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Haemorrhoids
What are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lining of the lower part of the rectum and anus. They are caused by an increase in pressure within the rectum and anus such as during pregnancy, due to pressure of the enlarged uterus, and straining due to constipation.
This causes the swollen veins to become permanently dilated, swollen and inflamed. Haemorrhoids can be internal within the lining of the lower rectum and anal canal, or external, which surround the anus. Internal haemorrhoids are made up of blood vessels, supporting connective tissue and smooth muscle. They are usually pain free but can cause bleeding and may also become prolapsed when protrude into the anal canal and can cause problems. External haemorrhoids may also bleed if they become thrombosed, which is when there is bleeding within the haemorrhoid and the blood clots. External haemorrhoids may cause itching due to irritation of the surrounding skin, but this may also be due to rectal or anal fissures, which are small tears or cuts in the anal or rectal canal through which stools are passed. Muscle spasm is also a symptom of haemorrhoids, which can be painful.
Treatment for haemorrhoids
Treatments for haemorrhoids are available as an ointment applied to the anal area or as a suppository that is inserted into the rectum. Haemorrhoid treatments usually combine a corticosteroid anti-inflammatory with a local anaesthetic to treat the inflammation and pain associated with haemorrhoids. The corticosteroid inhibits the formation of inflammatory chemicals like interleukins that stimulate the formation of other inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins. This reduces pain and swelling, associated with inflammation. The anaesthetic component acts locally to reduce pain, discomfort and itching.
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Nasal Sprays
Allergic rhinitis
Hay fever is a more common term for one form of allergic rhinitis, and is a seasonal allergy to pollen. The same symptoms can be caused by perennial allergy to year-round allergens such as animal dander, mould and house dust mites. Symptoms include runny itchy nose, sneezing, tearing, itchy, red, puffy eyes and nasal congestion, due to local inflammation caused by the allergic reaction. All these symptoms can affect daytime alertness and cause problems sleeping.
Antihistamine nasal sprays
The antihistamine azelastine works by binding to histamine (H1) receptors in the cells of the nasal passages and blocks the action of histamine, a chemical released from mast cells in response to allergens like pollen. Azelastine also acts directly on the mast cells to reduce the amount of histamine released. A nasal spry provides fast-acting medication at the site where it is needed; it takes effect rapidly within 15 minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Corticosteroids used in nasal sprays include triamcinolone, mometasone, beclomethasone and fluticasone. These corticosteroids are used as topical anti-inflammatories and work by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes in the nasal passages. This action reduces symptoms of inflammation, like mucus production, swelling and irritation, which helps relieve symptoms of allergy including runny itchy nose, nasal congestion and sneezing.
Mometasone is also used to treat nasal polyps, which are growths in the nose that often develop at the same time as allergic rhinitis and are thought to be caused by the allergy.
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Omega Pharma
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Novo Nordisk
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Neoceuticals
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