Getting to the bottom of hemorrhoids

MANILA, Philippines - Piles, bum-grapes, lever-arches, chalfonts, nobbys and Nurembergs. All of these refer to a single thing: haemorrhoids or almoranas. These are the swollen or inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum. But while the condition may cause discomfort and pain, most people may be too embarrassed to admit that they suffer from it to seek medical treatment. In part, this is due to the fact that haemorrhoids have long been the subject of wisecracks and bar humor.

However, haemorrhoids may be more common than most people think. Dr. Peter MY Goh, general and laparoscopic surgeon at the Advance Surgical Group in Singapore and founding member of the International Federation of Societies of Endoscopic Surgeons who was in Manila recently, says that the figures show that one in three Singaporeans has had haemorrhoids. The estimated prevalence in the United States is from 25 to 40 percent of the population, and in the Philippines, the estimate is that 40-60 percent of the population have suffered from piles. He explains that haemorrhoids may be classified as external, meaning they are located in the skin around the anus; or internal when they develop in the lower rectum. The piles may eventually shrink, but it can also happen that the internal type of piles will prolapse or protrude outside the rectum. These may be irritated by clothing or during the course of bowel movement, resulting in itching, bleeding or pain. According to Dr. Goh, another effect of a severe case of piles is that the anal cushions that seal the anal canal are damaged. This may result in inconvenient and embarrassing episodes of anal leakage or incontinence.

First-degree haemorrhoids are characterized by bleeding. In the second degree, these are lumpy and discernible. Third- and fourth-degree haemorrhoids are those which have prolapsed externally, and at the fourth degree of exacerbation, they can no longer be pushed back into the rectum.

What predisposes an individual to piles? “Inadequate fiber in the diet is one culprit because it is the main cause of constipation. Pregnancy, childbirth, chronic diarrhea, sitting and straining in the toilet for long periods of time have also been linked to the condition,” says Dr. Goh.

Undoubtedly, however, prevention is always better than cure. Drinking enough water and eating a diet rich in fiber prevents constipation, the leading cause of piles. Our advantage is that while we may not be able to eat what is good for us all of the time, there are convenient and natural formulas available on the market.

The newly-launched product PowerMed Colon Clear encompasses the all-natural, multi-botanical herbal supplement which contains a wide array of 13 different plant extracts such as psyllium seed, psyllium husk, guar gum, apple pectin, to name a few. It comes in capsule form that contains fiber, prebiotics and probiotics to cleanse the colon and promote the growth of healthy bacterial flora. PowerMed Colon Clear reduces cholesterol levels, controls inflammation, and reduces the symptoms of haemorrhoids. According to Dr. Goh, this product is most beneficial to patients suffering from haemorrhoids because it prevents constipation and helps restore normal bowel function. He also added that PowerMed Colon Clear is helpful for those patients who have been surgically treated for haemorrhoids so as not to strain the anal region.

This product is manufactured in Canada for PowerMed International Singapore and is marketed locally by Dyna Drug Corporation.

For more information about PowerMed Colon Clear, call (02)401-53 91.