Disease of the prostate gland.  The prostate, which both in structure and in function is rather a muscle than a gland, is situated at the neck of the bladder and around the first inch of the urethra.  It is divided into two lateral (side) lobes (parts) by a deep notch behind and a furrow at the upper and lower surfaces.  The so-called middle or third lobe is the portion which is between the two side lobes at the under and posterior part of the gland, just beneath the neck of the bladder.  The urethra (the channel for the urine to pass through from the bladder out through the penis) usually passes through the gland at about the junction of its upper and middle third.

Hypertrophy of the prostate.—­This is a general enlargement of the gland in all directions.  All the three lobes may enlarge and in about one-third of the men who have passed middle life some enlargement takes place, and in about one-tenth of all men over fifty-five this enlargement becomes of importance in regard to the size.  The middle lobe may enlarge so much that it may extend up into the bladder and block the opening into the urethra; the side lobes may compress the urethra into a mere slit, or may lengthen it so that the prostatic portion measures three or four inches, or may twist and distort it so that the most flexible instrument can only be made to pass through it with difficulty.

Symptoms.—­The earliest symptom may be increased frequency in passing urine, especially at night.  Soon some urine is retained in the bladder, and this may increase so much that only an ounce or two can be passed spontaneously, although the bladder contains one pint or more.  The stream of urine is feeble, and will drop perpendicularly towards the feet of the patient.  In some cases an inflammation of the prostate and bladder is set up, and then the symptoms felt are very distressing.  There is an almost constant desire to pass urine; there is much pain and straining with it; a slight bleeding may follow and night rest is broken; the general strength fails from the continual suffering; the urine becomes foul, smells like ammonia, and is reduced in quantity; inflammation of the kidneys develops also; general poisoning occurs; and the patient dies of uraemia and in a “coma” condition.

Treatment.  Preventive.—­The patient should avoid taking cold in this disease.  Light and easily digested diet is necessary.  The bowels must be kept regular.  Alcohol of any kind should not be used.  The bladder should be emptied at regular intervals.  Some patients keep a catheter and “draw” their own urine.  Unless the patient takes great care, the bladder and urethra will be irritated and perhaps infected through neglect of cleanliness.  Medicines are not very useful in severe cases.  Operation is the only reliable cure especially when some urine is always retained.

Urinary passage.  Mother’s Remedy.—­1.  Dandelion Root Will Clean.—­“A decoction made of the sliced root of dandelion in white wine is very effectual for cleansing and healing inward ulcers in the urinary passage.  If the fresh root cannot be obtained, buy extract of dandelion and give two teaspoonfuls in water once in two or three hours as the case requires.  It also acts on the liver, gall and spleen.”