Many are interested in the name of the vessel doctor. Let's figure it out.
The existence of vein diseases was not a secret even in ancient Egypt, and there is even evidence that the Egyptians were quite successfully developing methods of treating these pathologies. Medicine has since stepped forward, and now there are modern methods used by specialists. But, it turns out to treat different types of vessels, diverse doctors are required. In this article, we will talk about a doctor on vessels or a phlebologist, we will tell you who it is and what it does.
Which doctor should I go to?
To begin with, we will briefly talk about which doctors need to seek help in case of vascular pathologies. With diseases of the coronary vessels, the help of a cardiologist is necessary. For problems with arterial circulation, consult an angiologist. In case of violations in the work of the vessels of the brain, a neurologist examination is necessary. In addition, many venous and arterial pathologies, as well as impaired lymph node function, require the intervention of a vascular surgeon. The inflammatory process of the vascular walls, causing diseases of the connective tissues, is treated by a rheumatologist. But a specialist dealing with vein problems is called a phlebologist. Thus, the treatment of vascular diseases may require the participation of a variety of specialists. In addition to those listed above, you may need to consult a specialist such as a dermatologist, immunologist, oncologist, allergist, or surgeon. But today we’ll talk about the doctor's blood vessels (or phlebologist) and diseases of the veins.
What diseases does a phlebologist treat and what does phlebology do?
Phlebology is a branch of medicine that studies the functional structure of veins and is developing new methods for the treatment of venous diseases, as well as diagnostic and preventive measures. This is a very specific area in medicine, specializing in pathology of the veins of the lower extremities. Recently, this direction has received a new impetus in development. The modern realities of our lives in the form of regular stresses, poor ecology, bad habits and overwork become the causes of many diseases.
But a few decades ago, some diseases were not even familiar to specialists, not to mention ordinary people. That is why, in recent years, doctors have noted a wide spread of diseases of various blood vessels, namely varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis and thrombosis. For the treatment of such pathologies, there is a highly specialized doctor - a phlebologist. His competence includes the diagnosis of venous diseases, the treatment of disorders of various localization, as well as the prevention of venous diseases. In our country, over 20 years ago, the Association of Phlebologists was created - a professional community of doctors whose practical and scientific interests relate to diseases of these vessels.
When is the help of this specialist needed?
This doctor should be consulted if there are some symptoms, expressed by swelling of the lower extremities, heaviness and tiredness of the legs by the end of the day, burning and pain in the legs, night cramps of the calf muscles, the appearance of a characteristic purple vascular network, protruding veins on the legs. All these are signs of varicose veins. Unfortunately, this disease is difficult to treat, progressing rapidly, so the help of a specialist is needed at an early stage.
There is also a pediatric phlebologist who treats children.
About varicose veins
It is very important if such diseases are present in the anamnesis, immediately consult a doctor so that he prescribes preventive measures to prevent the development of inflammatory processes that provoke the formation of blood clots. Varicose veins of the lower extremities is the most common, but by no means the only variety of this disease. The disease can also affect the vessels of the pelvis, genitals, esophagus, intestines. It is extremely difficult to diagnose pelvic varicose veins. Basically, this pathology occurs in women aged 17 to 45 years. Symptoms in most cases are not specific and may be characteristic of other diseases.
The main causes of the disease
Varicose veins can occur due to:
- lifestyle or work that are associated with heavy loads, prolonged stay in one position (standing or sitting) or constantly high ambient temperature;
- a significant increase in body weight;
- hereditary predisposition;
- hormonal effects (pregnancy and hormonal intake);
- obstacles in the outflow of blood (blood clots, tumors);
- stress and emotional distress;
- arterial-venous anastomoses (pressure in the flow of arterial blood cells);
- sports overload (weight lifting);
- uncomfortable clothes and shoes.
When to go to the doctor?
It is necessary to alert yourself and plan a trip to the doctor through the vessels in the following cases:
- For pain in the lower abdomen.
- With discharge from the genitals.
- With severe abdominal pain during menstruation.
- In case of urination disorders.
- With pain in the genital area.
- If you notice a widening of the veins in the perineum, on the hips and buttocks.
