What disease is anal pain?

Anal pain is a clinical manifestation primarily characterized by localized pain in the anal region, caused by infectious or space-occupying lesions in or around the anus and rectum. It can occur in both benign and malignant diseases of the anus and gastrointestinal tract.

Which department should I visit for anal pain?

English name: Anal pain.

Aliases: Anal discomfort, perianal pain.

Departments: Proctology, General Surgery.

What causes anal pain?

The causes of anal pain mainly include local anal/rectal lesions, gastrointestinal disorders, and anal trauma.

• Local anal conditions include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, constipation, anal muscle spasms, perianal infections, and anal cancer;
• Gastrointestinal disorders include chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease;
• Trauma to the anal region, foreign object insertion, or anal intercourse may also lead to anal pain.

Who is prone to anal pain?

Anal pain commonly occurs in the following groups:

• Individuals with chronic diarrhea or constipation;
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer;
• Pregnant women;
• Obese or overweight individuals;
• Those who engage in anal intercourse;
• People with anal trauma or post-surgical patients.

What are the main symptoms of anal pain?

Since anal pain has many underlying causes, it is merely a symptom of various anal/rectal conditions, and accompanying clinical manifestations can vary significantly.

Severe and persistent anal pain may impair daily activities, causing difficulty in movement, bowel movements, or even sitting. Some cancer patients may experience localized bleeding.

How is anal pain diagnosed?

Anal pain is a subjective sensation. A diagnosis can be made if the patient experiences discomfort, heaviness, or pain in the anal area.

Further examinations are required to identify the underlying cause, including visual inspection, digital rectal examination, and anoscopy, which can help diagnose local conditions. For non-local causes, additional tools like gastrointestinal endoscopy may be needed for accurate diagnosis.

How is anal pain treated?

Treatment for anal pain should be tailored based on the underlying cause.

• Mild pain caused by hemorrhoids can be relieved with potassium permanganate sitz baths, while severe cases may require surgery;
• Anal trauma (including foreign object insertion) or infectious diseases should be treated with a combination of surgery and medication;
• Malignant tumors of the anus or rectum require surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy depending on disease stage and patient condition;
• Inflammatory bowel disease is primarily managed with medication.

What is the prognosis for anal pain?

The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and severity. Mild cases, such as hemorrhoids, trauma, infections, constipation, or diarrhea, often improve as the primary condition resolves. For autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, the prognosis is closely linked to disease progression.

How can anal pain be prevented?

Prevention focuses on avoiding anal/rectal conditions like hemorrhoids, perianal infections, diarrhea, or constipation.

Lifestyle measures include:

• Maintaining clean and dry private areas, changing and washing underwear daily;
• Drinking plenty of water, consuming fiber-rich foods, and reducing spicy or irritating foods;
• Avoiding prolonged sitting and engaging in regular physical activity;
• Patients with perianal abscesses should ensure proper wound care to prevent secondary infections.