Pain in the anus
Pain in the anus, also called proctalgia, is caused by various diseases in the area of the anus and rectum. They are accompanied by symptoms such as itching, pain and bleeding in the area. The treatment is carried out depending on the cause and severity.
What is pain?
Pain in the anus is pain in the area. The disease, which is also called proctalgia in medical jargon, can have many causes. Often it is problems with bowel movements, incorrect intimate hygiene or skin-irritating products that trigger the pain. Depending on the type of cause, the diagnosis and later the treatment are made. In almost all cases, pain in the anus can be prevented by appropriate measures. The course of the disease is usually positive, but the pain in the anus can also be based on a serious illness.
Causes
Pain in the anus has a wide variety of causes. Usually it is problems with bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation that lead to pain. Incorrect intimate hygiene is also a common trigger. If the area is cleaned poorly or excessively, it can lead to injuries to the anus, which triggers pain and often other diseases.Furthermore, pain in the anus can be caused by diseases in the area. For example, hemorrhoids, fissures or intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. cancer and rectal cancer can also lead to severe pain in rare cases. Likewise, worm diseases such as a bovine tapeworm infection or sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts or syphilis.
Diseases
- cancer
- Rectal cancer
When to see a doctor?
For many people, pain in the anus is fraught with shame – especially here, an early visit to the doctor can prevent numerous diseases. Even milder complaints can usually be treated quickly and painlessly.
Especially if additional blood appears on the toilet paper, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor. Behind this could be complaints such as a hemorrhoidal disease, fine cracks in the mucous membrane (so-called fissures) or an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease. The same applies to any nodules that appear in the area and are often accompanied by pain.
Basically, even without blood in the stool, a doctor should be consulted as soon as the pain in the anus becomes so severe that the everyday life of those affected is restricted, for example by limited ability to sit or a painful toilet visit. Even if there is no improvement in pain after a few days, it is advisable to consult a physician. The right doctor for ailments in the area is the proctologist, but the family doctor can also be consulted first.
Diagnosis and course
Pain in the anus can clearly be attributed to an underlying disease or cause. The diagnosis is made by a proctologist, who examines the anus and carries out an anamnesis with the patient. Questions are asked about the severity of the pain, possible itching and other side effects. The first occurrence of the symptoms and possible underlying diseases are also inquired.
The physical examination takes place on an examination table. The doctor checks whether hemorrhoids, anal fissures or inflammation are present. During the rectal examination, the anus is examined for changes. The doctor can also use a proctoscope with which he can examine the anal canal more closely. If there is a concrete suspicion, further investigations can be carried out. For example a colonoscopy , a rectoscopy or an Allergy Test . Biopsies can also be done to determine the cause.
Following these examinations, the proctologist or gastroenterologist (specialist in internal medicine) can make a clear diagnosis and initiate treatment directly. The course of the pain depends heavily on the underlying disease and the treatment. Slight anal fissures disappear after a few days with appropriate treatment, while haemorrhoids can also occur chronically. With appropriate treatment, however, the course is extremely positive here as well. Only serious intestinal diseases and tumors can have serious consequences. If they are not recognized in time, they can, in the worst case, lead to death.
treatment and therapy
Pain in the anus is treated depending on the underlying cause. It is often sufficient to use ointments, suppositories, enemas or other preparations that contain Anti-inflammatory agents . Cortisone , lidocaine, and antibiotics are particularly effective. If hemorrhoids are the cause of the pain in the anus, sclerotherapy can be useful. The hemorrhoids are sclerosed, which usually means that the symptoms also disappear. Surgical removal of the knots can also be useful in this case.
Lighter ailments can be treated by sitz baths with Chamomile or Tea Tree Oil . However, treatments of this type should be discussed with the doctor, since some active ingredients can trigger allergic reactions. Malignant tumors have to be removed surgically or as part of chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy . In this case, the pain in the anus is only a side effect that is treated with Painkillers .
The same applies to worm diseases. Only after the underlying disease has been cured is the damage to the anal area treated with appropriate medication. Depending on the underlying disease, an operation may also be necessary. In addition to treatment, the causes should be determined. A positive allergy test should be taken as a reason to remove the relevant substances from the household. In order to avoid a recurrence of pain in the anus, it can also make sense to take better care of the anal area and use soft toilet paper.
Prevention
Anal problems and especially pain in the anus can be prevented in most cases. It often helps to eat a high-fiber Diet and drink enough fluids. This softens the stool and protects the anus. It can also make sense to do without hard toilet paper to avoid injuries in the anal area.Finally, proper personal hygiene is important. Normally it is sufficient to wash the anus regularly with water. Special lotions for the intimate area, on the other hand, are not necessary. If pain occurs in the anus, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can avoid side effects and possible secondary diseases. If the pain is due to a tumor, rapid therapy is vital anyway.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.