Posts Tagged ‘Prostate’

The Urinary and Respiratory System – what is it and why is it important for health ? – Part 3

The Urinary System

It works through the kidneys, filters wastes for the blood and excretes them from the body. There are some problems associated with the urinary system. These are:

- Kidney or bladder infection
If the person is experiencing dull pains in lower back and it gets worsen and sometimes accompanied by burning sensation when urinating along with chills and fever, then it could be a kidney or bladder infection. Have a urine test done and keep a watch for sometime and if still persists, seek a medical advice.

- Kidney stone
If a person is experiencing steady pain in one or both testicles spreading to lower back then it could be a kidney stone and an ultra sonography is done and is removed by lithotripsy. Keep a watch for sometime and if still persists, seek a medical advice.

- Bladder infection
If the person is experiencing ache or burning that occurs during intercourse or urination and is also accompanied by discharge and blood then it could be a bladder infection. Keep a watch for sometime and if still persists, seek a medical advice.

- Enlarged prostate
If a person is experiencing poor urine flow, frequent urge to go to toilet in night, feeling of full bladder, traces of blood in urine or semen then it could an enlarged prostate which is benign or prostate cancer which can be confirmed by PSA test or digital rectal exam. Medication or surgery is needed.

The Respiratory System

It allows the oxygen to be breathed in and carbon dioxide to be breathed out. There are some problems associated with the urinary system. These are:

- Asthma
If a person is experiencing wheezing, coughing, tightness in chest, breathlessness and it worsens in night, then it can be asthma in which there is swelling and narrowed in air pathways and proper medications, relievers and prev-enters can be used. Seek medical advice immediately.

- Lung cancer
If a person is experiencing persistent cough, coughing out Blood, breath shortness and difficulty in swallowing then it could be lung cancer which needs medical attention immediately.

- Tuberculosis (TB)
If a person is experiencing exhaustion, night sweats, appetite loss, mild fever, cough often with blood then it could be TB which can be treated with medication. Keep a watch for sometime and seek medical advice.

- Pleurisy
If a person is experiencing pain which worsens while you breathe then it could be pleurisy which is an inflammation of pleura or membrane covering the lungs. Antibiotics can treat this condition.

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Start early to prevent prostate cancer… causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

A prostate is a walnut sized gland which is found in men only. It surrounds the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. It is located in lower abdomen. It is a very common type of malignancy that is found in men.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are:
- difficulty in starting to urinate.
- frequent urination especially at night.
- pain while urinating.
- blood in urine.
- hip lower back pain.
- pain with ejaculation.
- pain in lower part of pelvis.
- weight loss.
- loss of appetite.

The cause of prostate cancer is not exactly known but there are some factors that increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. These factors include:
- A family history of prostate cancer in father or brother are at higher risk.
- Risk increases if several relatives are affected especially when they are young at time of diagnosis.
- High fat diet adds the risk of developing prostate cancer.
- A diet with high lycopenes and curcumin reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer involves following steps:
- Physical examination reveals an in-duration of nodule of the prostate.
- PSA blood test detects prostate cancer of low volume and is a step in initial diagnosis of prostate cancer.
- True cut prostate biopsy after positive PSA test confirms prostate cancer.

Treating early stages of prostate cancer involves watchful waiting. To treat prostate cancer, options available are:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Drug therapy
They can cause some side effects like impotence and incontinence but they tend to disappear after the treatment.

To prevent prostate cancer:
- Undergo examination and PSA test every 1-2 years interval.
- Limit animal fat consumption.
- Increase dietary consumption of lycopenes and curcumin rich food.

What are the major side effects after the treatment for prostate cancer ?

Following treatment for prostate cancer, some men may experience :
From the day you were diagnosed with cancer, you’ve probably looked forward to getting back to your “normal” life. However, the disease may have dominated your life for so long that it might take some time to get back into your regular routine after your treatment is done. It’s important to give yourself and your loved ones time to adjust.

Incontinence

The inability to control urination affects about 10 percent of men who have been treated for prostate cancer.
- Stress incontinence
- Overflow incontinence
- Urge incontinence
Normal bladder function often returns within weeks after surgery or after radiation treatments have stopped.

Impotence

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to have an erection. Impotence can result from surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapies. In the months following surgery, some potency may return.
- Drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra) can help a man achieve an erection.
- Vacuum devices also assist in achieving an erection.
- Penile implants can be inserted surgically to help create an erection.

Physical Discomfort

Physical discomfort after treatment for prostate cancer may include:
- Fatigue caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapies.
- Nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- Hair loss from chemotherapy.