Over-the-counter cold and flu preparations that contain both antihistamines and decongestants can create a “perfect storm” for men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These products could substantially worsen symptoms of BPH, make it harder to urinate and may trigger complete urinary retention.
Do antihistamines affect your prostate?
Allergic Rhinitis Products: First-generation antihistamines carry a label warning patients against use if they have difficulty in urination due to an enlarged prostate gland, unless directed to do so by a physician. The products worsen symptoms of BPH and may make it even more difficult to urinate.
Does Benadryl affect BPH?
Decongestant medications, like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can interfere with urination. Some prescription medications can also aggravate BPH. Diuretics used for high blood pressure can increase urinary frequency and some antidepressants can decrease urine flow.
What medications affect your prostate?
Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), are used to treat congestion often associated with a cold. These drugs, which are called vasopressor adrenergics, worsen BPH symptoms because they tighten muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. When these muscles tighten, urine can’t easily leave the bladder.
What should I avoid with an enlarged prostate?
Some foods to avoid include: Red meat: Research suggests that going red meat-free may help improve prostate health. In fact, daily meat consumption is believed to triple the risk of prostate enlargement. Dairy: Similarly to meat, regular consumption of dairy has been linked to an increased risk of BPH.
Is drinking a lot of water good for your prostate?
Another important drink for you prostate is water. Stay hydrated, and do not try to drink less to reduce your urine.
Does cold weather affect prostate?
Cold, dry weather has been linked to an increased incidence of prostate cancer. Researchers suggest that meteorological effects on persistent organic pollutants, such as some pesticides and industrial by-products, may be to blame. Cold, dry weather has been linked to an increased incidence of prostate cancer.
Why is BPH worse at night?
Causes of Nocturia
Urinating at night, which interrupts sleep, is called nocturia. A common urological condition causing nocturia in men is an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The enlarged prostate can close off the urethra, thus making the bladder contract harder to push out urine.
Does an enlarged prostate affect a man sexually?
An enlarged prostate can cause sexual problems in men, such as: Erectile dysfunction (the inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse at least 25% of the time) Reduced sex drive.
What causes BPH flare ups?
Once the chronic pain syndrome is initiated, flare-ups could be triggered by a number of things such as stress, emotional problems, or certain foods or beverages. Other possible culprits include urinary tract abnormalities, infrequent ejaculation, dysfunctional urination, and lower urinary tract infection.
What is the main cause of prostate enlargement?
The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older. The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow.
What exercise is good for prostate?
Kegel exercises are easy exercises you can do before and after your prostate cancer treatment to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help control your urine flow. Kegel exercises are one of the most effective ways of controlling incontinence without medication or surgery.
Can you check yourself for enlarged prostate?
Besides an at-home PSA blood test, there is no easy way to test yourself for prostate cancer at home. It’s recommended to see a physician for a digital rectal exam, as they have experience feeling prostates for lumps or enlarged prostate.
What is the best fruit for prostate?
Pomegranate juice has a reputation as a “miracle fruit” due to its high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent chronic diseases related to oxidative stress. The NCI says that pomegranate juice and some of its bioactive components can inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells ( 12 ).
Is Cranberry Juice Good for enlarged prostate?
Cranberry juice seems to work by preventing bacteria from sticking to cells that line the urinary tract. Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland — the walnut-size organ just below a man’s bladder that produces semen, the fluid that sustains and transports sperm.