Anal Discomfort: Causes, Treatment & Help

Many people already suffer for a long or short time from more or less severe discomfort in the area of the anus. Due to the feeling of shame, they are afraid to go to the doctor. However, this is extremely important to prevent further health impairments.

What are anal discomforts?

Basically, anal discomfort is referred to in medical terminology as proctalgia and can be an indication of various other diseases, as it were. Behind the term anal discomfort (anal complaints) are hidden different health abnormalities that form in the body region of the anus and rectum. Anal discomfort (anal complaints) occur in deviant forms, some of which can be quite severe and agonizing. In addition to distressing symptoms such as itching, burning skin and other painful sensations, bloody stools may occur. In addition, many affected persons suffer from weeping impairments and intense discomfort when passing stool. In the context of medical diagnostics, examinations are limited to the areas of the anal canal, which is about 2 to 7 cm long. Basically, anal discomfort (anus discomfort) is called proctalgia in medical terminology and is, as it were, an indication of various other diseases.

Causes

The causes and triggers of anal discomfort (anal discomfort) are quite varied and may also be related to other organ systems. Irregularities in bowel movements such as persistent diarrhea or constipation due to an unhealthy diet, acute or chronic gastrointestinal disease, or insufficient cleanliness in the intimate area can lead to anal discomfort (anal discomfort). In addition, many people suffer from hemorrhoids, which manifest themselves in very specific symptoms. Other causes of anal discomfort (anal discomfort) can be blood clots at the anus as a culprit for anal vein thrombosis. In addition, some people are affected by anal discomfort because they suffer from anal eczema, which contributes to the characteristic itchy affect. If the anal discomfort (anal pain) occurs because of inflammatory processes of the rectum, then it is proctitis. Fissures, micro-small tears on the anus that can result from mechanical action, are particularly painful. Anal fistulas and anal cancer are also considered causes of anal discomfort (anal pain).

Diseases with this symptom

  • Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
  • Irritable bowel
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Intestinal polyps
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Typhoid fever
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Anal fissure (anal fissure)
  • Anal carcinoma (anal cancer)
  • Diverticulitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Perianal thrombosis
  • Proctitis
  • Coprostasis
  • Fecal incontinence

Course

The course of the disease of anal discomfort (anal discomfort) is characterized by the fact that the localized symptoms occur only to a small extent at the beginning and disappear from time to time. If no treatment is given, the symptoms increase and often become so severe that an examination by a doctor is unavoidable. Minor symptoms such as itching can usually be treated by oneself at the beginning by using caring creams and gentle intimate hygiene. However, if the condition does not improve or if the symptoms even become more severe, the specialist should be consulted.

Complications

Various complications can occur with anal discomfort. If symptoms such as itching on the buttocks, blood in the bowel movement or similar are not treated early, anal fissures, i.e. painful tears in the mucous membrane of the anus, occur, for example, which in the further course develop into chronic hemorrhoids. Itching of the anus can lead to severe complications during bowel movements and also has a negative effect on the general feeling of well-being. Other possible consequences include diarrhea, intestinal ulcers, and coprostasis (fecal stasis), which can even lead to intestinal obstruction. In addition, if left untreated for a long time, a weakness of the connective tissue, a so-called perineum prolapse, often occurs. Untreated anal discomfort ultimately leads to fecal incontinence, ischuria and other sequelae. Treatment of anal discomfort may also result in injury to the bowel or anus and other complications, depending on the underlying condition.Examples include bleeding, infection, or leaking sutures that lead to inflammation of the bowel or peritoneum if not treated. After treatment for anal discomfort – whether from surgery or medication – digestive problems can occur. Diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea are common complications, but permanent nerve damage can also result from treatment. Because the anal area nests slowly due to its location and stress, comprehensive follow-up treatment and therapy is recommended in all cases of anal discomfort of any kind.

When should you see a doctor?

