11 Causes, Treatments, Concerns, and More

Whether you call it flatulence, breaking wind, or passing gas, farting is completely normal. Most people pass gas anywhere from 5 to 15 times a day.

But it isn’t normal for blood to appear when you pass gas.

If you have watery stools, passing gas can cause a wet fart. This is when a little liquid or mucus passes with the gas. Sometimes, a little blood can mix with this liquid, resulting in traces of blood in your underwear.

Even though passing gas can sometimes indicate a serious health problem, some reasons for blood appearing when you pass gas aren’t serious.

Here’s a look at 11 reasons why blood may appear when you fart, and when to be concerned.

Chafing is a rash-like skin condition caused by friction when skin repeatedly rubs together. Chafing can affect the breasts, inner thighs, armpits, and the skin between the butt cheeks.

Skin that’s irritated from chafing can become inflamed, resulting in itchiness, redness, burning, and sometimes bleeding. When you pass gas, blood may come out of the chafed area and into your underwear.

This isn’t serious and can be treated at home. Learn about five home remedies that can help soothe chafed skin.

Blood can also appear when you pass gas if you have hemorrhoids. These are inflamed, swollen veins on the inside or outside of the anus.

Some hemorrhoids don’t cause symptoms, but they can bleed. You might see bright streaks of red blood when wiping after a bowel movement. Similarly, if a watery stool causes you to pass gas, blood from a hemorrhoid can mix with this liquid and result in the appearance of blood.

Hemorrhoids can happen after long periods of straining to have a bowel movement. Over-the-counter treatments, such as suppositories, can reduce swelling and help a hemorrhoid heal.

Occasionally, straining to have a bowel movement may cause anal fissures. These are small tears in the thin skin that lines the anus.

Anal fissures can be painful and bleed during or after a bowel movement. Sometimes, bleeding may happen after passing gas.

Like hemorrhoids, anal fissures are temporary. They usually heal on their own within a few weeks.

Anal fissures can be treated at home with sitz baths and by applying topical hydrocortisone creams or topical pain relievers, such as lidocaine, to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Some medications cause bleeding as a side effect. This can cause blood to appear when you pass gas. Medications that can cause GI bleeding include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• anticoagulants and antiplatelets
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

If you see blood, check your medication to see if GI bleeding is a side effect and notify your doctor as soon as possible.

A colonoscopy can reveal colon polyps on the lining of your colon. These are clumps of harmless, small cells. Blood can appear after you’ve passed gas when colon polyps are bleeding.

Although typically benign, colon polyps can increase your risk for colon cancer. See your doctor if you believe you may have colon polyps or have any of these other symptoms:

• being constipated
• having diarrhea
• abnormal poop color
• abnormal poop shapes like narrowed stool
• bleeding when you poop
• rectal bleeding
• much more gas than usual
• cramping or pain in the abdomen

Diverticulitis is inflammation of bulging pouches (diverticula) that form in the intestines.

You may not have any symptoms with diverticulitis. But this condition can cause stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, and sometimes GI bleeding. GI bleeding can sometimes cause blood to appear after you pass gas.

Diverticulitis is treatable with antibiotics and pain relievers. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the diseased part of the intestines.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of diverticulitis, including:

• bloating
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• constipation

Gastritis is stomach inflammation that affects the lining of the stomach and can also cause bleeding in the GI tract. Symptoms can include blood in your vomit and poop.

Taking antibiotics and antacids can help reduce stomach acid and ease symptoms.

But you should see your doctor if you believe you have gastritis, especially if you’ve had symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting that haven’t gotten any better over a few days or weeks.

Blood appearing when you pass gas can also indicate injury to the GI tract from trauma to the body, such as from a car accident, bike accident, or fall.

Depending on the severity, you may need surgery to help treat injuries. With severe injuries, intestinal fluids can leak into the stomach, causing a life threatening emergency.

If blood suddenly appears when you pass gas immediately or a short time after an injury, get immediate or emergency medical care.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease. This condition causes inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in symptoms like:

• rectal bleeding
• stomach pain
• bloody diarrhea

UC increases your risk for colon cancer. If left untreated, the condition can cause:

• holes in your colon
• severe dehydration
• blood clots

UC can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressant drugs. These help stop inflammation and suppress the immune system, which helps the colon heal.

Antidiarrheal medications and pain relievers can also help improve symptoms.

Never ignore blood that appears after you pass gas, as it could be a sign of colon cancer.

This is a type of cancer that develops in the large intestines. Symptoms can include:

• change in bowel habits
• change in stool consistency
• severe or persistent stomach pain
• bloody stools

See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the symptoms above, especially if they’ve lasted for a few days and aren’t getting any better.

