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Patient case: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Discussion

A 65-year-old male presents to the clinic with complaints of difficulty urinating for the past 6 months. He reports a weak urine stream, frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Over the last few weeks, the symptoms have worsened, causing him significant discomfort. He denies any blood in the urine or pain during urination.

On physical examination, his abdomen is soft but shows mild suprapubic tenderness. A digital rectal exam reveals an enlarged, smooth, and firm prostate. Laboratory tests, including a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level, are within normal limits for his age. A post-void residual bladder scan shows retained urine, indicating incomplete bladder emptying.

The diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is made based on his clinical symptoms and physical findings. The patient is advised on treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications (alpha-blockers), and the potential for future surgical intervention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Questions
1. What is the most common symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

A) Painful urination

B) Weak urine stream

C) Blood in urine

D) Fever

2. Which diagnostic tool is often used to assess urinary retention in BPH?

A) X-ray

B) CT scan

C) Bladder scan

D) MRI

3. What lifestyle change can help manage symptoms of BPH?

A) Drinking more coffee

B) Increasing fluid intake before bed

C) Reducing alcohol consumption

D) Decreasing physical activity

4. Which of the following is a possible treatment for BPH?

A) Antibiotics

B) Hormone therapy

C) Alpha-blockers

D) Chemotherapy

Reveal answers

Answers

1. B - Weak urine stream

2. C - Bladder scan

3. C - Reducing alcohol consumption

4. C - Alpha-blockers