Which symptom indicates a progression to cystitis in BPH patients?

Which symptom indicates a progression to cystitis in BPH patients?

• A. Decreased urinary stream
• B. Urinary urgency
• C. Frequent urination
• D. New-onset fever

Answer: (D)

A new-onset fever in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can indicate the progression to cystitis, which is an infection of the bladder. This symptom suggests that there may be an underlying infection, particularly if accompanied by other urinary symptoms. In the context of BPH, urinary retention can lead to stasis of urine, creating a conducive environment for bacterial growth, which can subsequently result in cystitis. The presence of fever is a classic systemic sign of infection, implying that the body is responding to the pathogens in the urinary tract. The other symptoms, such as decreased urinary stream, urinary urgency, and frequent urination, while they may be related to BPH itself or indicative of bladder irritation, are not specific to progressing to cystitis. These symptoms often reflect the common obstructive or irritative voiding symptoms associated with BPH and do not necessarily denote an infection. Therefore, the development of a new-onset fever is the most telling sign suggesting that a urinary tract infection has occurred, which includes cystitis as a possible complication.

A new-onset fever in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can indicate the progression to cystitis, which is an infection of the bladder. This symptom suggests that there may be an underlying infection, particularly if accompanied by other urinary symptoms. In the context of BPH, urinary retention can lead to stasis of urine, creating a conducive environment for bacterial growth, which can subsequently result in cystitis. The presence of fever is a classic systemic sign of infection, implying that the body is responding to the pathogens in the urinary tract.

The other symptoms, such as decreased urinary stream, urinary urgency, and frequent urination, while they may be related to BPH itself or indicative of bladder irritation, are not specific to progressing to cystitis. These symptoms often reflect the common obstructive or irritative voiding symptoms associated with BPH and do not necessarily denote an infection. Therefore, the development of a new-onset fever is the most telling sign suggesting that a urinary tract infection has occurred, which includes cystitis as a possible complication.