Crohn’s disease is another form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause blood to appear when you pass gas or have a bowel movement.

Some common symptoms that you might experience along with bleeding include:

• diarrhea
• cramps in your midsection
• losing your appetite
• sudden or unexplainable weight loss
• feeling exhausted
• fever
• feeling full even after you poop
• feeling like you need to poop frequently

See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms above for extended periods of time and they aren’t getting any better.

Here are pictures of some conditions that may cause bleeding after passing gas.

Blood appearing when you pass gas is often accompanied by other symptoms. Tracking your symptoms can help you determine an underlying cause.

Other symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the cause. For example, if you have chafing in your buttocks, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures, you may have anal pain and itching, too.

If medications are the cause, bleeding might only affect the intestinal tract but may be accompanied by symptoms like:

• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• headache

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• severe abdominal pain
• bloody stools
• change in bowel habits or stool consistency

See a doctor for bloody stools

Seeing blood after you pass gas doesn’t usually require a doctor’s visit, especially if you have symptoms of less serious problems like hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

You should, however, see a doctor for bloody stools. Keep in mind that bloody stools don’t always appear red. Sometimes, these stools are black in appearance.

A colonoscopy or endoscopy can examine the GI tract and help diagnose underlying causes.

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You can’t prevent all of these causes. But if you have a history of hemorrhoids or anal fissures, try the following to help prevent or reduce symptoms:

• drink plenty of fluids
• get regular physical activity
• avoid straining during bowel activity

You can ask your doctor about alternative medications if you believe you’re experiencing drug-induced bleeding.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic gastrointestinal condition:

• take medication as directed
• consider making dietary changes, such as eating more fiber, to help soften stools and stop GI inflammation

How to prevent excess farting

Here are some tips if you also want to try to limit how often you pass gas:

• Reduce foods that you notice result in excess farting, keeping a food journal of foods that cause you to fart more.
• Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day to limit stress on your GI tract.
• Eat slower so that you swallow less air that can cause you to fart.
• Get regular exercise to limit gas build-up — shoot for about 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day.
• Reduce the fat content of your foods, as fat can slow down your digestion.
• Use over-the-counter treatments for excess gas, such as simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas) to reduce gas bubbles or Beano to reduce gas that happens during digestion of foods with high amounts of fiber.
• Reduce or quit smoking or gum chewing, which can both cause you to swallow excess air.
• Reduce or avoid soda, beer, and carbonated drinks that cause gas bubbles in your GI tract.

Blood appearing after you pass gas isn’t always a cause for concern and you can often treat it at home.

See your doctor if you’re concerned about blood after you pass gas or notice any severe symptoms like pain, discomfort, blood in your stools, or difficulty having a bowel movement.

11 Common Causes Of Rectal Bleeding 11 Common Causes Of Rectal Bleeding

Why is there blood in my stool?
It’s a question we never want to ask, but it’s one in vital need of an answer. Even a slight presence of blood in your stool or on the toilet tissue hints that bleeding is occurring in the digestive tract. The darker the appearance of the blood, the higher up on the digestive tract the blood entered the stool. Bright red blood can be the result of anal bleeding or problems in the lower intestinal tract. But this is not an absolute rule by which you can make decisions.
Although bright red blood may suggest that it is from hemorrhoids, sometimes there may be another serious underlying problem. If the physician performs the necessary evaluation and decides that the bleeding is from hemorrhoids, that is acceptable. Assuming that the bleeding is from hemorrhoids because is it a small amount or because it is bright red in color, or based on someone else’s experience is somewhat risky. There are some patients who may have colon cancer and have minimal or NO  bleeding. The most common symptom of colon cancer is …no symptom!
So please don’t ignore, postpone or assume something when a serious symptom like blood in the stool occurs. Appropriate evaluation gives you peace of mind and relief from your symptoms. Most of these underlying causes have effective management and there is no need to suffer.
The 11 most common causes of rectal bleeding are

