Anal discomfort (anus discomfort)

Many people already suffer from more or less severe symptoms for a long or short period of time Complaints in the area of ​​the anus. Because of their shame, they shy away from going to the doctor. However, this is extremely important in order to prevent further health problems.

What are anal discomfort?

Behind the name Anal discomfort (anus discomfort) hide different health problems that develop in the body region of the anus and the rectum. Anal discomfort (anus discomfort) occurs in different forms, some of which can be quite severe and agonizing.

In addition to stressful symptoms such as itching, burning skin and other painful sensations, bloody stools can occur. In addition, many of those affected suffer from weeping impairments and intense discomfort when defecating. As part of the medical diagnosis, the examinations are limited to the areas of the approximately 2 to 7 cm long anal canal.

Basically, anal complaints (anus complaints) are referred to in medical terminology as proctalgia and are at the same time an indication of various other diseases.

causes

The causes and triggers for Anal discomfort (anus discomfort) are quite diverse and can also be connected to other organ systems. Irregular bowel movements such as persistent diarrhea or constipation due to an unhealthy diet, an acute or chronic gastrointestinal disease or insufficient cleanliness in the genital 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 the anal discomfort (anal discomfort) can be blood clots on the anus as the cause of anal vein thrombosis. In addition, some people suffer from anal discomfort because they suffer from anal eczema, which contributes to the characteristic itchy impairment.

If the anal discomfort (anus discomfort) occurs due to inflammatory processes in the rectum, then it is a question of proctitis. Fissures, microscopic tears in the anus, which can be caused by mechanical influences, are particularly painful. Anal fistulas and anal cancer are also considered causes of anal discomfort (pain in the anus).

Diseases with this symptom

• Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Intestinal polyps
• Colon cancer

• typhus
• Parkinson's
• Anal fissure (anal tear)
• Anal cancer (anal cancer)
• Diverticulitis

• hemorrhoids
• Perianal thrombosis
• Proctitis
• Coprostasis
• Fecal incontinence

course

The course of the disease Anal discomfort (anus discomfort) is characterized by the fact that the localized symptoms appear only to a minor extent at the beginning and disappear again and again. If there is no treatment, the symptoms worsen and often become so severe that an examination by a doctor is inevitable.

Smaller symptoms such as itching can usually be treated yourself at the beginning by applying nourishing creams and gentle intimate hygiene. However, if the condition does not improve, or if the symptoms even worsen, a specialist should be consulted.

Complications

Various complications can arise with anal discomfort. If symptoms such as itching of the buttocks, blood in the stool or the like are not treated early, anal fissures, i.e. painful tears in the mucous membrane of the anus, occur, which later develop into chronic hemorrhoids.

Itching of the anus can lead to severe complications during bowel movements and also has a negative impact on general well-being. Possible consequences are also diarrhea, intestinal ulcers and coprostasis (feces congestion) up to intestinal obstruction. In addition, if there is no treatment for a long time, there is often weakness in the connective tissue, a so-called perineum depression. Untreated anal complaints ultimately lead to fecal incontinence, ischuria and other secondary diseases. When treating anal discomfort, depending on the underlying disease, injuries to the intestines or anus and other complications can also occur.

Examples of this are bleeding, infections or leaky seams which, if left untreated, lead to inflammation of the intestine or peritoneum. After treating anal discomfort - whether through surgery or medication - digestive problems can arise. Diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea are common complications, but permanent nerve damage can also result from treatment. Since the anal area recovers slowly due to its location and stress, comprehensive follow-up treatment and therapy is always recommended for all kinds of anal complaints.

When should you go to the doctor?

The terms anal complaints and anal complaints summarize disorders of wellbeing 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 anus. Anal complaints are often embarrassing and embarrassing for those affected, which is why they try to avoid visiting the doctor. When can I wait to see a doctor if I have problems with anus and when is it advisable to see a doctor immediately if I have anal problems?