The terms anal discomfort or anal complaints summarize disorders and diseases in the area of the so-called anal canal. The anal canal is the last section of the intestine between the rectum and the anus. Anal discomfort is often embarrassing and shameful for those affected, which is why they like to avoid visits to the doctor. When can you wait to see a doctor about anal discomfort, and when should you see a doctor immediately? If it is clear that anal discomfort, such as bleeding, has occurred after a mechanical strain, a visit to the doctor is not yet necessary. Hard stools often trigger anal bleeding, as well as constipation or diarrhea. Another common cause, however, is hemorrhoids. The rule for treatment here is: the sooner, the better. In the beginning, special ointments can help; in advanced stages, surgical removal of the hemorrhoids is often the only option. Also in urgent need of treatment are anal complaints in the form of intestinal ulcers, anal fissures and mucosal tears. Anal carcinoma, which is rarer but cannot be ruled out, should always be considered. As treating physicians for anus complaints or anal complaints, in addition to the family doctor, various specialists come into question: general practitioners, proctologists, urologists, gynecologists, dermatologists, oncologists as well as surgeons.

Treatment and therapy

Which of the form of therapy the doctor chooses depends on the complaint and the extent of the symptoms. In principle, all anal complaints (anal discomfort) can be treated effectively. Both locally acting drugs such as ointments, creams and suppositories, which are often prescribed in addition to enemas, are as it were a change in diet and improved intimate hygiene important elements of treatment. Furthermore, medications are prescribed to curb itching, relieve pain and inflammation in the anal area. Quite pleasant and healing are equally soothing sitz baths. To treat hemorrhoids as anal discomfort (anal discomfort), the doctor has different options. Besides a light surgical intervention, which leads to the sclerotherapy of hemorrhoids, these interventions can be used, as it were, to remove malignant tumors from the anus. Strong mechanical impact on the anus and associated anal discomfort (anal discomfort) can be avoided if appropriate sexual practices are performed gently, soft toilet paper is used and regular intimate hygiene is ensured.

Outlook and prognosis

Anal discomfort can have various causes. In Germany, they occur frequently. The chances of recovery are very high, because the prognosis is often not as bad as the affected patients imagine at the beginning. Behind anal discomfort are often problems with bowel movements or even care products that are not well tolerated. The latter indicates a possible allergic reaction to these products. Too little exercise can also lead to suffering from anal discomfort over a longer period of time. The prognosis for recovery is good. The doctor often recommends trying a change to more exercise and a healthier diet. If there is still no improvement, other remedies must be used. If the patient is struggling with itching, a wound ointment is also prescribed. This should protect against scratching the affected areas, so that the healing process is really positive. If the discomfort does not go away for a long period of time, a doctor should be contacted immediately, as this could be a profound disease.

Prevention

For the prevention of anal discomfort (anal discomfort), which occurs especially in the context of proctalgias, painful discomfort during defecation, several options can be recommended.In addition to a certain regularity of bowel movements, an adequate fluid intake is beneficial to prevent hard feces. A diet rich in fiber also prevents constipation. Various products from the pharmaceutical industry also help to prevent the unpleasant anal discomfort (anal discomfort) associated with the development of hemorrhoids. As a rule, these are gel-like substances that enable stool to be passed without mechanical impact on the anus. Another prophylactic measure against anal discomfort (anal discomfort) is the use of gentle and fragrance-free washing substances and wet wipes for intensive cleaning of the anal area after going to the toilet.

What you can do yourself

Because of the many causes of anal itching, general assistance is limited to relieving symptoms. Mechanical irritation due to excessive hygiene is one of the more common catalysts of an itchy anus condition. Here it is important to find the right individual measure. Regular cleansing of the anus of fecal residue with clean water reduces the susceptibility of an overreaction of the surrounding tissue. Without thorough cleaning, residual feces can quickly cause irritation, depending on an unfavorable diet of hot spices. Even without a direct urge to go to the toilet, an occasional examination of the anus at about the morning hour after awakening can be useful. Unconscious squeezing or flatulence can expel liquid residue. Pain-relieving creams can also reduce the painful burning sensation and thus improve the quality of life of those affected. Hemorrhoids impair the function of the sphincter muscle if they are in an unfavorable position, causing it to leak. A diet rich in fiber helps to keep bowel movements smooth and accelerate the reduction of the filled blood sacs in the anal area. In the case of diarrhea, on the other hand, thickening foods that prevent secretions from flowing out prematurely help. Inflammation caused by exposure to sweat and abrasive clothing is reduced by limiting sports activities. In rare cases, an allergic reaction with underwear or due to the ingredients of perfumed wet wipes should also be considered. Changing the appropriate products can then provide relief. If a clear skin eczema is visible in the area around the anus, the yeast Candida albicans is a possible culprit. A consistent low-sugar diet helps to counteract excessive spread in the intestine.