Anal Fissures And Fistula

ANO RECTAL DISORDERS

Anorectal disorders are conditions that affect the anus and rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, itching, bleeding, and difficulty passing stools. Some of the most common anorectal disorders include haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and anal fistulas:

  1. Haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. Symptoms may include pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements.
  2. Anal fissures: Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anus. Symptoms may include pain, bleeding, and itching.
  3. Fistula-in-ano (Anal Fistulas): A fistula-in-ano is an abnormal connection between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. Symptoms may include pain, discharge, and recurrent infections.

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to anorectal diseases, it’s important to seek medical attention right away in order to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate them.

HAEMORRHOIDS:

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).

Haemorrhoids can be caused by increased pressure in the veins of the anus and rectum, such as straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, and obesity.

Types: There are two main types of haemorrhoids: Internal haemorrhoids and External haemorrhoids.

  1. Internal Haemorrhoids: These are located inside the rectum, above the anus. They are not visible from outside the body and are usually painless. However, they can cause rectal bleeding during bowel movements.
  2. External Haemorrhoids: These are located under the skin around the anus. They can be felt as lumps or bulges and may cause itching, pain, or bleeding.

It is also possible to have both internal and external haemorrhoids at the same time. Haemorrhoids can also be graded based on their severity, with Grade I being the mildest and Grade IV being the most severe.

 

Causes: Some common causes and risk factors include:

  1. Straining during bowel movements: This is one of the most common causes of haemorrhoids. Straining puts pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, which can cause them to swell and become inflamed.
  2. Chronic constipation or diarrhoea: Both conditions can put pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus.
  3. Pregnancy: The increased pressure on the pelvic veins during pregnancy can cause haemorrhoids to develop.
  4. Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on the pelvic veins and can increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids.
  5. Sitting for long periods of time: Sitting for extended periods of time, especially on the toilet, can put pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus.
  6. Aging: As we age, the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken, making haemorrhoids more likely to develop.
  7. Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing haemorrhoids due to genetics.
  8. Other factors: Certain medical conditions such as liver disease and anal infections can also increase the risk of developing haemorrhoids.

 

 

Symptoms: The symptoms of haemorrhoids can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. However, some common symptoms of haemorrhoids include:

  1. Rectal bleeding during bowel movements: This is the most common symptom of haemorrhoids. The blood may be bright red or darker in colour and may be seen on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
  2. Itching or irritation around the anus: Haemorrhoids can cause itching or irritation in the anal area, which can be uncomfortable and may lead to scratching and further irritation.
  3. Pain or discomfort during bowel movements: Haemorrhoids can cause pain or discomfort during bowel movements, especially if they are external haemorrhoids.
  4. Swelling or lumps around the anus: External haemorrhoids can cause swelling or lumps around the anus, which may be felt as tender, painful bumps.
  5. Leakage of feces: In severe cases, haemorrhoids can cause fecal incontinence or leakage of feces.

 

 

Complications: Some possible complications of haemorrhoids include:

  1. Anaemia: Chronic bleeding from haemorrhoids can lead to anaemia, which is a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells.
  2. Strangulated haemorrhoids: If the blood supply to an internal haemorrhoid is cut off, it can become “strangulated” and cause severe pain and bleeding.
  3. Thrombosed haemorrhoids: In some cases, a blood clot can form in an external haemorrhoid, causing it to become painful and swollen. This is known as a thrombosed haemorrhoid.
  4. Infection: If bacteria enter the area around a haemorrhoid, it can cause an infection, which can be painful and require medical treatment.
  5. Anal fistula: In rare cases, a chronic haemorrhoid can lead to the development of an anal fistula, which is an abnormal connection between the anus and the skin surrounding the anus.

Role of Neurotherapy: Neurotherapy has been observed to aid in balancing the acid-alkaline levels in the body, particularly in maintaining the pH of the blood. Additionally, it has been noted to stimulate bowel movement, thereby increasing its frequency.

ANAL FISSURES:

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, which can cause pain, discomfort, and bleeding during bowel movements.

