Break the Taboo – Talk with your Doctor about your Hemorrhoid Problems!
Berlin, Germany, March 14, 2011 - When people talk about hemorrhoids, they usually mean hemorrhoidal disease or piles. But many people don't talk about their problems because they are embarrassed - problems with hemorrhoids are still a taboo topic.
The new website www.hemorrhoid-help.com wants to raise disease awareness, provide comprehensive information and encourage people to see a physician and get a proper diagnosis followed by the right treatment.
Breaking the taboo
On the homepage of the new website visitors can enjoy three
episodes of a humorous cartoon. The "behinds" of the characters talk to each other, sharing fears and finally finding the courage to see their general practitioner or a specialist.
The taboo is still deeply engraved in people's minds. Experts assume that more than 50 percent of Americans over the age of 50 have had symptoms related to hemorrhoidal disease at some point in their lives . For Europe similar data have been reported and a German study reveals that 20 percent of the patients suffered more than five years from hemorrhoidal disease before they finally got the right treatment . Since the disease can occur at any age between 18 and 90 years affecting women and men with equal frequency, it is crucial to provide targeted information through efficient channels.
The new disease awareness website www.hemorrhoid-help.com helps visitors to find detailed information on hemorrhoidal disease, such as symptoms, topical treatments and representative case studies . Interested people can conduct an online self test consisting of 10 questions. The printable results of the ‘Hemorrhoid-Check' provide first and general hints and should be discussed with a physician. Moreover, the website offers a list of basic questions to help prepare for a doctor's visit and the upcoming conversation.
“Stop sitting on your symptoms” and talk to a doctor!
Among the general public it is quite common to attribute pain and discomfort in the anal region to piles. However, there are many other conditions which may simultaneously be present or cause similar symptoms. The diagnosis should therefore always be left to a physician.
People, who assume they have hemorrhoidal disease, also use self-medication frequently. The new website www.hemorrhoid-help.com provides an overview on therapeutic options and the effectiveness of topical treatments, such as creams, ointments or suppositories4. Nevertheless, patients should keep in mind, the sooner they consult a physician the better are their chances of receiving effective treatment and getting rid of their annoying problems quickly.
Additional information: Anatomy and risk factors
Hemorrhoids are a natural anatomical structure and contribute to the fine adjustment of anal closure playing an important role in stool control . Piles occur when the hemorrhoidal cushions become enlarged and in severe cases protrude through the anus to the outside5. These anatomical changes may be associated with bleeding, inflammation, itching, swelling and pain and may sometimes lead to a severe impairment of quality of life. Several risk factors have been identified, such as age, genetic predisposition, drinking insufficient amount of water, chronic constipation, overweight, pregnancy and laxative abuse.
About Bayer‘s Dermatology unit
The Dermatology unit of Bayer is an integrated pharmaceutical business with its headquarters in Berlin, Germany, dedicated to offer solutions to treat skin diseases with an annual sales of EUR 300 million (2010). Dermatology is part of Bayer HealthCare and focuses on the development, manufacturing and marketing of high quality, innovative topical therapies. The current product portfolio comprises treatments of eczematous disorders including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, hemorrhoidal disease and fungal skin infections (mycoses).
Find out more at www.dermatology.bayer.com
About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of more than EUR 16.913 billion (2010), is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 55.700 employees and is represented in more than 100 countries. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com.
Contact:
Yvonne Moeller, Tel. +49 30 520075-650
E-Mail: yvonne.moeller@bayer.com
ym (2011-0002E)
References
The society of surgery of the alimentary tract: accessible at: http://www.ssat.com/cgi-bin/hemorr.cgi
Johanson JF and Sonnenberg A. (1990): The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. An epidemiologic study. Gastroenterology. 98(2), 380-386
Stein E. (1988): Zeitgemäße Behandlung von Hämorrhoidalleiden, Dt. Dermatologe 36, Heft 3
Abramowitz L. et al (2010): The Diagnosis and Management of Haemorrhoidal Disease from a Global Perspective, Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 31 (Suppl. 1), 1-58
Sneider EB. and Maykel JA. (2010): Diagnosis and Management of Symptomatic Hemorrhoids, Surg Clin N Am, 90,17-32
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