1. Anal fissures, which are small cuts or tears in the lining of the anus, can appear after passing a particularly hard stool.
2. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum, which can cause pain, itching, and difficulty sitting, as well as the appearance of bright red blood. The good news is that there is no need for painful surgery in most cases due to recent developments in non-surgical techniques which are easy, pain-free, in-office and very effective.
3. An anal fistula is a small channel that forms between the anal canal and the skin surrounding the anus. Along with minor bleeding, it can cause swelling, tenderness, and persistent discharge/drainage. Currently, the only remedy for an anal fistula is surgery.
4. Gastroenteritis is a sudden-onset intestinal infection, which can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. In addition to blood in the stool, gastroenteritis is characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and body aches. If gastroenteritis recurs or lasts longer than 2 days, we recommend further evaluation by a trained digestive specialist.
5. Peptic ulcers are sores in the esophagus, stomach, or the lining of the upper part of the small intestine. Depending on the location of the sores, the blood in the stool may appear darker, possibly even black. In addition, you may experience burning pain in the stomach, which worsens as the stomach empties, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, bloating, appetite changes, and weight loss. If left untreated peptic ulcers can cause severe damage to the lining of your digestive system, so please seek help immediately if symptoms of peptic ulcers persist.
6. Diverticular disease is defined by the development of small bulges—or diverticula—in the lining of the colon. Along with rectal bleeding, diverticular disease—and diverticulitis—include severe abdominal pain, bloating, high fever, and frequent diarrheal bowel movements.
7. Angiodysplasia occurs more often in older adults and is defined by swollen, fragile blood vessels in the colon. If the swelling worsens, small passages ways can form between the artery and vein, resulting in bleeding from the colon wall, which can manifest as bright red or black blood in the stool. Angiodysplasia is also characterized by weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and anemia.
8. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause ulcers, abscesses, and scarring in the intestinal lining over time. Blood in the stool is often accompanied by diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
9. Bleeding varices: When dilated blood vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach rupture and bleed, they can be life-threatening. If your black, tarry or bloody stool is accompanied by vomiting blood, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or rapid heart rate, seek medical attention immediately. If not addressed, the sufferer can go into shock.
10. Colon polyps are noncancerous growths in the colon or rectal lining. Though colon polyps are normally asymptomatic, they can cause rectal bleeding, sudden changes in bowel habits, and constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than a week. Though colon polyps are not necessarily cancerous, they can develop into colon or colorectal cancer, so it’s vital to get screened by a skilled gastroenterologist immediately.
11. Colon cancer may cause blood in the stool, anywhere from minimal bleeding to a significant amount. Sometimes it may not cause any bleeding at all and be completely asymptomatic. Everyone 50 years and above needs SCREENING COLONOSCOPY (done in the absence of symptoms as a prevention/ wellness check) to identify precancerous polyps and remove them before they could become cancer. Sometimes cancer may cause abdominal pain, weight loss or anemia.

While rectal bleeding can be the result of many intestinal or anal issues that are not life-threatening and can resolve themselves, it can also be an early indication of a more severe digestive tract issue. If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, you may want to take the next step in protecting your future with preventative screenings, like a colonoscopy.  The gastroenterologists with GI Alliance are specialized and highly experienced in screening for, detecting, and treating colorectal cancer and the precursors to colorectal cancer (ie polyps).  Contact a GI Alliance gastroenterologist today.

Tags

ColonoscopyAbdominal PainBlood in the StoolBloatingConstipationDiarrheaHeartburnNauseaVomitingAnal FissureColon CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseaseUlcerative ColitisHemorrhoidsPeptic UlcersColitisDiverticulitisFistula

Rectal pain: causes, symptoms and treatment

Contents

• 1 Rectal pain
  • 1. 1 What is rectal pain?
  • 1.2 What can be a possible cause of rectal pain?
  • 1.3 hemorrhoids – one of the most common causes of rectal pain
  • 1.4 causes of anal cracks associated with rectal pain
  • 1.5 acute and chronic diseases of the rectum, causing rectal pain
  • 1.6 of the rectal cancer can cause rectal pain
  • 1.7 What symptoms can accompany rectal pain?
  • 1.8 Rectal pain may occur after a bowel movement
  • 1.9 Rectal pain may vary in character and duration
  • 1.10 How is rectal pain diagnosed?
  • 1.11 Depending on the causes, specific treatment may be necessary
  • 1.12 Treatment of hemorrhoids as a cause of rectal pain
  • 1.13 Treatment of anal fissures and diseases of the rectum
  • 1.14 Pain relief measures to help manage rectal pain
  • 1.15 Prevention of rectal pain and its causes
  • 1.16 When should I see a doctor about rectal pain?
  • 1.17 Conclusions
  • 1. 18 Related videos:
  • 1.19 Q&A:
    • • 1.19.0.1 What is rectal pain?
      • 1.19.0.2 What are the causes of rectal pain?
      • 1.19.0.3 What are the symptoms of rectal pain?
      • 1.19.0.4 Can rectal pain be treated without the help of a doctor?
      • 1.19.0.5 What methods of treatment of rectal pain can be used by a doctor?
      • 1.19.0.6 What measures are there to prevent rectal pain?
      • 1.19.0.7 What are the consequences of ignoring rectal pain?

