Out of 100 people in the world, 12 are diagnosed with hemorrhoids1. This disease has been known for more than a millennium. Both men and women can face the problem of hemorrhoids. However, about 55% of people endure unpleasant symptoms for 5 to 15 years before seeing a doctor2.
Hemorrhoids can occur in every fourth pregnant woman2. It can also occur during childbirth (you can read more about this in the article “Hemorrhoids during pregnancy”)2.
One of the reasons for the occurrence of hemorrhoids can be called technological progress and a sedentary lifestyle. Those who stand on their feet for a long time in a static position are also at risk: salespeople, teachers, hairdressers. Constant congestion in the pelvic and rectal organs, as well as physical inactivity - a sedentary lifestyle, even in young people, increases the risk of personally encountering hemorrhoids1,3.
Common signs of hemorrhoids:
- increased discomfort and pain when going to the toilet;
- constipation and excessively hard stools;
- straining;
- fear of going to the toilet, inhibition of urges1-5.
Approaches to the treatment of hemorrhoids
There are three approaches to treating hemorrhoids, depending on the severity of the disease:
- diet therapy;
- therapeutic approach;
- surgical approach.
Diet therapy
Following a diet with sufficient fluid intake and dietary fiber to normalize the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and eliminate constipation will help reduce the number of relapses and improve the condition of the problem area.
Conservative approach
Modern medicine has many ways to treat hemorrhoids. A conservative treatment method involves prescribing several groups of drugs that have a complex effect on the problem:
- local medications for hemorrhoids (suppositories, creams);
- venotonics and venoprotectors;
- laxatives that soften stool1,3,4,6.
Surgical approach to treatment
Surgery is required in more serious stages of the disease. In some cases, you can even do without a scalpel: there are minimally invasive surgical methods with fewer risks and faster recovery7.
Action of NSAIDs
The therapeutic properties of the drugs are achieved by reducing the production of prostaglandin and blocking COX-2 (cyclooxygenase enzyme). These remedies fight the symptoms of the disease, but do not affect its causes. Therefore, additional therapy is needed that eliminates the root cause of the pathology.
NSAIDs are often used for pain relief for:
- inflammatory diseases,
- rheumatism,
- degenerative changes in organs and tissues.
They are also used for migraines and other non-rheumatic diseases and injuries.
What else is important to know about hemorrhoids?
In 75% of cases, the course of this disease is aggravated by another unpleasant symptom - constipation3-6. Constipation can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids or make them worse, creating a vicious cycle. If hemorrhoids are accompanied by constipation, it is important to solve this problem comprehensively.
Hard stool can touch inflamed areas in the rectum, also causing pain. Discomfort can be aggravated by excessive and ineffective straining when going to the toilet. This, in turn, can provoke or aggravate hemorrhoids (you can read more about constipation and its symptoms in the article “What is constipation?”). To minimize discomfort, it is important to soften the stool.
Even if hemorrhoids are not accompanied by constipation, to reduce discomfort when going to the toilet, it is important to soften the stool. It is also necessary to improve the functioning of the intestines as a whole8.
Popular anti-inflammatory drugs
Ibuprofen
The drug fights all types of pain, including inflammation of the joints, and relieves fever. Often used for pain due to cramps that occur during menstruation.
Available in tablet form.
| Ibuprofen Welfarm tab 0.4 x 30 |
| Ibuprofen tab 0.2 x 50 |
| Ibuprofen tablet p/p 400 mg x 10 |
| Ibuprofen tab 0.2 x 20 |
Diclofenac
Prescribed for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Reduces swelling and stiffness of joints in the morning. Increases motor range in case of joint diseases. A stable effect is achieved after 1-2 weeks of treatment.
| Diclofenac amp 25mg/3ml x 5 (Grotex) |
| Diclofenac amp 25mg/3ml x 10 |
| Diclofenac amp 25mg/3ml x 5 |
Dolgit
Product for external use. Thanks to the phenylpropionic acid derivative in its composition, it relieves pain and inflammation. Effectively combats joint stiffness in the morning and provides increased mobility in the joints.