If it can be clearly seen that anus complaints such as bleeding have occurred after mechanical stress, a visit to a doctor is not necessary. Hard stools often cause anal bleeding, as well as constipation or diarrhea. However, another common cause is hemorrhoids. The following applies to the treatment: the earlier, the better.

Special ointments can help at the beginning; in the advanced stage, the only thing left is surgical removal of the hemorrhoids. Anal complaints in the form of intestinal ulcers, anal fissures and tears in the mucous membrane are also in urgent need of treatment. The rarer but not ruled out anal cancer should always be considered.

In addition to the general practitioner, various specialists can be considered as treating doctors for anus complaints or anal complaints: general practitioners, proctologists, urologists, gynecologists, dermatologists, oncologists and surgeons.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Which form of therapy the doctor chooses depends on the symptoms and the extent of the symptoms. Basically everyone can Anal discomfort (anus discomfort) treat effectively. Both locally acting drugs such as ointments, creams and suppositories, which are often prescribed in addition to enemas, are important elements of treatment as a result of a change in diet and improved intimate hygiene.

Furthermore, drugs are prescribed that curb the itching and relieve pain and inflammation in the anal area. Soothing hip baths are equally pleasant and healing.

To treat hemorrhoids as anal discomfort (anal discomfort), the doctor has different options. In addition to a light surgical procedure that leads to the obliteration of the hemorrhoids, these procedures can also be used to remove malignant tumors from the anus.

Strong mechanical effects on the anus and associated anal discomfort (anal discomfort) can be avoided if appropriate sexual practices are carried out gently, soft toilet paper is used and regular intimate hygiene is ensured.

Outlook & forecast

Anal discomfort can have different causes. They often occur in Germany. The chances of recovery are very high, as the prognosis is often not as bad as the affected patients imagine at the beginning.

Anal problems are often caused by problems with bowel movements or care products that are not well tolerated. The latter suggests a possible allergic reaction to these products. Too little exercise can also lead to long-term anal discomfort.

The prognosis for a cure is good. The doctor often recommends switching to more exercise and a healthier diet. If there is still no improvement, other means must be used.

If the patient is struggling with itching, an ointment is also prescribed. This should protect against scratching the affected areas, so that the healing process really ends positively. If the symptoms do not go away over a longer period of time, you should contact a doctor immediately, as this could be a profound illness.

prevention

To prevent against Anal discomfort (anus discomfort), which occur particularly in the context of proctalgia, the painful discomfort during bowel movements, several options can be recommended. In addition to a certain regularity of bowel movements, sufficient fluid intake is beneficial to prevent hard stool.

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, they are gel-like substances that allow stool to be settled 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 using the toilet.

You can do that yourself

Because of the manifold causes of anus itching, general support is limited to symptom relief. Mechanical irritation from excessive hygiene is one of the more common catalysts of itchy anus ailment. Here it is important to find the right amount for each individual. Regular cleaning of stool residues from the anus with clear water reduces the susceptibility of an overreaction of the surrounding tissue. Without thorough cleaning, remaining excrement can quickly cause irritation, depending on an unfavorable diet with hot spices.

Even without a direct urge to go to the toilet, an occasional test of the anus can be useful around the morning after waking up. Liquid residues can be carried out through unconscious pressure or gas. Pain-relieving creams can also reduce the painful burning sensation according to medical advice and thus increase the quality of life of those affected. If the location is unfavorable, hemorrhoids impair the function of the sphincter muscle and cause it to leak. A high-fiber diet helps keep bowel movements smooth and accelerates the regression of filled blood cells in the anus area. In the case of diarrhea, on the other hand, thickening foods help prevent secretions from flowing away prematurely. Inflammation caused by exposure to sweat and abrasive clothing are reduced by restricting physical activity.

In rare cases, an allergic reaction to underwear or the ingredients of scented wet wipes should also be considered. Changing the corresponding products can then help. If a clear skin eczema is visible in the area around the anus, the yeast Candida albicans may be responsible. A consistently low-sugar diet helps to counteract excessive spread in the intestines.