Essay Sample on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Common Prostate Gland Enlargement in Men

Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is also known as gland enlargement, is a common condition among older men. Notably, an enlarged gland is associated with the blocking of the urinary tract. The condition is also associated with kidney problems. However, the enlargement of the prostate gland is not cancerous. The disorder usually occurs over a prolonged period. However, BPH develops in men aged between 40 to 45 years of age. The condition is known to prolong until the death of the victim (Showalter & Raynor, 2020). Exact pathophysiology usually focuses on various aspects.

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Notably, the discipline is associated with levels as well as ratios of endocrine factors in the human body. Pathophysiology focuses on alterations in the balance of autocrine and inhibitory factors in human beings. Some of the inhibitory factors which pathophysiology of BPH focuses on include Estrogens, Prolactin as well as Androgens. Pathophysiology of BPH also lays much focus on changes in the balance of Autocrine, which is a growth stimulator. The enzyme also acts as a growth inhibitor (Madersbacher, Sampson & Culig, 2019). The stimulators and inhibitors include Fibroblast factors and nerve growth enzymes. Circulation of such androgens can disrupt the growth balance of critical enzymes in men. The process is known to contribute to prostatic enlargement in the male reproductive system.

Symptoms

Most pathophysiology of BPH patients presents the following common signs and symptoms. Notably, the patient will show signs of the frequent need to urinate. Also, most people suffering from BPH tend to urinate at night frequently. Research has also indicated that such people have difficulty starting urination (Showalter & Raynor, 2020). Other symptoms include weak urine as well as dribbling at the end of the urination process. Medical practitioners have also noted that most of the people who suffer from BPH tend to have difficulties with the complete emptying of their bladder.

However, there are less common symptoms that some patients have shown in the past. Based on Pathophysiology, some of the patients usually suffer from urinary tract infections and the inability to urinate. Research has also indicated that most of the people who suffer from BPH have blood in their urine. The leading causes of the symptoms include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostate cancer. The signs in a patient also result from nerve problems and narrowing of the urethra.

Physical Examination

Physical examination of a patient takes place systematically, and the basis is on the history of the patient. Most of the healthcare professionals focus on the patient's general appearance. Genitalia examination is conducted through inspection and palpation, and the exercise aims at identifying tenderness and mass of the organ (Madersbacher, Sampson & Culig, 2019). Essential information is also gathered through a rectal inspection. In this case, people with voiding dysfunction provide useful information.

Diagnostic Tests in Evaluation of the Prostate Gland

Most of the professional medics conduct tests like a digital rectal examination. Also, the professionals perform a biopsy, which aims at determining whether an individual has BPH. Once an individual has a diagnosis, treatment is carried out to avoid the complications associated with the condition (Madersbacher, Sampson & Culig, 2019). The most common complications include urinary tract infections as well as damage to the bladder and the kidneys.

Doctors also rely on the medical history of the individual apart from the physical examination. Most cases involve the doctor asking about any symptoms an individual may have, especially when they suspect that the person may have prostate cancer (Stamatiou, 2018). The doctors also rely on any information regarding urinary and sexual issues. In recent years, medical practitioners rely on blood tests for the prostate-specific antigen. Such proteins are usually manufactured in the prostate gland cells. However, PSA occurs in semen and small quantities in human blood.

BPH Medications

The most common medication for BPH includes Alpha-blockers. The drugs are known to work in such a way that they relax the muscles of the patient. The relaxation makes it easy for individuals to pass urine because there is a better flow of the fluid from the bladder (Stamatiou, 2018). Such people can pass urine with ease and empty the bladder. The drugs have their side effects.

In most cases, patients tend to develop erectile dysfunction. Also, low libido, as well as reduced sexual drive, is associated with BPH drugs. Doctors have also noted that the victims of the condition also show abnormal ejaculation and low sperm count. The nursing implementation involves transrectal ultrasound, where a probe is inserted into the rectum of the patient (Stamatiou, 2018). The ultrasound probe is done to measure as well as evaluate the prostate gland. Medical professionals also use transrectal ultrasound, where needles are guided to take samples of the tissue. Flexible instruments are inserted into the urethra. The organs are inserted to allow the doctor to view the inside of the urethra.

The procedure involves the removal of a portion of the patient's prostate gland. The individual is usually placed under anesthesia to become unconscious and unable to feel any pain while the operation is under progress. The surgeon often uses a resectoscope to view the prostate gland of the patient. The instrument is usually inserted through the penis opening to make a pathway for the surgical tool (Foo, 2017). The surgical instrument removes a portion of the prostate. The amount of the prostate removed depends on the size as well as the shape of the prostate. Finally, a catheter is inserted into the penis to allow urinal discharge.

CBI Used After a Turp CBI is a common abbreviation for continuous bladder irrigation, which is a procedure done after surgery and is aimed at treating any urinary problem emanating from enlargement of the prostate gland. Taking care of the patient involves ensuring that the patient takes the medicine as directed. If the medication is not helping the patient, the healthcare provider can prescribe a different one. The medical professional should also lead the client to the place where follow-up visits would be conducted. In cases where the patient is suffering from pain-bladder spasm, the right medication should be prescribed (Madersbacher, Sampson & Culig, 2019). The individual should also exercise self-care like stretching and drinking more liquids.

The critical discharge instructions include calling the doctor when blood is noticed in the urine, not able to urinate, have a fever, and the bladder feels full and empty. Also, the patient is directed to inform the medical professional when the symptoms worsen and have questions regarding the condition. In conclusion, benign prostatic hyperplasia is a curable condition either by physical therapy or medication. The condition is more common among older men.

References

Foo, K. T. (2017). Pathophysiology of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia. Asian journal of urology, 4(3), 152-157.

Madersbacher, S., Sampson, N., & Culig, Z. (2019). Pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia and benign prostatic enlargement: a mini-review. Gerontology, 65(5), 458-464.

Showalter, V. C., & Raynor, M. C. (2020). Medical Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. In Prostatic Artery Embolization (pp. 21-42). Springer, Cham.

Stamatiou, K. (2018). The impact of prostate artery embolization (PAE) on the the physical history and pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 90(1), 40-43.