Rectal pain isn’t something most people like to talk about, but it’s a symptom that shouldn’t be ignored. While some symptoms may be caused by temporary problems that improve with time and TLC, ongoing or worsening pain can sometimes point to an infection beneath the skin — a condition that can lead to a serious complication called an anorectal fistula.
If you already have a fistula, treatment is imperative — but ideally, you’d like to do all you can to prevent them in the first place. In this post, leading colorectal specialist Michael H Tarlowe, MD, PC, explains how fistulas happen and what steps you can take to reduce your own risks of developing one.
Fistulas are abnormal channels or tunnels that form between two parts of your body. An anorectal fistula (or anal fistula) forms between an anal gland and the skin around your rectum
Most anal fistulas happen when an anal gland becomes infected and “clogged” with pus and debris. The infection forms an abscess, a deep pocket of infected material that grows as the infection progresses.
Eventually, the pocket erupts, and the material inside forms a channel that extends from the gland to the surface of your skin, where the pressure creates a hole that allows the pus and debris to drain.
Anal fistulas are very serious, and without prompt medical care, they can cause chronic symptoms and major complications. Dr. Tarlowe offers multiple options for treating fistulas — but ideally, it’s best to take steps to prevent them from forming.
While you can’t 100% prevent a fistula, it’s important to know that most fistulas begin as abscesses. Learning how to recognize the symptoms of an abscess and seeking treatment for it immediately is perhaps the best way to prevent it from forming a fistula.
Most anal abscesses cause these symptoms:
Because abscesses can cause considerable pain when you move your bowels, you may find yourself constipated as a result of delaying your bowel movements.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tarlowe right away. In addition to reducing the risk of fistula formation, prompt treatment reduces the risk of an infection spreading throughout your body.
Keeping bowel movements regular can also help reduce irritation that can lead to tissue breakdown and increase your risk of infections. Eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding prolonged straining can lower your risk of tiny cuts or fissures that in turn increase your chances of developing an infection. These steps also help keep stool softer and easier to pass, limiting damage to the lining of your colon or rectum.
Keeping the anal area clean reduces bacteria and other debris that can increase the risk of tissue irritation, inflammation, and infection. Be sure to wipe thoroughly after moving your bowels, and use wet wipes if the area is already tender.
Wet wipes are also a good choice for cleaning around hemorrhoids, which can sometimes be challenging to clean with dry toilet paper alone. You should also thoroughly clean the area before and after anal sex.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), your risk of fistula increases. That’s because chronic inflammation damages bowel tissue, making it easier for infections and abscesses to occur. Bottom line: Following your personal IBD management plan is even more important.
Anorectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, cause significant inflammation and tissue damage. Taking steps to prevent STIs and seeking treatment at the first sign of infection helps reduce the risk of secondary infections that can lead to fistulas.
Anorectal fistulas won’t heal without medical treatment, and delaying care means the underlying infection can spread deeper into surrounding tissue. If you have any type of rectal pain or drainage, scheduling a visit right away is the best way to prevent complications.
To learn what’s causing your symptoms, call 954-210-7127 or request an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe in Deerfield Beach, Florida, today.
