Prostatitis in children - causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Diseases of the prostate gland are the "prerogative" of men over 35 years old. However, sometimes inflammatory processes in the prostate are recorded in boys in childhood and adolescence. Prostatitis in a child is a disease that is rare these days. But parents should be able to recognize the signs of the disease in order to take timely action.

Can a child have prostatitis?

In childhood, the inflammatory process occurs abruptly. It is characterized by an acute course and severe pain. Boys mostly suffer from bacterial prostatitis. The penetration of infection into the body is possible in various ways. In babies, the disease can be the result of infection in the mother's womb or infection with bacteria at the time of passing through the birth canal.

The disease requires prompt and adequate treatment. Ignoring the disease and weak immunity in children lead to the fact that acute pathology develops into chronic prostatitis, which is much more difficult to fight.

Reasons

Reasons for the development of prostatitis in underage boys (toddlers and adolescents):

• Infection with bacteria from the mother in children or through sexual intercourse without the use of barrier contraceptives in adolescents;
• Hypothermia - sitting on a cold surface or freezing feet;
• Tendency to frequent colds;
• Stress, depression, emotional overload;
• Injury to the pelvic organs;
• Excessive physical activity, unbearable for children;
• Early sex life and frequent masturbation;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Incorrect diet;
• Decreased functionality of the immune system;
• Ignoring personal hygiene rules.

Symptoms and signs

Children's prostatitis is characterized by an acute course. After the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into the body, the child begins to experience pain in the lumbar region or groin.

An acute form of inflammation can be recognized by the following signs:

• A sharp rise in temperature (up to 38-40 degrees);
• Pain with urine separation;
• Regular urge to empty the bladder;
• Tissue edema;
• Burning, itching and cramps in the urethral canal;
• General malaise, feeling of weakness;
• Anxiety and frequent crying during preschool age are observed due to fear of painful urination.

If inactive, the disease turns into a chronic stage, which is different:

• Mild soreness that occurs with attacks;
• Feeling of a full bladder;
• General discomfort;
• Constant fatigue and irritability (especially in adolescents).

The clinical presentation of the first stage of prostate inflammation is similar to cystitis and renal inflammation. Later, the swelling of the prostate gland occurs. With a significant increase in the prostate, there is a risk of suppuration, abscess, blockage of the urinary tract. There is also a possibility of hardening of the organ and the spread of infection throughout the body.

One of the listed symptoms is sufficient as a reason for immediate medical attention. Stagnation of urine in a child's body leads to serious consequences.

A urologist deals with the treatment of prostatitis in babies with adolescents as well as in adult men. When diagnosing:

• Detailed history taking;
• Examination of the external genital organs;
• Analysis of urethral discharge;
• Rectal examination.

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may additionally appoint:

• General analysis of blood and urine;
• Smear of secretory fluid from the urinary tract;
• Uroflowmetry;
• Ultrasound.

Treatment

Based on the data obtained during the diagnosis, a complete treatment regimen for the child is written. The choice of medicines is also influenced by the cause of the disease.

Main therapeutic areas:

• Conservative treatment;
• Physiotherapy;
• Surgery.

The purpose of conservative therapy is to eliminate inflammation and minimize painful symptoms. This includes:

• Antibiotics. Shown for lesions of an infectious origin, the choice of drugs is based on the type of microorganisms that provoke the pathology. The most effective drugs from the groups of cephalosporins, penicillins, fluoroquinolones. Specific drugs, form of application and dosage should be prescribed by a doctor;
• Probiotics and bifidobacteria. Required to prevent dysbiosis caused by antibiotic therapy. Linex or Bifiform is recommended for children;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Medicines that improve blood circulation.To restore the functionality of the prostate, it needs a full supply of blood;
• Antispasmodics. Eliminate vasospasm of the urethral canal;
• Immunomodulators. Essential for boosting immunity;
• Multivitamins. Strengthen the body and restore the metabolism of the prostate gland;
• Phytopreparations. They improve general well-being, accelerate recovery. The most effective are herbal teas and infusions for oral administration, as well as "healing" baths.

Physiotherapy procedures are often recommended for prostatitis in adolescents. Doctors prescribe the following procedures:

• Prostate massage. Strengthens the supply of oxygen to the organ, normalizes blood circulation, reduces the number of pathogenic organisms;
• Warming up. Activates metabolic and protein processes in the glandular organ;
• Magnetic therapy. Increases local immunity, enhances the saturation of the prostate gland with medicinal and nutrients.

The operation is necessary when conservative methods do not work. There are 2 most effective ways:

• Abscess drainage. It is used to remove purulent contents.
• Puncture cystostomy

Self-medication of prostatitis in children (both very young and adolescent) is not something that is not recommended, but is strictly FORBIDDEN. The wrong choice of drugs, mistakes in dosage can aggravate the child's condition and lead to serious complications (sometimes irreparable).

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent inflammation of the prostate gland are easy to perform. Children's therapists strongly recommend teaching boys from an early age to the correct lifestyle, as well as provide them with information on time about possible diseases of the genital organs and the consequences that occur in the absence of due attention to their health.

Basic rules:

• Eat healthy foods and avoid unhealthy ones. A balanced diet provides the body with vitamins and minerals, helps to avoid diseases of the digestive system (which adversely affects the pelvic organs). In the children's menu, dishes fried in fatty oil, semi-finished products, too spicy and salty are unacceptable. Emphasis should be placed on whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, cottage cheese;
• Observe the rules of hygiene. The procedure for keeping the body clean must be performed at least once a day;
• Maintain optimal temperature conditions. Regular exposure to cold or high temperatures contributes to the development of inflammation (you need to dress for the weather);
• Visit the clinic in a timely manner. Any signs of the disease require increased attention. At the first symptoms, you should contact a specialist for a quick start of treatment;
• In childhood, do not ignore exercise, starting from adolescence - do sports regularly. Physical activity prevents stagnation and atrophic processes.

Following the above recommendations will allow you to avoid (at least reduce the risk) of prostate diseases in a child, as well as maintain health in general.