Rectal pain, or anal pain, is a common, but irritating, complaint that one in
four Americans experiences, but it is not always a sign of a serious condition.
Any prolonged instance of rectal pain or rectal bleeding should
be examined by a gastroenterologist to determine its cause and provide treatment.
Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment
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Causes of Rectal Pain
The most common causes of rectal pain or anal pain are hemorrhoids,
anal fissures, infection, foreign objects, or bowel diseases such as colitis.
There are other causes as well, so prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential.
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Symptoms of Rectal Pain
The cause of your rectal pain will usually determine the symptoms you are having.
Most hemorrhoids only produce mild itching and discomfort,
but if a clot forms in the hemorrhoidal tissue, severe pain can result. If you
have an anal fissure, which is a small cut or tear in the lining
of the intestine or colon, there's often a sharp pain when the fissure is first
formed that becomes a dull, aching pain. An anal fissure will cause sharp pain
during bowel movements, and blood is sometimes present in the stool, the tissue,
or toilet bowl.
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Diagnosis of Rectal Pain
Most causes of rectal pain or anal pain can be diagnosed through a visual examination
done by Dr. Shamsi during a quick office visit. If additional tests are needed
or indicated, he will let you know, but they are often not necessary.
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Treatment of Rectal Pain
Surgery or expensive medicines or treatments can often be avoided once Dr.
Shamsi has determined the cause of your anal discomfort. Depending on the cause,
some over-the-counter medications may be recommended, or treatment can be done
at home that includes the use of sitz baths, modifying your diet to include
more fiber-rich foods, or the use of stool softeners.
If necessary, Dr. Shamsi may need to perform a procedure during a quick office
visit such as an IRC to provide relief, or he may prescribe
certain medications to be compounded by a specialized pharmacy. After your examination,
he will provide you with full details about how to best treat your condition
and prevent any re-occurrence.
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