Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

East Meets West- Australian Success Story feature

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) or non-cancerous prostate enlargement is the most common benign tumour in males above the age of 40[1]. Research has found the prevalence of BPH increases with age[2]. The prostate or prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system secreting fluid keeping sperm healthy and alive. 


In BPH, over time the prostate enlarges slowly causing increasing pressure on the urethra (the tube connecting the urinary bladder to the penis) and the base of the bladder[3]. 

Common symptoms of BPH are:

1. ‘Urinary frequency’ (the increase of urination during the day)

2. ‘Terminal dribbling’ (urine dribbling after urination) and 

3. ‘Urinary urgency’ (the sensation of needing to go again soon after urinating)[4]. 


The treatment of BPH depends on the severity of the symptoms with management ranging from observation to medical therapy to more invasive options such as endoscopic or open surgery[5].


References

[1] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2018, July) Review and update of benign prostatic hyperplasia in general practice. Australian Journal of General PracticeVol 47 (7) doi: 10.31128/AFP-08-17-4292

[2] Lim, K (2017, July) Epidemiology of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia. Asian Journal of Urology Vol 4 (3) 148-15. doi: 10.1016/j.ajur.2017.06.004

[3] Health Direct (2018, July) Benign prostate hypertrophy. healthdirect.gov.au/benign-prostate-hypertrophy

[4] Better Health Channel (2018, December) Prostate disease. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/prostate-disease

[5] Jiwrajka, M et al (2018, Oct) Drugs for benign prostatic hypertrophy. Australian Prescriber Vol 45 (5) 150-153. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2018.045

Renal stones

Renal stones, also known as kidney stones, are solid deposits that form in the kidney over time due to high concentrations of substances such as calcium, oxalate, cystine or uric acid found in urine[1]. However, kidney stones can still form if not enough urine is being produced. The risk of developing kidney stones is quite high with 4-8% of the Australian population being affected with a higher prevalence in females than males[2]. Furthermore, not only is there a genetic and ageing predisposition but studies have highlighted approximately 30-50% of people will develop a second kidney stone within five years of their first[3]. 


Applying effective strategies is crucial for prevention and consists of lifestyle changes such as reducing coffee intake, staying hydrated, reducing salt and processed food intake and reducing the intake of drinks containing phosphoric acid such as carbonated drinks1. 

Detection and diagnosis of kidney stones may include urine tests, ultrasounds, CT scans and blood tests ordered by Professor Yoland Lim Health Care doctors. 


Common symptoms as a result of the formation of kidney stones includes:

  • pain just below the ribs
  • blood in the urine
  • shivers
  • sweating
  • fever
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • urgent feeling of needing to urinate[2]


In the majority of cases, kidney stones do not require medical treatment (with the exception of analgesia to alleviate pain) and will pass by themselves. However in some cases where kidney stones do not pass by themselves or is causing severe infection or bleeding, medical treatment is required. These can include invasive techniques such as endoscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy or non-invasive techniques like extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy[1]. 


References

[1] Better Health Channel. Kidney stones. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/kidney-stones

[2] Kidney Health Australia . Kidney stones. kidney.org.au/your-kidneys/detect/kidney-stones

[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2017, September). Urolithiasis – Ten things every general practitioner should know. Urology Vol 46 (9) 648-652.