Various Conditions That Cause Anal Pain

Introduction

This type of pain is common and affects the rectum and anus. The rectum is part of the large intestine, ending in the final point known as the anus. Anus is the endpoint through which stool is passed out of the body. Anal pain is a common complaint in most people. Patients with this condition hesitate to see doctor due to the place where the pain occurs. A good healthcare provider will help to resolve the pain.

This is a treatable condition, and one should not panic unnecessarily. It does not cause any life-threatening problems. The pain at the anus and rectal area may vary from mild pain or discomfort to sharp shooting pain. The pain is felt to be severe because many nerves endings are present at the anus. Anal pain occurs mainly before bowel movement, during the bowel movement or after the bowel movement. The duration and type of pain depend on the cause of anal pain.

What Are the Different Conditions That Cause Anal Pain?

Many conditions cause anal pain but main causes are:

• Itching Sensation in the Anus: It is a common condition seen in patients. Initially, the itching is a small discomfort, progressing to pain over the anus. It is also known as pruritus ani. It may be due to any constant irritation to that specific area. It is more commonly seen when patients have diarrhea, hemorrhoids, or any fungal infection of the anus. Identifying the appropriate cause and treatment will resolve the pain.

• Atrophy of the Skin and Muscles: In older individuals, skin and muscles over the anus and rectum become weak. It leads to the development of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a very common cause of anal pain. It is usually known as piles. Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed blood vessels seen at the anus and rectum. A rupture of the piles will lead to severe bleeding and anal pain. The hemorrhoids usually are present internally or externally. It normally appears as a lump or swelling in that area and usually presents as bloody stools. After the bowel movement, bleeding from the rectum is noted. The hemorrhoids can be treated by eating a high-fiber diet, using painkillers to relieve pain, using ointments to apply over the hemorrhoids, and sitz bath (a warm, shallow bath that helps to get relief from anal pain). A shallow basin is fitted over the closet seat, filling with warm water. The patient is asked to sit in that, so it helps clean the anal area and relieve the pain.

• Cancer of the Anus: Any growth at the anus, benign or malignant, will lead to pain in the anal region. The occurrence rate is less when compared to other cancers. It usually appears as a tissue mass at the rectal and anus area. Profuse bleeding, sharp shooting pain, and itching are the signs of anal cancer. The cause of anal cancer is the human papillomavirus, which is sexually transmitted. It is usually diagnosed and treated. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and excision of the small area if needed.

• Anal Fissures: These are small tears on the skin over the anus. This condition occurs at any age. The main cause of this is chronic constipation and passing out hard stools. A small tear occurs when pressure is put on the anal area to move the hard stools. A sharp and severe stabbing anal pain is observed if the tear occurs. In addition, burning sensations and bleeding is seen after passing the stool. Anal fissures can be acute or chronic. The treatment aims to prevent further tearing and promote healing of the anal region. Hard stool, which is the main cause, is made soft by treating the patient with stool softeners. In addition, a diet rich in high fiber content helps to pass stools easily. To get relief from anal pain, medications and sitz baths are often prescribed.

• Abscess Present in the Anus: The pus gets filled into the cavity adjacent to anus and rectum, forming an anal abscess. In addition, the clogging with fecal matter and bacteria adds to the formation of an abscess. Symptoms of an anal abscess include a throbbing type of anal pain while sitting, pus discharge, infection, fever, chills, swelling in the anal area, and blood passing along with the stool. Anal abscesses get converted to anal fistula in later stages. An anal abscess can be diagnosed based on medical history and clinical examination. Treatment for an anal abscess is drainage of the abscess under local anesthesia. After the procedure, antibiotics and painkillers are given for better healing and pain relief.

• Fistula Present in the Anus: It is a connection between the anal canal and the skin of the anus. It appears as an abnormal tunnel between the two areas. It is characterized by pain and swelling in the anal region, fever, chills, and tiredness. It is difficult for the patients to sit upright if anal fistula is present. A healthcare provider will help cure the anal fistula. The healthcare worker makes the diagnosis and decides on the treatment modality from patient's history and physical examination of the region. The doctor will ask for some diagnostic procedures to know the extent of involvement of the anal fistula. It is done with the help of ultrasound, MRI, and anoscope. An anoscope helps to view the anal canal. Anal fistula is treated with symptomatic treatment to relieve anal pain. First, medications like antibiotics and painkillers are given to relieve the pain. Then, after the pain subsides, surgical treatment modalities are considered.

What Are the Diseases That Are Transmitted Sexually?

Certain diseases are transmitted by sex. If the infection is present, it will lead to pain, swelling, and redness. Usually, transmitted diseases are Human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes. The pain is severe; bowel movement does not accompany it. The main aim is to eliminate the pain and infection present at the site. For that, antibiotics and topical creams are prescribed. If a virus causes the infection, there is no proper cure; only symptomatic treatment with painkillers is possible. The only method to prevent these diseases is the use of condoms. Minor causes are:

1. When inflammation occurs in the prostate gland, it can be a reason for causing anal pain.

2. In certain conditions, there will be sharp severe pain in the anal region, which lasts only a few minutes and can cause anal pain.

3. When muscle spasm occurs over the anal area, a pressure sensation is felt in the anal region. It leads to pain around the anal area.

4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an intestinal disorder that causes inflammation, pain, and bleeding in the digestive tract, including the rectum. It will also cause anal pain.

When Is It Necessary to Visit a Doctor?

Many conditions that lead to anal pain resolve on their own. Therefore, if anal pain occurs occasionally, it does not need much attention. However, help from the doctor should be sought when there is severe throbbing or stabbing anal pain, pus discharge, abnormal growth, difficulty in passing stool, and blood is present in stools.

How to Prevent Anal Pain Occurrence?

Anal pain can be prevented by:

• Having a high fiber-rich diet which helps in the formation of soft stools.

• An intake of fluids in the form of water or juices helps in bowel movement.

• Routine exercise helps in bowel movement and prevents anal pain.

• Ice packs or cubes can be placed in the area for pain relief temporarily.

Conclusion:

Anal pain is a common pain and is a treatable condition and can occur before, during, or after passing stools. The pain can be mild initially and later progress to a pain that can interfere with one’s daily activities. If anal pain does not relieve within 24 to 48 hours, seeking the doctor’s help and opinion at the earliest helps find out the cause and aids in treatment and a good prognosis. Anal pain is rarely a life-threatening situation.