Rectal pain is an unpleasant sensation that can occur with various diseases of the rectum or anus. Symptoms and treatment of rectal pain depend on the cause, so it is important to see a doctor to determine the diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy.

Rectal pain can cause significant discomfort and limitation in daily life. It can be of a different nature – from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with normal activities. Rectal pain is a condition where a person feels discomfort, tightness, burning, or pain in the area of ​​the rectum.

Rectal pain can have many causes, both functional and organic. Basically, it occurs as a result of irritation of the rectal mucosa, hemorrhoids, or other diseases of the rectum, including constipation, fissures, prolapse of the rectum, or even malignant neoplasms. Therefore, it is very important to correctly determine the cause of rectal pain in order to prescribe effective treatment.

Treatment of rectal pain depends on its cause. In some cases, treatment may be limited to lifestyle changes, diet, and increased physical activity. In other cases, medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation or pain. In more serious cases, surgery may be required.

What is rectal pain?

Rectal pain is a feeling of pain in the area of ​​the rectum. This can occur due to certain diseases of the intestines or anus, as well as due to trauma or acute infection. Often this pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, itching, and discomfort in the anus.

Rectal pain can vary in severity, from mild to very severe. It can be temporary, appearing only under certain circumstances, or permanent. Also, rectal pain can appear as a single episode or become a chronic disease.

Rectal pain often signals problems in the body. At the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause of the pain and its treatment.

• Examples of causes of rectal pain:
• Hemorrhoids
• Constipation
• Proctitis
• Hernia
• Travel abscess
• Rectal cancer

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To relieve rectal pain, you need to know what causes it. The doctor may recommend medications or procedures such as laxatives, massage, high column enema, local anesthetic, surgery, etc. Minimally invasive procedures may also be used to treat rectal pain, such as laser therapy, cryotherapy, and sclerotherapy.

What can cause rectal pain?

Rectal pain is an unpleasant sensation that can occur for various reasons. Here is a list of the most common possible causes of rectal pain:

• Hemorrhoids is one of the most common causes of rectal pain. Hemorrhoids can quickly become irritated, bleed, and cause severe pain, especially during a bowel movement.
• Anal fissures is another common source of rectal pain. Anal fissures usually form as a result of overexertion of the sphincter and can cause intense pain that gets worse during a bowel movement.
• Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum that can lead to a sensation of localized pain in the area of ​​the rectum. Symptoms may also include bleeding, diarrhea, and phlegm.
• Rectal cancer is a rare but possible cause of rectal pain. It can occur when tumors in the rectum begin to press on the nerve endings in that area.

This is not a complete list of possible causes of rectal pain. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the source of the pain and begin appropriate treatment.

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common causes of rectal pain

Hemorrhoids are a common disease of the rectum, which is manifested by inflammation and enlargement of venous nodes in the anal canal. Its symptoms are rectal pain, bleeding, itching, and discomfort during bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids are mainly associated with an increase in internal pressure in the rectum, caused by excessive muscle tension during the pelvic floor, chronic constipation, pregnancy, heavy physical labor and other factors.

Various methods are used to treat hemorrhoids, such as drugs, massage, laser treatment, sclerotherapy, surgical methods and others. However, the most effective is complex treatment, including lifestyle and nutritional changes, exercise and drug therapy.

• Signs of hemorrhoids:
• Bleeding from the anus;
• Feeling of itching in the anus;
• Elastic tumors over the anal canal;
• Pain during bowel movements.

In general, to prevent hemorrhoids, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, eat right, avoid prolonged sitting, exercise your pelvic muscles regularly and keep your intestines in good shape.

Causes of anal fissures associated with rectal pain

Anal fissures are splits in the lining of the anus that can cause rectal pain. There are many factors that can cause anal fissures, including:

• Constipation: Prolonged holding of stool can lead to difficulty in passing, putting pressure on the anus and causing injury.
• Diarrhea: Frequent and loose stools can irritate the anus and cause fissures.
• Injury: Injury to the anus, such as a particularly tight bowel movement or too harsh an enema, can cause skin and mucosal tears.
• Childbirth: Childbirth can cause trauma to the skin and mucous membranes in the anus in women.

Pain during bowel movements, bloody stools, itching and discharge from the anus are key symptoms of anal fissures. Their treatment may include changes in diet, increased physical activity, topical treatments, and consultation with a coloproctologist for more serious treatment.

Acute and chronic diseases of the rectum causing rectal pain

Rectal pain can be one of the symptoms of various diseases of the rectum, both acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation of the rectum caused by infectious agents may present with sharp pain in the rectum, perineum, and anus.

