The most important facts about haemorrhoids
It is hard to find a more “awkward” disease than haemorrhoids. Many sufferers are ready to keep their secret at any cost and sometimes only see a doctor once serious complications have already developed. Meanwhile, among all proctological diseases, this condition ranks first [1].
What are haemorrhoids?
To simplify a little, they can be described as varicose veins of the rectum. What is so clearly visible with varicose veins in the legs also happens out of sight, inside the body, including in the rectum. After all, the rectum is also supplied with blood through an extensive network of vessels. As they branch, the veins of the rectum form several vascular plexuses that can stretch considerably as they fill with blood. These plexuses are called haemorrhoidal nodes. The word “haemorrhoids” itself comes from the Greek for “bleeding”. Stagnation of venous blood in the anal canal and excessive straining during constipation cause the haemorrhoidal nodes to enlarge; they can become thrombosed and inflamed, causing pain, and can also bleed. In the later stages of the disease, the haemorrhoidal nodes are no longer held in place by the ligaments of the bowel and may prolapse outwards when straining [1]. The first signs of haemorrhoids are: a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the rectum, discomfort in the anal area when sitting, difficulty with bowel movements, and bright red blood passed with the stool.
Causes and risk factors
Haemorrhoids develop as a result of impaired blood circulation in the lower part of the body, as well as gradually developing degenerative (dystrophic) changes in the ligaments that support the haemorrhoidal nodes. What leads to this? Let us look at the most significant risk factors [1,2]. First of all, our bodies are genetically predisposed to certain diseases. This is also true of vascular disorders. It cannot be said that haemorrhoids are directly inherited, but each of us inherits the structure of our tissues, the ability of our vessel walls to stretch and recover, and their strength. So if one of your parents has been diagnosed with haemorrhoids or another vascular disorder, you may also develop a similar condition. That is why it is worth taking care of your blood vessels in advance. For women, a triggering factor is pregnancy, during which levels of the hormone progesterone rise. During this period, the walls of the blood vessels become less elastic, while the physical load on the pelvic tissues and vessels increases many times over. During childbirth, blood flow to the pelvic organs increases, and the strain of pushing is comparable to lifting heavy kettlebells. It is a rare woman who does not develop haemorrhoids during pregnancy and after childbirth. Men have their own risk factors: heavy physical exertion and unhealthy habits. If your work involves carrying heavy loads, haemorrhoids inevitably become an occupational risk. Smoking and alcohol, as well as eating too much fried and fatty food, worsen the condition of the blood vessels and promote the formation of blood clots. For both sexes, a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor. No animal in nature suffers from haemorrhoids; humans acquired this disease as the price of walking upright and living comfortably in offices. If you have a desk job and travel to work by car, there is a risk that haemorrhoids will make themselves felt. With a sedentary lifestyle, blood circulation is impaired, and the longer you stay seated, the more the blood stagnates. Poor diet and frequent constipation also trigger haemorrhoids.
Can you do without treatment?
Unfortunately, you should not hope that haemorrhoids will “go away” by themselves. The disease tends to progress, causing real torment during flare-ups, when a haemorrhoidal node becomes thrombosed. Flare-ups can be triggered by dietary lapses (for example, during holidays), lifting heavy objects, hormonal changes, stress, etc. During a flare-up, pain is felt even when walking, and bowel movements become torture. The inflamed node is easily injured, bloody discharge appears, and body temperature may rise. In severe cases the consequences can be even more serious, up to and including a risk to life. It is important not to let haemorrhoids become advanced, but to start treatment as early as possible. This means lifestyle changes, physical exercise without strength training, a gentle diet and appropriate treatment [1]. Since haemorrhoids are directly linked to impaired blood circulation and the condition of the blood vessels, venotonics (phlebotonics) play an important role in treatment. Let us look at how these medicines work, using Phlebodia 600 as an example.
How, when and why?
The active substance of Phlebodia 600 is diosmin. This is a bioflavonoid that increases venous tone. The vessel walls stretch less and become less permeable, blood circulation and lymph drainage improve, and inflammation decreases. Phlebodia 600 helps to stop bleeding from haemorrhoidal nodes [3], reduce swelling [4] and improve quality of life. Phlebodia 600 contains only one highly purified active substance (diosmin). Phlebodia 600 is well tolerated and has a high safety profile [5].
Phlebodia 600 No. 18: 7 days of therapy
To provide urgent help during a flare-up of haemorrhoids, Phlebodia 600 is available in a No. 18 pack for a one-week course of treatment. Dosage regimen for acute haemorrhoids: – For the first 4 days, take 1 tablet 3 times a day with meals – For the next 3 days, take 1 tablet 2 times a day with meals. It is recommended to combine treatment with a strict diet aimed at preventing constipation. Once the attack is over, do not let your guard down, because haemorrhoids can become chronic. Consult a doctor and take steps to prevent flare-ups in good time. The medicine is made in France and is available in pharmacies without a prescription.
References: 1. Livzan M.A., Poluektov V.L., Lyalyukova E.A. [Haemorrhoids: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and approaches to therapy]. Lechashchiy Vrach 2014; 6: 84-86. 2. Rivkin V.A. [Outpatient treatment of haemorrhoids]. Ambulatornaya Khirurgiya 2014; 3: 35-37. 3. Kecmanovic D. Acta Chir Yug, 2005; 52(1): 115-6. 4. P. Debien, J. Denis. Med Chir Dig, 1996. 25: 259–264. 5. Instructions for medical use of the medicinal product Phlebodia 600.