Haemorrhoids are one of the most embarrassing diseases. When symptoms such as itching and burning around the anus appear, most people, instead of immediately consulting a doctor, wait, hoping the problem will resolve on its own. However, this is usually not the case, and the symptoms of haemorrhoids become increasingly troublesome. Therefore, treatment should be started as soon as possible. One of the methods for treating haemorrhoids is leech therapy.
What are haemorrhoids?
Let’s start with the fact that everyone has haemorrhoids. They are hemorrhoidal cushions that take the form of pillow-like venous vessels located in the rectum and anus. Their role is to seal the anus, enabling control over defecation. Under normal circumstances, they do not cause discomfort; the problem begins only when inflammation occurs.
Haemorrhoids are referred to when hemorrhoidal cushions are pathologically enlarged. There is a disturbed outflow of blood from the hemorrhoidal cushions, and enlarged haemorrhoids often protrude outside the anus, causing damage and bleeding. It is estimated that hemorrhoidal disease affects up to 50% of the adult population. The risk of their development increases with age (children rarely suffer from them).
Classification of haemorrhoids
There are two types of haemorrhoids: internal and external. However, a four-stage classification of hemorrhoidal disease is commonly used depending on the degree of advancement:
- Stage I – enlarged hemorrhoidal cushions that do not protrude beyond the anal canal;
- Stage II – enlarged hemorrhoidal cushions that protrude beyond the anal canal during defecation but then spontaneously retract;
- Stage III – enlarged hemorrhoidal cushions that protrude beyond the anal canal during defecation and do not retract (manual repositioning is necessary);
- Stage IV – enlarged haemorrhoids present around the anus that do not retract and cannot be manually repositioned.
Causes of haemorrhoids
Usually, it is difficult to determine what led to the development of hemorrhoidal disease. Possible causes include:
- chronic constipation;
- diarrhoea;
- intense straining during bowel movements;
- alcohol abuse;
- anal sex;
- multiple natural childbirths;
- complicated surgeries around the anus and perineum.
Symptomatic haemorrhoids can also appear in the course of various diseases, e.g., liver cirrhosis.
Factors contributing to haemorrhoids
It turns out that lifestyle has a significant impact on the development of hemorrhoidal disease. Haemorrhoids are favoured by:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of physical activity;
- poor diet (low in fibre);
- small amounts of consumed fluids;
- pregnancy and related hormonal changes;
- obesity.
Symptoms of haemorrhoids
It’s impossible to overlook the moment when haemorrhoids start to manifest themselves. The characteristic symptoms of this disease include:
- bleeding from the anus;
- burning around the anus;
- acute pain during defecation;
- feeling of incomplete bowel emptying;
- protruding hemorrhoidal cushions;
- discomfort;
- itching.
Do you observe such symptoms in yourself? Immediately seek help from a doctor. Remember that untreated hemorrhoidal disease can lead to severe complications.
Diagnosis of haemorrhoids
Many people delay their visit to the doctor, which is caused by shame or fear of examination. However, there is nothing to fear, and a medical consultation should be conducted as soon as possible for your health. Initially, you can visit a primary care physician, although they will most likely refer you to a proctologist, a specialist dealing with diseases of the anus.
Haemorrhoids are diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination of the abdomen and perineal areas, and external examination using a finger (per rectum examination). The assessment of external haemorrhoids is also essential. For full diagnostics, anoscopy is recommended, which involves examining the terminal part of the rectum using a speculum.
Treatment of haemorrhoids
The treatment of hemorrhoidal disease depends on the advancement of symptoms. In the initial phase, the focus should be on alleviating unpleasant symptoms. Warm baths in oak bark infusion or cold compresses around the anus are recommended. Conservative treatment involves using rectal suppositories, creams, and ointments with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent effects, and sometimes antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids. If such measures help, the patient must eliminate bad habits and change their behaviour to prevent the future recurrence of haemorrhoids.
When haemorrhoids become advanced, and their symptoms start to affect daily life significantly, surgical treatment may be necessary. Methods include sclerotherapy (injecting chemical agents that close the blood supply to the haemorrhoids), placing rubber bands on the haemorrhoids, or thermal energy coagulation. In extreme cases, hemorrhoidectomy, which involves cutting out the haemorrhoids, is performed.
Leeches for haemorrhoids
Patients suffering from haemorrhoids may find relief through leech therapy. Applying leeches can contribute to dissolving blood clots, as well as minimising the sensation of heat and reducing pain and swelling. Compounds found in leech saliva, such as anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, and anti-aggregation agents, also show beneficial effects. Check out other ailments treated with leeches.
Leeches are applied around the coccyx, sacrum, and pubic symphysis. The number of leeches is individually tailored and ranges from 2 to 8. For the best results, the treatment should be repeated several times at intervals of a few days.
The appropriateness of using leech therapy in treating haemorrhoids should be consulted with your attending physician. The specialist will rule out possible contraindications and advise on your case’s most practical combination of treatment methods.