How to manage mild prostatomegaly in my 70-year-old uncle?

Question

Hello doctor,

My uncle, who is seventy years old, has been diagnosed with mild prostatomegaly. What could be the reason for this, and how can this cure be achieved? He was also told in his report that he has a pre-void residual urine volume of 327 cc and a post-void residual urine volume of 96 cc. He also has grade 1 LV diastolic dysfunction, grade 1 fatty liver, mild prostatomegaly, left inguinal lymphadenopathy, and aortic valvular sclerosis with mitral annular calcification. Are all these due to an age factor or a serious condition?

Can you please explain to us what all these could be and how they could be managed more easily since he is very old? How mild prostatomegaly can be treated because he has pain in his abdomen it seems. Right now, he is not under any medication. His thyroid is normal but has a diabetic value of fasting 123 mg/dL, postprandial 233 mg/dL, and HbA1c value of 6.3.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Your uncle’s diagnosis of mild prostatomegaly refers to an enlarged prostate, a common condition in aging men known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

This enlargement can lead to difficulty urinating, as indicated by his pre-void residual urine volume of 0.086 gallons and postvoid residual volume of 0.025 gallons, meaning he is unable to empty his bladder. This is typical with BPH, where the enlarged prostate compresses the urethra and interferes with normal urine flow. The abdominal pain he experiences could be linked to bladder distension due to this incomplete voiding.

In terms of treatment for mild prostatomegaly, medications like alpha-blockers (which relax the muscles in the prostate) or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (which shrink the prostate) are commonly prescribed. Lifestyle modifications such as reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and regular pelvic exercises may also help manage symptoms. Surgery is an option if medications do not improve the condition, but it is usually reserved for more severe cases.

Your uncle’s other conditions, like grade 1 diastolic dysfunction (diastolic dysfunction is defined by extended relaxation, increased filling pressure, slower contraction velocity, and decreased cardiac output), aortic valvular sclerosis (thickening and stiffening of the aortic valve), and mitral annular calcification (a chronic, progressive disorder affecting the fibrous annulus of the mitral valve), are likely age-related and suggest some stiffening and calcification of his heart valves, which is typical in older adults.

However, these are mild findings and usually do not require immediate intervention unless they progress or cause symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain.

His grade 1 fatty liver is also mild and could be linked to his diabetes and lifestyle. Avoid processed and oily items.

Managing his blood sugar with a controlled diet and regular exercise is crucial, especially since his fasting glucose (123 mg/dL) and postprandial glucose (233 mg/dL) are elevated, indicating poorly controlled diabetes.

Given his age, managing these conditions involves regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medications to address his diabetes, prostate enlargement, and any cardiovascular symptoms. Consulting his doctor for a personalized treatment plan is essential.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.