Exercising prevents hemorrhoidal problems
Berlin, July 18, 2011 – Summer time – many people like to sunbathe, travel out of town or look forward to doing some sports and outdoor exercise. But not all of us can enjoy the long-awaited pool visit or bike tour. For those who suffer from hemorrhoidal problems, sweaty physical activities may become the ultimate challenge. Quite a few people have this problem – experts assume that more than 50 percent of people over the age of 50 have had symptoms related to hemorrhoidal disease at some point in their lives. The discomfort results from a disproportionate enlargement of the vascular cushions at the end of the rectum.1 A new information service on www.hemorrhoid-help.com provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about sports, travelling and hemorrhoidal disease. The website was set up to raise awareness about the disease, provide comprehensive information and encourage people to see a physician, get a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment.
Physical activity is to be highly recommended as an important means, among others, of preventing hemorrhoidal disease, according to Dr. Alexander Rothaar, proctologist and sports physician in Germany. Exercising improves blood circulation, thus reducing the increased blood pressure in the hemorrhoidal plexus, which eventually leads to the enlargement of hemorrhoid veins and the annoying symptoms.
“We do encourage patients to go swimming or hiking when the disease is still in the early stages. However, lifting heavy weights or workouts that exert axial strain on the spinal column and put the pelvis under pressure may not be appropriate”, said Dr. Rothhaar, one of the experts providing advice for the creation of www.hemorrhoid-help.com.
With mild forms of hemorrhoidal disease, running and biking may be also possible, provided that proper running shoes with good cushioning features are selected and, in the case of cycling, the design of the saddle helps to reduce pelvic strain. Patients should also take care to keep the affected anal area clean, to drink enough and keep to a healthy diet. Combining these measures with an appropriate topical treatment will ensure that patients can enjoy their planned activities even with mild hemorrhoid problems.
In advanced hemorrhoidal disease, however, Dr. Rothhaar advises against workouts. “In these patients it is of the utmost importance first to get the hemorrhoidal problems under control. Once patients feel better, they may want to keep up with their usual fitness program, after a discussion with their doctor.” The patient should therefore definitely see her/his doctor if anal bleeding or discomfort in the anal region that persists for several days is detected. After conducting a thorough examination the physician will discuss the appropriate therapeutic options; and advice on appropriate sporting activities. “The sooner you consult your physician, the better your chances are of getting rid of your annoying problem quickly,” said Dr. Rothhaar.
Additional information: symptoms and stages of hemorrhoidal disease
When people talk about hemorrhoids, they usually mean hemorrhoidal disease or piles. Piles occur when the hemorrhoidal cushions, which are part of the normal human anatomy, become enlarged and/or inflamed, and/or in severe cases protrude through the anus to the outside. These anatomical changes may be associated with bleeding, itching, swelling, pain and may sometimes lead to a severe impairment of quality of life.
Piles can be graded into four different stages depending on how far they have progressed. First-degree piles do not prolapse, they stay in the cavity of the anal canal but bleeding may occur during defecation. A diagnosis can only be made following an examination of the anal canal (anoscopy). On the other hand, stage-4 piles which are responsible for the skin irritation and/or itching are associated with the more severe anal prolapse.2
References:
1 Madoff RD, Fleshman JW. American gastroenterological association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology 2004:126,5:1463-1473.
2 Sneider EB, Maykel JA Diagnosis and Management of Symptomatic Hemorrhoids.Surg Clin N Am 2010;90:17–32.
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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).
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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 EUR 16.9 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 (Dec 31, 2010) and is represented in more than 100 countries. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com.
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E-Mail: yvonne.moeller@bayer.com
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