Medical Alerts for Seniors with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Introduction

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a term for a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Doctors aren’t sure exactly why BPH occurs. Some doctors believe it may be related to usual hormonal changes that occur as one ages.

A recent study found a possible genetic link for BPH in men younger than age 65. Studies found that male relatives of people with BPH are four times more likely to require BPH surgery at some point in their lives; brothers have an even higher risk.

BPH Overview

BPH obstructs the flow of urine through the urethra. One in four men will experience BPH by age 55. Furthermore, the symptoms are present in 50 percent of men who are 75 years or older. Many find that treatment is only necessary if symptoms become bothersome. Others find that BPH symptoms are severe enough to require treatment.

For years, surgery was the sole option for treatment. Fortunately, drugs that can help relieve symptoms were recently approved.The drugs were created to provide relief by shrinking the prostate, or by causing the prostate muscle tissue to relax, thus releasing the constriction of the urethra.

BPH Impairment

BPH causes the enlarged prostate to compress the urethra, impeding the natural flow of urine from the bladder.The discomfort associated with BPH is collectively considered as an impairment of the lower urinary tract. The impairments are generally classified as void or obstructive impairments.If BPH is severe enough, complete blockage may occur. 

People with BPH may experience a variety of impairments, including:

• Having an insistent need to urinate
• Irregular or weakened urinary stream
• A feeling that the bladder has not voided completely
• Difficulty delaying urination
• A hesitation that prohibits the flow of urine, though the urinating urge still exists
• A need to strain when urinating
• Leakage or dribbling at the end of urination

Medical Alert Benefits

The flow of urine is restricted when the prostate enlarges. Nerves within the prostate and bladder may become inflamed, causing great pain and discomfort. If symptoms are not manageable, medical alert products are available to provide assistance to seniors who may need assistance but do not have access to a phone. Medical alerts give the user the ability to call for help by pressing a button. 

The following are common symptoms experienced by those with BPH:

• Urgency to urinate
• Nocturia, or the need to urinate frequently throughout the night
• Difficulty maintaining a urinary stream
• Interrupted and weakened stream of urination
• The sensation of residual urine
• Incontinence or leakage of urine
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine
• The feeling of needing to push or strain to empty the bladder
• Dribbling, or the involuntary release of small amounts of urine due to a weakened urinary stream

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Medical Alerts Conclusion

Half of the male population over the age of 60 suffers from BPH. Medical alert services can provide a much-needed safeguard for seniors who live alone and suffer from the condition. Complications of BPH can become painful if not treated regularly. Additionally, if an individual slips and falls in urine, there may be dire consequences, to include broken bones and bruises.

More than half of seniors who fall cannot get up on their own. Lying on a floor for an extended period of time may lead to other medical complications. Medical alert services offer technology that can detect if an individual wearing the device falls but cannot press the alert button on their own. Therefore, it would be wise to have such a system in place.