Neutrophils are immune system cells that are critical for healthy immune system functioning. They are considered the first responders whenever the body has an infection. When you have neutrophil dysfunction, it is a condition in which the neutrophils do not function or respond properly, leading to a variety of health problems. One theory is that chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) may be one of the problems caused by a neutrophil dysfunction. Other related immune system causes of chronic prostatitis include autoimmune disorders, mast cells, and inflammation.
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell in the body, making up about 50–70% of all white blood cells. The main job of these first responders is to destroy bacteria and other invaders that cause infections. Think, “Intruder alert! Intruder Alert!” Neutrophils destroy the bacteria by ingesting these offending organisms. It may sound a little bit like science fiction, but when they are functioning properly they get the job done.
A number of experts suggest that some men develop chronic prostatitis when their neutrophils do not respond properly to an infection that has affected their prostate gland. When a man with a properly functioning immune system has normal bacteria residing in the prostate, there’s no problem. The neutrophils keep it all under control. But when neutrophils are not doing their job (as with a neutrophil dysfunction) the bacteria can lead to chronic inflammation, and cause CP/CPPS to develop.
Experts do not fully understand why neutrophils fail to function properly. Neutrophil dysfunction is most likely the result of a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some of the factors that may lead to neutrophil dysfunction include diabetes mellitus, ethanol, hemodialysis, extensive burns, and other conditions. This is one of the reasons why CPPS is so challenging to diagnose and identify. It often is caused by a problem that originates outside of the prostate itself. It is also why following a holistic whole-body approach to prostatitis can help you identify health problems and help the whole body heal. Be aware that neutrophil dysfunction also puts you at risk for other bacterial infections as well as fungal and skin infections, which is why looking at your overall health is important.
If you suffer from chronic prostatitis caused by a neutrophil dysfunction, you may not be able to fix the actual dysfunction, but you try using natural and alternative prostatitis treatments to help boost and support your immune system while finding relief from prostatitis symptoms. You will get the best results by combining multiple therapies and by incorporating lifestyle and dietary changes. Some therapies worth looking into include phytotherapy as part of Dr. Geo’s NPAT CPPS Treatment Program, along with other supplements and probiotics to help you balance the good and bad bacteria in your body.
Alternative prostatitis treatments can help provide relief from symptoms. Alternative treatments for pain relief include:
- sitz baths,
- prostate massage,
- stress management,
- Ayurvedic medicine, and
- acupuncture.
