BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH) Introduction

INTRODUCTION
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is a histologic diagnosis characterized by proliferation of the cellular elements of the prostate. An estimated 50% of men demonstrate histopathologic BPH by age 60 years. This number increases to 90% by age 85 years; thus, increasing gland size is considered a normal part of aging process. Some evidence has reported a higher incidence of BPH particularly fastgrowing BPH in men with obesity, heart and circulatory diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes and hypertension, in any case, worsens urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH. The cause of enlarged prostate has yet to be fully understood. Some studies theorized that BPH occurs because the amount of testosterone (male hormone) in the blood decreases as a man ages, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen (female hormone) which results in the increased activity of substances associated with cell growth. Prostate gland enlargement becomes a serious health threat only if it interferes with the ability to empty bladder. A bladder that is continuously full can interfere with sleep, cause recurrent bladder infection or result in kidney damage. Symptoms of BPH may include hesitancy, a weak stream of urine, dribbling, straining, incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty to control the urination urge, nocturia and burning sensation when passing urine. In the Philippines, data available in 2000 shows that death rates for BPH and prostatic malignancies among males aged 25-59 years reveals a 0.72 deaths per 100,000 for prostatic malignancy and 0.06 per 100,000 for prostatic hyperplasia. This statistics shows a low death rate, however, the incidence of these two diseases increases as the male adult grows older. BPH is, at times, being related to acquiring or leading to prostate cancer. In a study Ive read, it was stated that despite similarities between prostate cancer and BPH, having the latter does not mean that chances of getting the former are increased. Many researchers have not found yet any direct connection between BPH and prostate cancer, but it is still highly imperative that men over the age of 40, whether they have or do not have enlarged prostates, undergo a rectal exam to screen for prostate cancer. I have chosen Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia as the subject of my case study because I yearn for a solid understanding of its disease process, and that despite the fact that prostate enlargement is a normal occurrence on aging men, it may become a serious health threat if not given appropriate attention. This case study would also be of great help for me and my co-trainees in recognizing the effect of BPH on mens health and wellness. Hence, with this knowledge of the Pathophysiology of BPH, I will be effective in conducting health assessment and in providing appropriate nursing management to the patient.