Definition
The term "hemorrhoids" is intended to indicate - albeit improperly - a disorder characterized by "inflammation and" excessive dilation of the hemorrhoidal veins. This excessive dilation of the veins causes soft, highly vascularized bumps to form at the end of the rectum.
This disorder is particularly common in pregnant women.
Causes
The causes of hemorrhoids in pregnancy are many.
At the beginning of gestation, hormonal changes occur in the woman's body which favor the dilation of the hemorrhoids and, moreover, the uterus increases in volume and presses on the anorectal veins. , the veins become more and more fragile due to the increase in blood volume and the increased abdominal pressure. Furthermore, as we get closer to the term of pregnancy, the more we tend to limit physical activity, we are witnessing a stagnation of venous blood. The combination of all these factors can therefore lead to inflammation of the veins and swelling of the hemorrhoids, thus favoring the development of the disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms such as pain, burning, bleeding, swelling, itching, bleeding from the anal sphincter and anorectal heaviness may occur in patients with this disorder.
Furthermore - if not properly treated - hemorrhoids can lead to the onset of serious complications, such as anal fissures and anemia.
The information on Pregnancy Hemorrhoids - Drugs and Treatment is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Pregnancy Hemorrhoids - Drugs and Treatment.
Medicines
The drugs most used in the treatment of hemorrhoids are local anesthetics and corticosteroids. Generally, these drugs are found in association within pharmaceutical formulations suitable for local administration.
However, in pregnant women - if possible - always try to avoid the use of such medicines.
In milder cases of hemorrhoids, the expectant mother is usually advised to make some simple lifestyle changes in an attempt to solve the problem without the help of drugs. More specifically, patients are advised to take plenty of fluids. , to increase the amount of fiber consumed through one's diet (in such a way as to facilitate evacuation) and to carry out regular physical exercise to favor the return of venous blood to the heart and to stimulate regular intestinal motility.
An "accurate anal hygiene is also very important, to be maintained by carrying out regular washing with warm water and acid soaps.
In the event that it is still necessary to resort to pharmacological treatment, however, the administration of non-steroidal anti-haemorrhoids for topical use can be considered.
The following are the drugs most used in the therapy against hemorrhoids in pregnancy and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Non-steroidal antihemorrhoids
If the behavioral precautions mentioned above are not sufficient to solve the problem of haemorrhoids in pregnancy, it is possible to resort to the use of non-steroidal anti-haemorrhoids.
More specifically, we are talking about a particular compound: the cell extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (the same yeast that can be used for bread making and for the production of wine and beer).
The cell extract of this yeast - known under the trade name of "Preparation H ®" - is available in pharmaceutical formulations suitable for rectal application (ointment and suppositories) with specific indications for the treatment of hemorrhoids, even during pregnancy.
When using the ointment, it is recommended to administer the product rectally through the special applicator two or three times a day, if possible, after each bowel movement. In addition to the inside, the ointment should also be applied to the outside area.
When suppositories are used, however, it is advisable to use 2-3 a day, if possible, always after having evacuated.
Corticosteroids and local anesthetics
As mentioned, we usually try to avoid the use of corticosteroids and local anesthetics for the treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnancy.
However, your doctor may decide to prescribe these drugs if they deem it absolutely necessary.
Among the various active ingredients that can be used, we remember:
- Fluocinolone (Proctolyn ®): For the treatment of hemorrhoids, fluocinolone is available in combination with ketocaine (a local anesthetic), in the form of a rectal cream and suppositories.
Its use in pregnancy can be carried out only after consulting the doctor who will have to make a careful evaluation of the relationship between the potential benefits expected for the mother and the potential risks that the fetus may encounter.