The dosage form is cream in tubes.
| Dolgit gel 5% 100 mg |
Voltaren Emulgel
Topical preparation. Intended for adults and children over fourteen years of age.
Diclofenac in the composition helps relieve discomfort and relieves inflammation. The gel-like emulsion is quickly absorbed into the skin, which provides almost instantaneous action.
Relieves swelling of injured joints, muscles, tendons, soft tissues. Relieves pain from tendinitis, bursitis and rheumatism.
Available in gel form in tubes.
| Voltaren Emulgel 1% 100 mg |
Nurofen Express Forte
The drug is in capsule form. Designed to relieve pain of various origins. A popular remedy for menstrual and neuralgic pain. For colds and flu, it relieves discomfort in muscles and joints. The medicine can be taken by adults and children from the age of twelve. It is not allowed to take more than three tablets per day.
| Nurofen Express Forte 400 mg No. 20 |
Meloxicam
The medicine blocks the body's production of substances that cause inflammation and pain. Has antipyretic properties. Reduces sensitivity, relieves discomfort, stiffness and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Normalizes the condition of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that occurs in childhood.
| Meloxicam tab 7.5 mg x 20 |
| Meloxicam-Prana tab 15mg No. 20 |
| Meloxicam-Prana tab 7.5 mg No. 20 |
Amelotex
The drug is based on Meloxicam. Increases the motor volume of joints. In a short time it fights inflammation and discomfort thanks to its chondroprotective properties.
The course of treatment is three to four weeks. Amelotex should be applied twice a day.
The dosage form is gel.
| Amelotex gel 1% 30g |
Nise
Product based on Nimesulide. The active substance, in addition to relieving pain, removes swelling. Has antioxidant properties.
The drug relieves symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, fever, bursitis, tendonitis, ankylosing spondylitis.
| Nise gel 1% 100g |
Dolobene gel
The active ingredient is ibuprofen, a component that relieves inflammation and pain. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. Usually for injuries, including sports, it is two weeks, for rheumatic diseases - three weeks.
It is used to relieve inflammation and swelling of soft tissues, treat bruises, deformations, and sprains.
Release form: gel in tubes.
| Dolobene gel 90g |
Nimesil
Often used after surgery. Effective for diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, etc.) during periods of deterioration of health. Fights fever caused by infectious diseases or other reasons. The drug is good for improving the condition of soft tissues and joints. It is used for therapy in urology, gynecology, disorders of the vascular system, and degenerative changes in the body.
Available in the form of granules for preparing a suspension.
| Nimesil granules for suspensions 100 mg No. 30 |
Nimesulide
Clinical studies have shown that Nimesulide is able to relieve pain in a relatively short time - about twenty minutes. This allows the drug to be used to combat acute conditions.
Indications for use are arthritis, tendinitis, pathologies in the field of gynecology, infectious diseases, inflammatory processes after surgery.
| Nimesulide Welfarm tab 100 mg x 20 |
| Nimesulide-lect tab 100mg No. 40 |
| Nimesulide gran d/susp pack 100 mg x 30 |
Ketonal Duo
Relieves pain, inflammation, fever. Thanks to the prolonged action, relief is felt longer.
After consumption, the drug is absorbed directly from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, where it is maximally concentrated after about a couple of hours.
Release form: capsules with gradual release of the active substance.
| Ketonal Duo capsules 150g No. 30 |
Ketoprofen
Topical application in gel form.
It is used in the presence of morning stiffness of the joints, weakens the course of arthralgia. Effectively helps relieve muscle pain and combat post-traumatic lesions. Before using the drug, it is worth considering other treatment methods. If treatment with Keptrofen is necessary, it is recommended to use the smallest dosage and the shortest time of use, based on the expected results of therapy.
| Ketoprofen gel 2.5% 40g |
Movalis
Contains meloxicam, a derivative of enolic acid. Intended for the initial stage of therapy and short-term symptomatic treatment. It is not combined with other drugs from the list of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cannot be used together with them.
Available in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection.
| Movalis solution 15 mg No. 3 |
Revmart
Indications for use are inflammation of the joints and their degenerative changes, which are accompanied by pain: acute osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, radiculitis and osteoarthritis.
