Medical leeches. Contraindications for use

The first written mention of the treatment with leeches is associated with the name of the famous Imhotep. The flourishing of hirudotherapy began in the 18th century, when Russia exported medical leeches along with grains . Contraindications in those days were not discussed. It was just fashionable. And then another boom.

Meet - Hirudo medicinalis

Medical leech - annel worm (length up to 12 cm.). Dorsal surface greenish with black dots and orange strips. Has 3 movable chitinous jaws, 5 pairs of eyes.

The natural habitat of medicinal leeches is freshwater in Europe and Asia. The food for her is the blood of large mammals that come into the water. Due to the presence of hirudin in her saliva, which prevents normal blood coagulation, after the leeches blood sores for a long time.

On our planet there are about 400 species of leeches, but only the medical and some of its subtypes (pharmacies and medicines) are used for medicinal purposes.

Indications for the use of hirudotherapy can be various diseases: infertility, arthritis, digestive problems, circulatory disorders, varicose veins and many others. Achieving the therapeutic effect is due to the activation of the protective mechanisms of the body. With proper use of hirudotherapy, no side effects were observed.

It turns out that you can all put leeches?

Contraindications for hirudotherapy are as extensive as the indications. And they flow from the biological nature of the leech to the medical. On each of the three jaws there are from 70 to 100 chitinous denticles. The ducts of the salivary glands located between them secrete a secret that prevents blood clotting.

In diseases related to blood flow disorders - angiogemophilia, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhagic diathesis and coagulopathy, it is strictly forbidden to use such a remedy as leeches.

Contraindications to hirudotherapy:

• Iron-deficiency anemia;
• hypotension;
• Exhaustion;
• Acute cardiovascular insufficiency;
• Disorders of cerebral circulation;
• Heart attack;
• Mental illness ;
• Unexplained fever;
• oncological diseases;
• Children's age to 7 years.

It is extremely cautious to use in pregnancy, diabetes, pancreatitis. When parasitic infestations with caution put leeches. Contraindications to hirudotherapy are not only illnesses, but also physiological conditions, especially the female body. After the birth of a child, with menstruation or shortly before it, leeches can increase bleeding. After cesarean section hirudotherapy is contraindicated for 4 months.

The list of contraindications can be extended by an extremely negative attitude of the patient to leeches. And also it is not recommended to use them in case there is a possibility of cosmetic defects from their application. In this case, it is better to apply a cream with leeches (based on piyavit). The modern market of medical cosmetics counts dozens of similar preparations for various parts of the body, from the face to the legs.

The severity of contraindications obliges doctors and patients to pay proper attention to hirudotherapy. Treatment with leeches should be started only after a complete laboratory examination and consultation with the treating doctor.