. Treatments include avoidance of spices, alcohol, and sexual activities; soaking in special fluids (sitz baths); antibiotic drugs and/or anticholinergic drugs; prostate massage or hospitalization to provide proper bed rest; analgesics and fluids. The individual may need to have the prostate felt by the doctor passing a gloved finger through the rectum.
Causes
Primary Factors
The primary cause of prostatitis is bacterial or nonbacterial infection of the prostate gland.
Predisposing Factors
Bladder infection which spreads to the prostate
Sexual activity
Signs & Symptoms
Acute bacterial prostatitis:
| Chills | Perineal and lower backache |
| Fever | Symptoms of obstruction and voiding |
| Nocturia | Dysuria |
| Anthralgia | Urinary burning |
| Myalgia | Tender prostate |
| Hematuria | Intense localized discomfort |
| Frequent need to urinate | Swelling |
| Urgency to urinate |
Chronic bacterial prostatitis may be asymptomatic, but diagnosed by relapsing urinary tract infections due to the same pathogen. Symptoms are otherwise similar to acute bacterial prostatitis.
Symptoms of Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis are similar to bacterial prostatitis although there may be no history of urinary tract infection.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Single Nutrients &
Men's Health
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | |
| GLA | 1 - 3 g |
| EPO | 1 - 3 g |
| Proanthocyanidins* | |
| Vitamin C | 1,000 - 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 800 IU |
| Zinc | 20 - 50 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Whether acute or chronic, bacterial or nonspecific, every case of prostatitis is handled similarly with respect to nutritional management. Adequate fluids (64 fluid ounces per day), stool softeners, such as prunes or prune juice, and a High Fiber Diet are prescribed to prevent strain and discomfort during bowel movements. If prostatitis is due to a prolonged infection, a combined Immune Strengthening Diet and High Fiber Diet is suggested.
Homeopathic Remedy
Prostatitis (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy)
1.* Thuja occidentalis tinct. - 30C
2.* Sabal tinct. - 6C
3. Picricum acidum - 6C to 15C
A combination of each at a potency of 30C may also be used.
Ready made formulas are also available now, given the high incidence of this condition. They may feature the name of the condition: "prostate", or the main ingredient e.g. "Sabal".
Other remedies may include:
| Petroselinum sativum tinct. | 4X |
| Populus tremuloides | 4X |
| Chimaphila umbellata | 5X |
| Kreosote | 6X |
| Hepar sulphuris calcareum | 10X |
| Conium maculatum | 30X |
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
| Calc. Fluor. | hypertrophy, hard, enlarged testicles; |
| Calc. Phos. | dribbling of prostatic fluid; |
| Ferr. Phos. | hypertrophy, fever; |
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Aspen bark and leaf
Flower pollen (Cernilton)
Echinacea
Ginger plant
Parsley plant
Saw palmetto extract
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Aspen bark and leaf are recommended by the German Commisssion E.
Saw palmetto (together with pygeum) has anti-androgenic effects. This appears to help with both hypertrophy and hyperplasia. It can restore (more) normal size which seems to prevent, or postpone, hyperplasia (cancer).
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Buck, AC et al., Treatment of chronic prostatitis and prostadynia with pollen extract. Br. J. Urol. 1989, 64:496-499.
Ohkoshi, M et al., Clinical evaluation of Cernilton in chronic prostatitis. Jpn J. Clin. Urol. 1967, 21:73-85.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Related Health Conditions
| Alcoholism | Backache |
| Bladder infection | Fever |
| Infection | Inflammation |
References
Berkow, R. 1977. The Merck Manual. Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories Pub., Rahway, New Jersey. 2165 pp.
Bland, Jeffrey. Nutraerobics. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
de la Rosette JJ et al., Results of a questionnaire among Dutch urologists and general practitioners concerning diagnostics and treatment of patients with prostatitis syndromes. Eur Urol, 1992, 22:1, 14-9.
Dutkiewicz S: Zinc and magnesium serum levels in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) before and after prazosin therapy. Mater Med Pol, 1995 Jan-Mar, 27:1, 15-7.
Egan KJ & Krieger JN: Psychological problems in chronic prostatitis patients with pain. Clin J Pain, 1994 Sep, 10:3, 218-26.
Fair, W.R. & R.F. Parrish. Antibacterial Substances in Prostatic Fluid. Prog. Clin. Biol. Res., 75A, 1981.
Giovannucci E et al: Intake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst, 1995 Dec 6, 87:23, 1767-76.
Guyton, A. C. 1976. Textbook Of Medical Physiology 5th ed. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 1194 pp.
Kaplan SA e al., Etiology of voiding dysfunction in men less than 50 years of age. Urology, 1996 Jun, 47:6, 836-9.
Karlsson J et al., Chronic groin injuries in athletes. Recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation. Sports Med, 1994 Feb, 17:2, 141-8.
Kavangh, J.R. & C. Darby. Zinc in Post Prostatic Massage Urine Samples: A Marker of Prostatic Function. Urol. Res., 11, 1983.
Kunz, J.R.M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.
Pansadoro V et al., Prostate-specific antigen and prostatitis in men under fifty. Eur Urol, 1996, 30:1, 24-7.
Reid, G. et al: Vaginal Flora and Urinary Tract Infections. Current Opinion in Infectious Disease, 1991;4:37-41.
Subak-Sharpe, G.J. 1984. The Physician's Manual For Patients. Times Books Pub, New York. 607 pp.
Wood, B.J. Clinical Chem. Acta, 123. 1982
Wyngaarden, J.B. & L.H. Smith. 1985. Cecil's Textbook of Medicine. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 2341 pp.
Yamamoto M et al., Prostate-specific antigen levels in acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Hinyokika Kiyo, 1993 May, 39:5, 445-9.
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