The release form of the medicine is tablets.
| Revmart tab 15mg x 10 |
| Revmart tab 15mg x 20 |
| Revmart tab 7.5 mg x 20 |
Paracetamol
Analgesic non-narcotic drug used for mild or moderate pain: headache (including migraine), dental. Also used for sore throat, myalgia and neuralgia.
The drug reduces temperature for colds and various infectious diseases.
The drug relieves symptoms for the duration of its action, but does not affect the development of the disease.
| Paracetamol tab 0.5 x 20 |
Weldexal
Tablets and solutions are prescribed for acute and chronic forms of inflammatory diseases, metabolic and inflammatory-degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Relieves pain of various origins: after surgery, dental pain, with metastases in bone tissue, during menstruation, radiculitis, renal colic, sciatica, neuralgia.
This is a symptomatic remedy that does not affect the progression of the disease.
| Weldexal tablet. p/p/o 25 mg No. 10 |
| Veldexal solution for IV and IM 25 mg/ml 2 ml x 5 |
Ketoprovel
Symptomatic medicine in tablet form. Relieves inflammation and pain in radiculitis, rheumatoid and seronegative arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, cancer, neuralgia, tendonitis, algodismenorrhea, myalgia. Helps with toothache and headaches, as well as pain symptoms after injuries and operations.
| Ketoprovel tab 100 mg x 20 |
Ketorolac
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic drug with antipyretic effect.
Used for severe or moderate pain after injuries, operations, oncology, arthralgia, radiculitis, dental diseases, neuralgia.
Prescribed for symptomatic therapy.
| Ketorolac tab 10 mg x 20 |
| Ketorolac amp 30mg 1ml No. 10 |
Aponil
Used against inflammation, pain, elevated body temperature. Selectively inhibits COX-2, acting directly on the site of inflammation. Fights pain, fever and inflammation of the musculoskeletal system.
| Aponil tab 100 mg x 20 |
Aceclofenac
The symptomatic drug is used as part of complex therapy for inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, to relieve pain in glenohumeral periarthritis, rheumatism, and dental diseases. The product reduces joint swelling and eliminates morning stiffness.
| Aceclofenac Welfarm tab p/p/o 100 mg x 20 |
Acetylsalicylic acid
The product fights pain, fever, inflammation. Blocks the production of thromboxane A2, inhibiting platelet aggregation. Helps with mild to moderate pain.
Prescribed for adults and children over 15 years of age.
| Acetylsalicylic acid 500 mg x 20 |
| Acetylsalicylic acid 500 mg x 20 R |
Diclogen
The drug is used for short-term treatment of moderate pain in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, after operations and injuries, in diseases of the pelvic organs, as well as neuralgia and algodismenorrhea.
| Diclogen amp 25mg/3ml x 5 |
Causes of hemorrhoids in women
Hemorrhoids often occur in pregnant women
With minor differences, the causes of the disease are similar to those in men:
- Inactive lifestyle. Office work leaves its mark on the health of almost all organ systems, and even more so the pelvic organs. The accumulation of blood in the intestinal vessels due to the impossibility of its outflow provokes swelling of the veins and the formation of nodules.
- Excessive athletic activity and heavy lifting. In the age of feminism, women have the opportunity, on an equal basis with men, to work physically, compete in sports competitions (for example, weightlifting and wrestling), and also simply train in the gym (and often ineptly and dangerously).
- Unbalanced diet. The abundance of flour, spicy and peppery foods provokes disruptions in the intestines, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea. Both extremes contribute to the appearance of hemorrhoids.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Bearing a child and giving birth. Anatomically, the uterus is located close to the large intestine, which contributes to compression of the latter. This leads to two consequences - accumulation and slow outflow of blood from the intestines and a banal mechanical obstacle to the passage of feces. Therefore, you have to push a lot during bowel movements, provoking the occurrence of hemorrhoids. The process of childbirth occupies a special place. The colossal tension that is created during the expulsion of the fetus often leads to the pathology mentioned above.