Causes: Some common causes of anal fissures include:

  1. Constipation: Passing hard or large stools can stretch and tear the anal lining, causing a fissure.
  2. Diarrhoea: Frequent bowel movements can irritate the anal area and cause a fissure.
  3. Childbirth: Women may develop anal fissures during childbirth due to the pressure and stretching of the anal area.
  4. Anal sex: The pressure and friction of anal sex can cause small tears in the anal lining.
  5. Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the anal area, which can lead to the development of fissures.

Symptoms: Some common symptoms of anal fissures include:

  1. Pain during bowel movements: Anal fissures can cause sharp, intense pain during bowel movements.
  2. Bleeding: Anal fissures can cause bright red blood on the surface of the stool or on the toilet paper.
  3. Itching or burning: The anal area may feel itchy or burning due to the tear in the lining.
  4. Muscle spasms: In some cases, the muscles around the anus may spasm and cause additional pain.

 

 

Complications: Complications of anal fissures are rare, but they can occur in some cases. Some possible complications of anal fissures include:

  1. Chronic fissures: If an anal fissure does not heal properly, it can become a chronic problem, leading to persistent pain and discomfort.
  2. Abscesses: In some cases, an anal fissure can become infected and lead to the formation of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that requires medical treatment.
  3. Fistulas: An anal fistula is an abnormal connection between the anus and the skin surrounding the anus, which can be caused by a chronic anal fissure. This condition may require surgery to repair.
  4. Incontinence: In rare cases, anal fissures can lead to fecal incontinence or the inability to control bowel movements.
  5. Emotional distress: Anal fissures can cause significant pain and discomfort, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

Role of Neurotherapy: Neurotherapy has been observed to aid in balancing the acid-alkaline levels in the body, particularly in maintaining the pH of the blood. Additionally, it has been noted to stimulate bowel movement, thereby increasing its frequency.

FISTULA-IN-ANO (ANAL FISTULA):

An anal fistula is an abnormal connection that forms between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It usually develops because of an infection or an abscess that has not been treated properly. The infection can cause a tunnel-like channel to form between the inside of the anus and the skin, resulting in the formation of an anal fistula.

 

Causes: Anal fistulas are usually caused by an infection that starts in an anal gland. The infection may occur due to various reasons such as:

  1. An abscess: If an anal abscess is not treated properly, it can lead to the development of an anal fistula.
  2. Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract, including the anus and rectum. Anal fistulas can develop as a complication of Crohn’s disease.
  3. Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the anus. In rare cases, it can lead to the formation of an anal fistula.
  4. Sexually transmitted infections: Some sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and herpes can increase the risk of developing anal fistulas.
  5. Trauma: Trauma to the anal area such as childbirth, surgery or injury can cause an anal fistula to develop.
  6. Cancer: In rare cases, anal cancer can cause the development of an anal fistula.

 

Symptoms: The symptoms of an anal fistula can vary depending on the severity and location of the fistula. Some common symptoms include:

  1. Pain around the anus or in the rectum: Anal fistulas can cause pain that is often worse during bowel movements or when sitting.
  2. Discharge of pus or blood: The fistula may produce a discharge of pus or blood from the opening of the fistula, which can cause irritation and itching.
  3. Swelling and redness: The area around the anus may become swollen and red, which can cause discomfort and pain.
  4. Itching or irritation: Anal fistulas can cause itching or irritation around the anus, which can be very uncomfortable.
  5. Fever or chills: If there is an active infection, you may experience fever or chills as your body tries to fight off the infection.

 

Complications: If left untreated, anal fistulas can lead to several complications such as:

  1. Infection: Anal fistulas are often caused by an infection and can themselves become infected, which can cause further pain, discomfort, and swelling.
  2. Abscesses: Abscesses may form around the fistula, causing pain and swelling.
  3. Recurrence: Anal fistulas can sometimes recur even after they have been treated, especially if the underlying cause of the fistula is not addressed.
  4. Fecal incontinence: In rare cases, anal fistulas can cause damage to the sphincter muscles that control bowel movements, leading to fecal incontinence.
  5. Anal stenosis: Long-standing anal fistulas can lead to scarring and narrowing of the anal canal, a condition known as anal stenosis. This can cause difficulty passing stools and require surgical treatment.

Role of Neurotherapy: Neurotherapy has been observed to aid in balancing the acid-alkaline levels in the body, particularly in maintaining the pH of the blood. Additionally, it has been noted to stimulate bowel movement, thereby increasing its frequency.