Chronic diseases such as chronic proctitis cause chronic rectal pain. They can cause not only pain, but also discomfort, itching and discharge from the rectum.

Rectal cancer may also present with rectal pain. It can be constant and intensify with defecation. In addition, there may be a feeling of incomplete bowel movement and bleeding from the rectum.

• Hemorrhoids

Another common rectal disorder that can cause rectal pain is hemorrhoids. This is a condition in which the venous nodes in the rectum are dilated and inflamed. It can cause burning, itching, and a feeling of pressure in the rectum. In some cases, hemorrhoids may bleed.

Rectal cancer can cause rectal pain

Rectal cancer is a malignant neoplasm that develops in the area of ​​the rectum. It can cause rectal pain in the patient.

In case of rectal cancer, the following symptoms are possible: increased rectal pain, bloody discharge from the rectum, stool disorders, weight loss, fatigue.

Rectal cancer is diagnosed by rectal examination and colonoscopy. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy is necessary, followed by cytological and histological examination.

Treatment may include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. If the lymph nodes are affected, a lymph node dissection may be required.

It is important to note that timely diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer can prevent the development of dangerous complications.

What symptoms can accompany rectal pain?

Rectal pain may be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, which may be overt or covert. The most common symptom is discomfort and a feeling of tightness in the rectal area.

Also possible:

• Redness or swelling of the anus;
• Bleeding during bowel movements;
• Sitting intolerance;
• Vomiting;
• Increased body temperature;
• Weight loss.

If you experience any of these symptoms along with rectal pain, see your doctor to determine the exact cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Rectal pain may occur after a bowel movement

Rectal pain is one of the common problems that may occur after a bowel movement. This can be due to various reasons, from eating spicy or specific foods, to complications associated with cancer or hemorrhoids.

With rectal pain after a bowel movement, there may be bleeding, severe discomfort and even swelling. Often this is due to trauma to the intestinal mucosa or is facilitated by the formation of cracks or ulcers.

Treatment for rectal pain after a bowel movement usually includes medicines to relieve pain and inflammation, and dietary changes. This may include increasing water and fruit intake, as well as reducing fatty and spicy foods, which can exacerbate health problems.

If rectal pain after a bowel movement or any other unusual pain persists, a physician should be consulted. He will prescribe additional examinations and determine the real cause of the pain in order to effectively get rid of it.

Rectal pain can vary in character and duration

Rectal pain is a common symptom in many diseases such as hemorrhoids, rectal fissures and ulcers, diverticulitis, chronic prostatitis, anal fistula. However, pain in the rectal area can be associated with other diseases, including cancer.

Depending on the disease, rectal pain can manifest itself in a different character and duration. For example, with hemorrhoids, pain can be acute and occur during the act of defecation, while with proctitis or rectal ulcers, painful sensations can appear constantly.

It is also worth noting that rectal pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, bleeding, or prolapsed nodes. Therefore, qualified diagnosis and treatment are the most important factors for maintaining health.

If you experience pain in the rectal area, contact your doctor immediately for qualified assistance. Self-medication can only worsen the situation and lead to the development of serious complications.

How to diagnose rectal pain?

In order to correctly diagnose rectal pain, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination by a proctologist. Having done a certain set of measures, you can determine the causes of pain and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The doctor will examine the anus, rectum, and anus to look for hemorrhoids, fissures, and other conditions. In addition, a fecal occult blood test may be prescribed, which will help determine the presence of a focus of bleeding in the rectal area.

In some cases, a colonoscopy, an examination of the large intestine using a special tubular instrument, may be prescribed. This will identify significant diseases that can cause rectal pain, such as colon tumors.

If it is necessary to reveal the details and degree of damage to the perirectal tissues, a study using computed tomography can be performed.

It is important to understand that the diagnosis of rectal pain is a complex and multi-stage process that requires careful study of all disease factors. The sooner you turn to a proctologist, the sooner you can establish an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.

Depending on the cause, specific treatment may be necessary

Rectal pain can be caused by various diseases, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, inflammation of the rectum, etc. Each of them requires a special approach to treatment.

For example, hemorrhoids can be treated with ointments that relieve inflammation and improve blood circulation in the anal canal, and it is also recommended to monitor the diet and exercise the abdominal muscles regularly. Anal fissures can be treated with local anesthetics and special ointments for wound healing.

However, in case of inflammation of the rectum, a course of antibiotics and specialized examinations such as rectoscopy may be required. Therefore, even if the symptoms seem normal or minor, a doctor’s consultation is necessary to correctly determine the causes and select the appropriate treatment.

• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Inflammation of the rectum

Treatment of hemorrhoids as a cause of rectal pain

Hemorrhoids are a common rectal disease that can cause rectal pain. Although hemorrhoids are not usually a serious condition, they can lead to some complications if not treated promptly.

