Enlarged Prostate

Prostate gland enlargement is common in men as they grow older. For men above 50, the most common prostate problem is prostate enlargement. 50% of men by age 60 suffer from this problem and over 90% of men suffer from this problem when they are 80 plus. Enlarged prostate is also known as prostatic hypertrophy, benign prostatic Hyperplasia or prostate gland enlargement.

Enlarged prostate is a benign enlargement and is non- cancerous. This condition often induces urinary problems. If left untreated, the problem can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and cause urinary infection, kidney and bladder problems. The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder; this tube passes through the center of the prostate and transports urine from and out of the penis. Therefore when the prostate is enlarged, it obstructs the flow of urine. With time, the bladder muscles thicken severely and become over sensitive thus forcing the person to urinate frequently as the bladder can't hold even small amount of urine.

Symptoms of prostate gland enlargement

• Increased frequency of urination at night.
  
• Unable to empty the bladder completely
  
• Urinary tract infection
  
• Reduced kidney function
  
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  
• Weak urine stream
  
• Strain to urinate
  
• Bladder stone
  
• Difficult to start, stop and restart urination.

Diagnosis includes:

Physical examination and understanding the patient's medical history.
Rectal examination to identify if the prostate is enlarged.
Urine tests.
Urine flow test.
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test in blood.
Trans rectal ultrasound to measure prostate.
Neurological examination to identify reasons other than prostate enlargement for urinary incontinence etc.
Post void residual volume test, to identify if the patient can empty the bladder completely.
Prostate biopsy.
CT urogram to identify blocks in urinary bladder.
Cystoscopy to check bladder and urethra.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is not contagious, inherited or cancerous. Neither does it mean that there is a problem with the structure of the intestine. If the muscle movement in the intestine is not normal or if there is a lower tolerance for stretching and movement of the intestine, the muscle contractions may become too hard. This affects the elimination of waste out of the body. At this stage, the individual suffers cramps in the abdomen area, abdomen bloat and constipation or may develop diarrhea.

Symptoms of IBS

Primary symptoms: Abdominal pain, abdominal swelling or bloating, bowel irregularities, constipation or diarrhea or alternative bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Almost all irritable bowel syndrome sufferers who seek medical help have these primary symptoms.

Secondary symptoms: Feeling full or loss of appetite, feeling of nausea, heartburn and indigestion. There are instances where IBS sufferers have bladder problems.

Mental symptoms: Anxiety, depression, emotional distress, irritability and tiredness.

Triggers for Irritable bowel syndrome

• Individuals with a family history of IBS are susceptible.
  
• Also those who have chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder.
  
• People with panic disorder or any other psychological condition. Due to emotional stress and anxiety the nerves of the bowels may be affected.
  
• Certain medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, antacids and painkillers can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
  
• Food or substances can trigger spasms in people. For example, milk products consumed by lactose-intolerant people, fatty foods, carbonated drinks, corn and wheat can make digestion difficult leading to constipation.
  
• Gastrointestinal infection will result in frequent bowel symptoms even days or months after the infection has been treated.
  

• Avoid foods high in fat.
  
• Choose fruits and vegetables suitable for your digestion.
  
• Eat well before bedtime.
  
• Drink 6-8 classes of water. Helps digestive system to work better.
  
• Change from 3 larger meals to 6 small meals a day.
  
• Learn to eat slowly. Chew food well before swallowing.
  
• Avoid carbonated beverages. Causes gas and discomfort.