Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy is one of the major clinical conditions related with ageing process in men. The primary symptoms of BPH those are due to the prostate obstructing the urethra include hesitancy, poor prolonged flow and sensation of incomplete emptying. Secondary symptoms are urinary frequency, urgency of micturition and urge incontinence. It also affects the quality of life and causes physical and mental stress to the patient.
Usually associated symptoms are noticed from 60 years of age, and about 50% of men over 80 years have urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
RISK FACTORS
• Age above 40
• A family history of BPH
• Obesity
• Absence of physical activity or exercise
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Heart and cardiovascular diseases
• Type 2 diabetes
Signs & Symptoms-
The symptoms of BPH are often very mild initially, but they become more serious if case is not treated. Common symptoms include:
The primary symptoms of BPH those are due to the prostate obstructing the urethra include hesitancy, poor prolonged flow and sensation of incomplete emptying.
Secondary symptoms are urinary frequency, urgency of micturition and urge incontinence.
Patients may present acute urinary retention and develop a painful distended bladder.
If retention of urine becomes chronic, the bladder may slowly distend due to inadequate emptying over a long period of time. This can be characterized by pain-free bladder distension and may result in hydroureter, hydronephrosis and subsequent renal failure.
In addition to the mechanical effects of the enlarged prostate, clinical symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction are also due to smooth muscle-mediated contraction of the prostate.
Ayurveda describes two conditions known as Mootrakruchra and Mootraaghaata which are major conditions seen in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
Mootrakrichra is characterized by pain, trouble or difficulty in passing the urine, also known as Dysuria, whereas in Mootraaghaata,there is total suppression or intermittent flow of urine during urination.
It also affects the quality of life and causes physical and mental stress to the patient. According to ayurvedic principles, vitiated kapha dosha is responsible for hyperplasia whereas smooth muscle contraction, hesitancy, poor prolonged flow, sensation of incomplete emptying, urinary frequency, urgency of micturition and urge incontinence are result of vitiated vata dosha.
Ayurvedic tips in BPH
In case of mild symptoms, self care according to texts of Ayurveda can provide relief, as follow:
• Vata gets abated or invalidated when natural urges are controlled. Therefore, one should not control the natural urge of passing urine. Don’t hold on the urge to urinate.
• Go to the bathroom even if you do not have urge.
• Alcohol, tobacco, coffee increase vata and abate it and hence, should be avoided.
• Vata becomes normal and not abate when the body is warm. Thus, Yoga as well as regular exercise can keep the body warm.
• Mental exertion and stress leads to increase of vata. Avoiding mental stress and meditation can help to normalize vata.
• Avoid foods which cause constipation as constipation exaggerates vata.
• Long-term insufficient zinc intake is also linked to BPH. Good dietary sources of zinc include meat, eggs and seafood.