One way to treat hemorrhoids is to change your lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise. In cases where lifestyle changes do not help, medications such as ointments or suppositories may be used.

In cases where hemorrhoids are in the third or fourth stage, surgery may be required. Various methods are used for this procedure, such as sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or surgical removal of hemorrhoids. The final choice of treatment method depends on the type of hemorrhoids and the degree of its development.

When it comes to rectal pain, it is always important to consult a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe the correct treatment. It is necessary to monitor your health in order to avoid possible complications and maintain a normal life.

Treatment of anal fissures and rectal disorders

If you have symptoms of anal fissures or rectal disorders, you should see a doctor. You should not put off going to a medical facility, as the treatment of problems in this area can take a long time and be complicated.

First of all, the doctor will conduct an examination and, based on the results, prescribe treatment. Depending on the specific case, medications or surgical treatments may be used.

Medication may include drugs to relieve pain and inflammation, and ointments to treat anal fissures. In the case of diseases of the rectum, suppositories or tablets may be prescribed to fight the infection.

In severe cases, when conservative methods fail, surgical treatment may be required. Examples include removal of hemorrhoids or rectal surgery. Surgical treatment can be accompanied by a painful postoperative period and will bring tangible results only after some time.

In addition to the main treatment, it is important to follow a certain regimen and rules of hygiene in the anus. It is necessary to monitor cleanliness, avoid traumatic foods (spicy, sour, salty), consume enough water and more plant foods, and avoid constipation.

Pain relief measures to help manage rectal pain

Rectal pain can be very annoying and interfere with normal life, so people are looking for ways to manage this symptom. One of the most effective ways is the use of pain relief measures.

Depending on the cause of the pain, medications such as anti-inflammatory or pain medication may help. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and pain in the rectal area. Drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription.

There are also pain relief creams, gels and ointments that can be applied directly to the problem area. They may contain analgesics that relieve pain and itching. It is important to remember that before using creams and ointments, you should consult your doctor.

An alternative way to manage pain is to apply heat or cold. For example, ice can be applied to the affected area or sitting in a bathtub with warm water. These methods can reduce inflammation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain.

In some cases, it may be recommended to take expectorant medicines such as licorice root, which can relieve pressure in the rectal area and relieve pain.

It is important to remember that if rectal pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as blood or rectal discharge, a doctor should be consulted.

In general, pain relief measures can be an effective way to reduce rectal pain and manage rectal pain. However, in each case, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will determine the cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate treatment method.

Prevention of rectal pain and its causes

1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and avoidance of bad habits helps prevent many possible causes of rectal pain, such as constipation, obesity, and smoking.

2. Regular preventive examination. Seeing your doctor regularly can help you identify causes of rectal pain such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, and even rectal cancer early, so you can start treatment early and avoid complications.

3. Infection prevention. Avoid contact with infectious diseases, use condoms during sex, practice good personal hygiene, and take steps to prevent microbial infections, especially if the skin around the anus is broken.

4. Proper use of medicines. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, aspirin or ibuprofen may cause irritation of the pelvic mucosa and cause rectal pain. Therefore, it is necessary to use these drugs only on the prescription of a doctor and in accordance with the instructions.

5. Avoid injury. It is important to avoid injury to the perianal region during sports, work or intimate contact. It is also recommended to use water-based lubricants and avoid using items that could cause injury.

When should I see a doctor about rectal pain?

Rectal pain can be due to a variety of causes, from minor trauma to a serious illness such as rectal cancer. Therefore, if you have rectal pain that lasts more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get the necessary treatment.

If your rectal pain is accompanied by blood in your stool, your bowel movements are getting worse, or you have other symptoms such as weight loss or a fever, you should call your doctor right away.

If you have problems with bowel movements and discomfort in the perineum, hemorrhoids or anal fissure may be causing your rectal pain. They are not life threatening, but can also lead to excessive pain and discomfort. For their treatment, you should also consult a doctor.

Your doctor may order an examination and x-rays to determine the cause of your rectal pain. Depending on the cause, treatment can range from simple home remedies to surgery.

Conclusions

Rectal pain is a symptom of many diseases. This may be due to hemorrhoidal disease, fissures in the rectum, rectal cancer, infectious diseases and other causes that need to be investigated and treated under the supervision of a physician.

The cause of pain can be both physiological and emotional. Factors contributing to the development of rectal pain may be associated with poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and sexual activity.

Treatment of rectal pain is carried out by eliminating the cause of its occurrence. Depending on the disease caused by rectal pain, conservative or surgical treatments are performed. Do not self-medicate and prescribe medications without first consulting a doctor.