- Menses. Increased blood flow, uterine contractions and decreased motor activity contribute to the overflow of venous collections. This is especially true for a girl’s first cycle in her life.
- Intensive use of laxatives for weight loss.
- Increased body weight (accumulation of adipose tissue in the upper body due to hormonal obesity).
- Age-related changes associated with loss of elasticity of vascular and intestinal muscles, and increased body weight.
- Passion for anal sex.
- Psycho-emotional stress.
Hepatrombin
Includes sodium heparin, which has an antithrombotic effect and the ability to relieve swelling and pain. The regenerative properties of the drug are ensured thanks to allontoin, a component that stimulates tissue healing and increases cellular metabolism. Prednisolone acetate allows you to treat inflammation, has an antiallergic effect, and reduces the release of fluid during inflammation (exudate).
Apply Hepatrombin to previously cleansed skin in a thin layer with light massaging movements. The course of therapy is from 7 to 10 days. It is prohibited to use the drug in patients who are allergic to the components of the product, in case of bleeding or during infection of wounds. The ointment is contraindicated for children under 5 years of age.
Troxevasin
Troxevasin ointment relieves the symptoms of hemorrhoids. In addition, it is a local anesthetic, astringent and anti-inflammatory agent. The drug combines troxerutin and magnesium stearate and is used externally:
- to relieve burning, itching around the anus;
- with inflammation of hemorrhoids;
- anal thrombophlebitis;
- inflammation of the rectum.
A local drug as an anti-inflammatory, decongestant. Troxerutin has a protective effect on veins, reduces the permeability of capillary walls, reduces swelling and exudation.
The gel should not be used if you have an individual intolerance to active substances or fillers, or an allergy to troxerutin. Like all medicines, Troxevasin ointment can cause side effects, such as hypersensitivity reactions and local skin irritation. Skin reactions may occur - rash, redness. However, the expected benefits are greater than the harm associated with the occurrence of undesirable effects.
Information on how to use the drug is in the instructions. The ointment is applied with uniform and gentle massage movements in a thin layer (approximately 2.5 g or half a teaspoon) twice a day (morning and evening) until completely absorbed. It is advisable to reapply to the affected area of skin after defecation.
Use of ointments and suppositories
Inexpensive ointment for hemorrhoids: Relief
Conservative treatment of hemorrhoids is not complete without suppositories and ointments. In pharmacies you can find a huge number of different remedies for hemorrhoids. They actively and quickly relieve pain, inflammation, and promote the resorption of cones.
The doctor should select the medications. It is not always possible to choose a suitable remedy on your own, since all suppositories and ointments have different components and have different properties: increase the tone of the veins, relieve swelling and pain, stop bleeding, heal, etc.
Possible complications
If the pathology is severe or there is a delay in seeking help from a specialist, a number of the following consequences arise:
- Thrombosis of hemorrhoids is one of the most common and severe complications. It manifests itself as severe cutting pain in the anal area, swelling of the nodes, constipation or semi-liquid feces that have an unpleasant odor. Upon examination, the nodes have an irregular shape and are covered with a white coating.
- Heavy bleeding from the rectum.
- Suppuration of inflamed tissues - in medicine this is called paraproctitis. It can occur in both acute and chronic forms.
- The formation of polyps in the large intestine is a consequence of internal hemorrhoids.
- Oncology – the older the patient, the higher the risk of developing rectal cancer.
- Constipation and rectal fissures are not only symptoms, but also complications of the disease.
- Ascending inflammatory process of colon tissue.
- Anemia due to chronic blood loss.
Rules for using rectal suppositories
Before using them, you must take a shower, paying special attention to cleansing the anus.
Suppositories should be inserted into the anus once a day, after defecation and showering, in the morning or evening.
For constipation, you should first use soft herbal suppositories with a laxative effect.
how to use suppositories for hemorrhoids correctly
Important! You should not self-medicate, as suppositories have a number of side effects. You should definitely consult with a doctor who will select the necessary, most effective drug in your case that will help quickly eliminate the symptoms of the pathology and speedy recovery. Take care of yourself and be healthy!
