Benign prostatic hyperplasia and the urinary tract repercussions

Abstract

Known as the most common urological disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that affects men from 40 years of age. Linked to metabolic, hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms, the disease causes growth of prostatic tissue, epithelial and stromal cells, compressing the urethra, resulting in resistance to the output of urine from the bladder and the main complaints of the disease, the symptoms of the lower urinary tract (LUTS). This study aims to inform about benign prostatic hyperplasia and its main symptoms of the lower urinary tract, since these LUTS negatively affect affected patients. This is a literature review with articles published on the subject in the last 7 years, through an electronic search in the main bibliographic indexes. The benign growth of the prostate gland and its obstructive and irritating urinary symptoms such as: urgency to urinate, hesitation, forced urination with slow flow, nocturia and irritation, negatively affect the quality of life of most patients. Diagnosed in a simple way, based on the patient's clinical history, physical examination and digital rectal examination, in addition to laboratory and imaging tests, such as transrectal ultrasound, BPH has an excellent prognosis. For the treatment, the degree of the patient's symptoms is evaluated through a questionnaire, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the classification in mild, moderate and severe defines the conduct. Watchful waiting, a treatment for patients with mild symptoms, is the most common. The existing drug classes aim to reduce LUTS and slow down the progression of the disease. The growth of the prostate gland and the consequent compression of the urethra, causes several complaints and losses in the daily life of men who have BPH, therefore, knowing the signs and symptoms of the disease is essential for it to be effectively diagnosed and treated.