Rectal pain prevention is based on a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. You should lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, give up bad habits. It is also recommended to undergo regular medical examinations for the prevention of diseases of the pelvic organs.

In turn, early detection of the disease can successfully cope with rectal pain and prevent the development of serious diseases. The sooner treatment is started, the higher the chance of a full recovery.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is rectal pain?

Rectal pain is pain that occurs in the rectum and anus.

What are the causes of rectal pain?

The reasons may be different: hemorrhoids, anal fissure, tumors of the rectum, inflammatory diseases, paraproctitis, etc.

What are the symptoms of rectal pain?

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause, but pain, itching, burning, bleeding, mucous and purulent discharge, loss of appetite, etc. are common.

Can rectal pain be treated without the help of a doctor?

If you experience rectal pain, you should seek the help of a doctor to determine the cause and prescribe effective treatment. Self-medication can lead to a worsening of the condition.

What methods of treatment of rectal pain can be used by a doctor?

Depending on the cause of rectal pain, your doctor may prescribe medications, topical medications, physical therapy, conservative treatments, and in some cases, surgery.

What measures are there to prevent rectal pain?

Prevention of rectal pain includes a proper diet with sufficient fibrous foods, regular physical activity, avoidance of constipation and gas accumulation, and prompt medical attention at the first symptoms.

What are the consequences of ignoring rectal pain?

Ignoring rectal pain can lead to worsening of the condition, complications and even the development of cancer. Therefore, it is important not to delay seeking medical attention at the first symptoms.

How long does an anal fissure heal and how long does it take? How long does an anal fissure heal? Acute anal fissures most often heal spontaneously or during therapy. In some patients, the anal fissure does not heal, resulting in a chronic anal fissure. In the case of her presence, the proctologists of the Yusupov hospital perform a minimally invasive intervention or operation.

How long does it take for an anal fissure to heal? Most often, acute anal fissures heal within six to eight weeks. If the anal fissure does not heal for a long time, fibers of the muscles of the internal anal sphincter appear at its bottom, the edges become dense, “callous”. There is an overgrowth of granulations in the form of a fibrous seal (“sentinel tubercle”) at the distal (located below) end of the crack. On the proximal, localized closer to the ampulla of the rectum, a seal is formed at the top of the rectal crypt (“anal papilla”). These morphological changes explain why the anal fissure does not heal.

The transition of an acute ulcer into a chronic fissure

The transformation of an acute anal fissure into a chronically occurring pathological process occurs against the backdrop of a spasm of the internal anal sphincter. Its resolution is a key problem in ulcer healing. In the treatment of chronic anal fissure, proctologists at the Yusupov Hospital are increasingly using non-surgical methods of influencing the tone of the internal anal sphincter (“chemical sphincterotomy”) in order to reduce it.

Theories explaining the mechanism of CAT appearance should also comment on such features of the course of the disease as a favorite position along the posterior wall of the anal canal and a lack of granulation growth in the area of ​​the mucosal defect.

Doctors believe that after minor traumatic impacts on the posterior wall of the anal canal in the region of the anorectal angle, anal ulcers do not heal in some patients due to a secondarily low level of local blood flow. Thus, a chronic anal fissure is formed.

Symptoms

The manifestation of chronic anal fissure is a triad of symptoms: pain, spasm of the sphincter and bleeding from the rectum during defecation. In some patients, they are reduced. In typical cases, acute burning pain in the perineum occurs at the time of defecation and lasts from several minutes to several hours. In some patients, the fear of pain is transformed into a fear of stool. In this case, there is a delay in stool and defecation with dense lumpy feces. For this reason, the next emptying of the rectum becomes very painful. In other patients, the pain threshold is higher, and they do not feel pain subjectively so catastrophically.

Mucous-bloody discharge from the rectum with non-healing anal fissure is scanty. Obvious rectal bleeding occurs only in the presence of concomitant hemorrhoids. To detect spasm of the sphincter, the proctologists of the Yusupov hospital conduct a rectal examination. To do this, carefully, with your thumbs, the doctor gradually spreads the buttocks. The anal canal opens and on one of the walls the outer part of the crack of a linear or triangular shape and the sentinel tubercle become visible.

Since a digital examination in chronic anal fissure is very painful, doctors of the proctology department perform it after preliminary local anesthesia with a gel, spray with local anesthetics, injections with lidocaine. When palpating, the doctor usually reveals a dense painful formation, which is located along the axis of the intestine. Sometimes the anal canal is rigidly narrowed due to the development of pectenosis (cicatricial narrowing).

