Pain in the anus occurs in or around the anal area and the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine that ends in the anus. Rectal pain and bleeding often accompany anal pain. People may be embarrassed to ask the doctor about this particular form of pain, but it is a common symptom of many different medical conditions and is usually easily treated. Often, this pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, stinging, discharge or bleeding. Many different conditions can cause anal pain. Most symptoms are mild and will resolve quickly with conservative treatment. In rare cases, however, anal pain is a symptom of a more serious condition, and needs immediate investigation.
Anal pain & hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, that appear as swollen veins in the anus or rectum, are a very common cause of pain in that area. The symptoms that occur depend on the location of the hemorrhoids, i.e. whether they are internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are usually located inside the anus and most people are unaware of them as they do not cause pain. Sometimes they can manifest as painless bleeding from the rectum, especially after bowel movements.
External hemorrhoids are essentially small, skin-colored bumps that protrude into the anus, which can cause pain when bleeding or thrombus develops. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, it can cause sudden, severe pain in the rectum or anus. Also, this particular condition can cause itching or irritation and swelling around the anus. People with hemorrhoids may also have discomfort during bowel movements or when sitting.
Anal pain & anal fissure
Anal fissure is a sore of the skin of the anus in the area of the sphincter. These stretch marks develop when hard or large stools stretch the sensitive lining of the rectum and tear the skin. They heal slowly because any bowel movement can further irritate the wound and cause inflammation of the tissue. Pain in the anus is a very common symptom of this condition. In addition to pain in the anus, anal fissures can cause bright red blood to appear in the stool or toilet paper, itching around the anus, or a small lump that develops near the fissure.
Perianal fistula or abscess & manifestation of pain
Perianal fistula is an abnormal communication channel that develops between the inside of the anus and the outer skin around the anus. Most anal fistulas are the result of an infection that starts in an anal gland, which leads to the formation of a pus-filled abscess. Several abscesses around the anus develop into fistulas, or small communication passages that connect the infected gland to an opening in the skin of the anus. A fistula is more likely to develop if an abscess is left untreated, and it causes severe pain. Pain in the anus can occur either in the case of an abscess or a fistula. In addition to anal pain, perianal fistulas can cause swelling around the anus and the opening of the anus, difficulty with bowel movements, discharge of blood or pus during bowel movements, or even fever.
In many cases, painless conditions such as trauma or injury to the rectum or anus cause pain in that area. It can also result from a particularly severe fall or injury during other physical activity. However, pain in the anus can be a symptom of a more life-threatening condition, such as rectal cancer. Therefore, it is important that the patient who experiences this particular form of pain regularly consults a specialist, so that unpleasant situations can be prevented. The General Surgeons in Athens offer effective diagnosis and treatment of the causes that cause pain in the anus.
