Anal pain is a common complaint.
This is discomfort in or around the anal hole and pain in the rectum.
Although most causes of anal pain are benign, the pain itself can be severe because of the many nerve endings in the perianal region.
Many conditions that cause anal pain may also cause rectal bleeding, which is usually more frightening than serious. Bleeding from the rectum is not pleasant to look at and most likely a person who has no medical education will be scared - keep as calm as possible and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
The causes of anal pain usually can be easily diagnosed. Anal pain usually can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
When to see a doctor
Have someone drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if you develop:
- A significant amount of rectal bleeding or rectal bleeding that won't stop, particularly if accompanied by lightheadedness, dizziness or feeling faint
- Anal pain that gets much worse, spreads, or is accompanied by fever, chills or anal discharge
Make an appointment with your doctor if your pain lasts more than a few days and self-care remedies aren't helping.
Also make an appointment with your doctor if anal pain is accompanied by a change in bowel habit or rectal bleeding.
See your doctor for rectal bleeding, particularly if you're older than 40, to rule out rare but serious conditions such as colon cancer.
Causes of anal pain include:
- Anal cancer
- Anal fissure (a small tear in the lining of the anal canal)
- Anal sex
- Anal itching (pruritus ani)
- Constipation
- Crohn's disease
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Perianal abscess
- Perianal hematoma
- Proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum)
- Trauma
- Ulcerative colitis
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/anal-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050918
