Anal Pain

The external opening of the body through which feces is expelled out of the body is called anus. The pain that is felt in this region (pain in the bottom) is called anal pain. In medical science, it is called proctalgia.

SOME COMMON CAUSES OF ANAL PAIN.

Hemorrhoids:

These are also called piles. These are swollen veins that are present around the anus. Irregular bowel habits, including constipation and diarrhea, low fiber diet, less intake of water, genetics and lack of exercise are some of the causes of the hemorrhoids. Mostly they cause a mild discomfort but these can become painful when they are strangulated, bulged out of the anus or the veins are ruptured and thus develop the blood clot.

Anal fissure:

It is a tear in the skin of the anus that is caused by hard stools passing through anus. Sharp, knife like pain is felt when the stools are passed through an anus having an anal fissure. Generally the pain is diminished after passing of the stools but it can continue if the muscle spasm occurs. In some cases, small amount of blood is also present with feces.

Anal fistula:

It is an abnormal opening formed in addition to the anal opening. The pain in that case is dependent on severity. It is painful especially in case of an abscess formation or blockage or if it is get blocked by stools.

Anal abscess:

It is a pus filled lump that is caused by bacterial infection. The pain caused by this is throbbing pain and can be so severe that one cannot sit.

LESS COMMON CAUSES OF ANAL PAIN:

Anal cancer:

Tumors can also produce continuously worsening pain that can be so severe that one cannot sit.

Muscles spasm in pelvis:

This condition causes spasm of muscles of pelvic region that results in sharp pain but it is resolved quickly most of the times.

An inflammatory bowel disease:

For example the crohn’s disease. In that case, there may be the inflammation as well as the anal fissures and fistula formed, which are the cause of pain.

Problems due to skin around the anus:

The skin problem can be the cause of anal pain. Like psoriasis and dermatitis of anal skin causes anal pain.

Rectal sexually transmitted diseases:

Like herpes, gonorrhea or Chlamydia can also be the cause of rectal pain.

Proctalgia fugax:

In that case the cause of anal pain is unknown. If all the causes of anal pain are ruled out, then proctalgia fugax is considered.

Foreign bodies in the rectum or rectal prolapsed:

This is also the cause of anal pain.

WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR:

When the anal pain persists for more than 24- 48 hours, despite the use of common medicines, it should be taken seriously. Physician should be consulted immediately and detail check up and cause of pain must be diagnosed.