Treatment

Since stool less than three times a week with dense, lumpy feces contributes to the appearance of an acute mucosal defect and its transformation into a chronic anal fissure, proctologists begin therapy with the treatment of constipation. Patients are prescribed laxatives and a diet that is enriched with vegetable fibers. Even if the anal fissure heals itself, in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease, patients continue such treatment after the elimination of constipation.

In 80-90% of patients with acute anal fissure, diet and laxatives cause the anal fissure to heal on its own. For patients with chronic anal fissure, diet and stool normalization are of secondary importance. Previously, proctologists used anal divulsion as the primary treatment for anal fissure. For this purpose, the doctor introduced a circular Parkes dilator into the anal canal and with its help or with two index fingers of the hand stretched the anus to two or four transverse sizes of the fingers. This technique has the following disadvantages: the size of the existing crack often increased or new ruptures of the mucous membrane appeared, as well as the external and internal anal sphincter along the circumference of the anus.

How long does it take for an anal fissure to heal with this technique? In half of the patients, the mucosal defect heals quickly, and in 50%, the anal fissure does not heal at all. The procedure is fraught with the development of persistent insufficiency of the anal sphincter of varying severity (most often, patients cannot hold gases, less often – gases and loose stools). Proctologists now perform this procedure with a standard balloon on an outpatient basis.

How quickly does an anal fissure heal after manipulation? A satisfactory immediate result comes fairly quickly, but it is not persistent. For this reason, doctors of the department of proctology prefer methods of persistent decrease in the tone of the internal anal sphincter with a variety of drugs. The most commonly used are calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and botulinum toxin injections.

Botulinum toxin causes suppression of acetylcholine release. After that, muscle tone decreases, their atrophy develops. Damaged nerve endings do not degenerate, but the blockade of acetylcholine release remains irreversible. Botulinum toxin injections are well tolerated by patients. After injection, the drug is distributed to muscles and other tissues. At the same time, the degree of effect of the drug on the muscles decreases as the distance from the injection site increases.

How quickly does an anal fissure heal after botulinum toxin injection? Complete healing of cracks occurs on average in 80-90% of patients within 3 months. In 4-5% of patients, doctors observe temporary side effects of therapy. (incontinence of feces and gases) – observed in 4-10% of patients. Increasing the dose of Botox to 30 units leads to an increase in the likelihood of healing up to 96%, but the occurrence of fecal incontinence and gases is also more often recorded.

If an anal fissure does not heal, what should I do? The longer a chronic anal fissure does not heal without drug therapy or against its background, the more often proctologists recommend surgical treatment to patients. The gold standard for the treatment of chronic anal fissure is the operation of dosed transection of the lateral fibers of the internal anal sphincter. Her proctologists of the Yusupov hospital masterfully perform under local, conduction or general anesthesia through radial or arcuate access. Doctors of the department of proctology are fluent in the technique of a closed operation (under the control of a finger inserted into the rectum) or an open variant – under the control of the eyes.

How quickly does an anal fissure heal after surgery? In the early postoperative period, bleeding from the wound, the formation of abscesses and hematomas are sometimes observed. In the long term, fistulas of the rectum rarely occur. Sometimes anal incontinence of gases, liquid and dense feces develops. To reduce the likelihood of developing symptoms of incontinence, surgeons limit the length of the sphincterotomy to the longitudinal linear dimensions of the fissure and do not perform sphincterotomy above the dentate line. To clarify the length and thickness of the internal anal sphincter in the Yusupov hospital, patients undergo transanal ultrasound before surgery. This helps surgeons plan the depth and length of the sphincter incision.

In a small group of patients with chronic anal fissure, who initially have a normal or even low level of the basal tone of the anus, sphincterotomy does not lead to recovery. They have a significantly higher risk of incontinence symptoms than patients with severe sphincterospasm. To identify such patients, proctologists at the Yusupov Hospital perform sphincteromonometry before surgery.

What to do if it doesn’t heal

With long-term and not always effective treatment of patients with chronic anal fissure in various ways over time, a significant factor for the patient that influences the choice of therapy is the reduction in the cost of treatment with a guaranteed achievement of the effect. Proctologists at the Yusupov Hospital use the following therapy algorithm:

• Treatment begins with topical applications of 0.2% nitroglycerin to the anus twice a day;
• If the anal fissure does not heal after 12 weeks of nitroglycerin treatment, Botox is given;
• If pain persists for two weeks after injection of botulinum toxin or if the fissure does not heal within 4-6 weeks, proceed to surgical treatment.

All remaining patients undergo a closed lateral sphincterotomy. To make an appointment with a proctologist, call the contact center of the Yusupov hospital at any time of the day.