HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyanal leakageI have been experiencing anal leakage since I started taking PPIs for gastritis three years back. How can I overcome it?

What are the methods to treat anal leakage?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At December 2, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have an issue with rectal watery discharge, which may occasionally be visible outside of my trousers. It all started three years ago when I was diagnosed with gastritis and was prescribed PPIs (proton pump inhibitor). After seeing a couple of doctors and being prescribed antibiotics, probiotics, and other medications, my condition persisted. Only Saccharomyces boulardii made it better but did not heal. Back then, I also took Norland's Pro Fibre Plus (dietary fiber), which solved my problem but gave me so much diarrhea that I had to quit. Could you assist me with this? I also have my medical file, which I may submit for extra information.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Hello,

I have studied your case history, including a prescription or note from your treating physician describing your local examination and colonoscopy recommendations.

Rectal watery discharge can be caused by a leaky anal sphincter, a minor anal fissure, erosions caused by diarrhea or excessively rubbing tissue papers at the anal verge to clean it. I agree with probiotics, and I do not think antibiotics are necessary. Some key lifestyle changes may assist, such as cleaning and drying the anal verge once and not rubbing too hard to overclean it, which can cause tiny erosions and subsequent discharge at the anal verge. Avoid constipation and recurrent diarrhea, both of which can lead to anal fissures (as noted in the attached report). Stress can also cause excessive discharge. Pelvic muscle dyssynergia is a well-known defect-causing problem. Pelvic muscle strengthening or anal sphincter tone exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can help enhance anal tone. A careful local examination or even a shorter technique like Sigmoidoscopy might assist to rule out any additional pathology by seeing the anal verge from the inside. I wish you good health.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ghulam Fareed
Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Medical Gastroenterology

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