In most cases, women attribute these symptoms to gynecological problems, it does not occur to anyone that the problem is in varicose veins, and a phlebologist needs to be consulted.
Establishing diagnosis
At the initial treatment of the patient, the doctor visually examines him and appoints a comprehensive examination, including laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods. According to the results of the studies, and having analyzed the patient’s history, the specialist makes a diagnosis. Briefly tell about some specific events specifically for varicose veins.
Blood analysis
At the consultation, the phlebologist will definitely prescribe a blood test - a coagulogram. Using it, you can get information about prothrombin time (activity of factors and coagulation rate); the quantity and quality of fibrinogen; thrombin time (the rate at which fibrinogen converts to fibrin); about the prothrombin index (the ratio of the prothrombin time of the patient’s blood and the same indicator in the control plasma sample).
Hardware Research
In addition, in this situation, hardware diagnostic tests are required. For example, carrying out dopplerography of blood vessels, triplex scanning, contrast x-ray (it is also called phlebography). It is necessary to evaluate venous blood flow. This is done using phleboscintigraphy (a very accurate and minimally invasive modern method). A thorough measurement of pressure in the veins is also carried out using a method such as phlebomanometry.
What else does the doctor do in the vessels?
Treatment methods
The technique for treating venous diseases depends on a whole list of factors. The severity of the general condition of the patient, and the severity of the disease, as well as the volume of localization of the expansion of the veins, are taken into account. In today's medical practice, there are several methods for the treatment of varicose veins:
- Conservative treatment. The patient receives medications and topical agents (cream, ointment or gel). The services of a phlebologist are now in great demand.
- The use of compression hosiery. Patients with varicose veins are assigned to wear special elastic underwear, which helps to normalize blood flow and prevents swelling from forming, alleviating the patient's condition.
- Sclerotherapy. This method is used to treat disorders of the small veins. The procedure is carried out after careful research and only if there are no contraindications. It looks like this: a special medication is injected into the vessel, gluing its walls. The vein is thus excreted from the circulatory system.
- Method of surgical intervention. Surgery in this case means phlebectomy, as well as miniflebectomy (this method is considered less traumatic). The operation is performed by a surgeon-phlebologist and it consists in removing the affected area of ​​the vein.
- Laser coagulation method. This operation is performed without the use of a scalpel and can only be performed with respect to perforating and superficial veins. By thermal action of the laser beam on the inner walls of the vessels, the veins are closed or obliterated. The method is contraindicated in atherosclerosis, anemia, renal and heart failure, increased blood coagulation.
According to reviews, Russian phlebologists are appreciated all over the world.
Self-medication is unacceptable
Regarding the methods of treatment, it should be said that many patients, before coming to the specialist, try to be treated independently, which naturally leads to disastrous results. Folk myth-making attributes miraculous properties to cabbage leaves, plantain, various infusions and decoctions, as well as urinotherapy and hirudotherapy. In the case of pathologies of the veins, all this does not work, and at best it simply will not do harm, and at worst it will greatly complicate the situation. If all of these alternative medicine remedies helped, then doctors would have used them long ago so as not to have surgery. But operations are still carried out, and phlebologists are constantly looking for new effective methods to alleviate the condition of patients. While experiments are continuing on their own health, the disease develops and progresses further. Only the best phlebologists in Moscow with extensive experience are able to eliminate this ailment. Among such specialists, one should definitely mention experienced phlebologists, such as G.G. Chuyko, A.I. Danilov, A.V. Savina, and others.
Summary
In conclusion, it is necessary to mention that the presence of special doctors who deal specifically with vascular problems is certainly encouraging. However, one should not forget that the responsibility for the safety and health of the vessels lies with the patients themselves. And doctors do not get tired of repeating to us that even with a genetic predisposition to certain diseases, the patient's condition can be adjusted by means of preventive measures. But the sooner you take up prevention, the more favorable the prognosis can be given by specialists regarding the development of pathology. Well, and, of course, we must not forget about the lifestyle that you lead. The habit of smoking and low activity will negate all preventive measures, and treatment will not give the desired result.
Now we know the name of the vessel doctor.