Chronic venous disease –⁠ what to advice at the pharmacy?

Overview

In practice, it is quite common to encounter patients who come to the pharmacy because of problems associated with chronic venous disease. They complain, for example, of a feeling of heavy legs, tingling, pain or swelling of the lower limbs. Chronic venous disease is often underestimated, even though it can significantly reduce the quality of life and bring other complications. It is therefore important to start treatment as early as possible, as early-stage therapy tends to be more effective and cost-effective compared to more advanced conditions. Considering that the severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the degree of venous system impairment, it is advisable for even patients with mild problems to consult their condition with a doctor. Conservative treatment consists of three complementary components –⁠ compression therapy, lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy. In addition to the conservative approach, there are also surgical methods that are the only ones able to remove the cause of the disease. However, their disadvantage is the relatively frequent recurrence. The aim of this article is to familiarize readers with the issue of chronic venous disease and present tools with which we can help patients at the pharmacy. These primarily include selecting appropriate compression aid, adjusting lifestyle habits, and recommending over-the-counter medication.

Keywords:

chronic venous disease – CEAP classification – venopharmaceuticals – compression therapy