Clinical signs of hemorrhoids
At the first symptoms you should consult a doctor
Symptoms directly correlate with the stage of development of the disease, and also depend on the individual characteristics of the body, for example, the ability to clot blood.
In any case, the disease does not occur suddenly, but develops over several days, initially manifesting itself as burning and pain during bowel movements, itching, mucus secretion, sensation of a foreign object in the intestine and swelling of the rectal area.
Heparin ointment
Heparin ointment has been on the pharmacological market for quite some time and is used not only for the treatment of varicose veins of the rectum. The effect of the medicine is much broader: varicose veins of the lower extremities with and without complications, thrombophlebitis, lymphangitis, trophic ulcers, etc. At the same time, heparin ointment has all the advantages of a medicinal product designed to reduce the severity of hemorrhoid symptoms:
- The analgesic effect of the drug is provided by the local anesthetic present in the ointment - benzocaine.
- Due to the main active ingredient - the direct anticoagulant heparin, an antithrombotic and anticoagulant effect is achieved (heparin prevents the formation of blood clots and promotes the resorption of existing ones);
- Due to the vasodilating properties of benzonicotinic acid, which is part of the heparin ointment, heparin is absorbed more quickly to its destination;
- The anti-inflammatory effect is also based on the action of heparin supplied to the site of inflammation.
Heparin ointment is used for external and internal uncomplicated and complicated hemorrhoids. It is also indicated in case of thrombosis of the hemorrhoidal plexus. However, damage to the integrity of the skin and bleeding are the main contraindications to the use of this medication. Heparin ointment is prescribed with extreme caution if the patient has a history of pathology of the hemostatic system, accompanied by a decrease in blood clotting and a tendency to bleeding, as well as during pregnancy and lactation (although data on the penetration of heparin into human milk have not yet been obtained).
Ointment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy
During pregnancy, as well as during lactation, women are prohibited from taking most medications. This is primarily due to the fact that the biologically active compounds included in the chemical composition of the drugs, not only of synthetic but also of natural origin, can harm the health of the child.
It is for this reason that during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, a woman should not self-medicate without the knowledge of her doctor. This rule applies to all medicines without exception. However, the vast majority of pregnant and postpartum women face such an unpleasant problem as hemorrhoids.
Safe ointments are drugs that include natural ingredients that are not capable of causing harm to the body, especially during pregnancy and in young children.
Popular means:
- Ichthyol ointment is a sulfur-based medicine that has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, drying, and wound-healing effect on hemorrhoids;
- Troxerutin - has a similar effect to Troxevain, eliminates swelling, prevents congestion, and restores blood flow.
- Fleming's ointment is a homeopathic preparation that includes extracts of calendula, witch hazel, and horse chestnut. Natural components in the composition of the medication allow you to quickly and safely eliminate the inflammatory process and pain.
Vishnevsky ointment, Heparin ointment, Levomekol, Troxevasin are allowed during pregnancy.
Advantages and disadvantages
Products for external application in the form of ointments have both advantages and disadvantages. The positive side includes accessibility, ease of use, quick effect, elimination of harmful effects on the stomach and liver. Long-term use helps relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and reduce nodes. Many drugs are approved for use in pregnant women and during lactation. Ointments rarely cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms.
Disadvantages include greasy marks on clothing and bedding after using ointments, and the need to combine ointments with oral medications, since they are not always effective as independent therapy.
Vishnevsky ointment
Vishnevsky ointment can be used to treat the external form of the disease. The presented medicine helps eliminate various ailments of the human body, but Vishnevsky must be used correctly, strictly following the instructions. Only then will the ointment have the necessary effect.
- First, you should put lotions on the external nodes with the addition of a solution of potassium permanganate. Such actions must be performed within three days.
- Then you are allowed to start using Vishnevsky’s composition. The ointment should be added to a compress and applied to the sore spot. Do not remove the compress from Vishnevsky for 12 hours.
Vishnevsky's drug is absolutely safe, so it can be used to treat the disease by pregnant women and nursing mothers. The only negative is its smell, but this is a temporary phenomenon.
