Anal fistula – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

An anal fistula is “an abnormal tunnel under the skin” which connects the anal canal in the colon to the skin of the buttocks. Majority of anal fistulas form when an anal gland has developed a pus-filled infection or abscess.

Meanwhile, an anal abscess is often treated by surgical drainage. However, some abscesses drain spontaneously. At least 50 percent of these abscesses can develop into a fistula.

Some fistulae may less frequently be caused by other processes such as:

• Crohn’s disease
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Trauma
• Tuberculosis
• Cancer
• Diverticulitis

Known side effects of anal fistula

The symptoms of an anal abscess and an anal fistula can be similar and they often include:

• Pain and swelling around the anal area
• Fever and chills
• Lethargy and feeling sick
• Redness, soreness, or itching of the skin around the anal opening
• Pus drainage near the anal opening

Body systems harmed by anal fistula

When patients undergo fistula surgery, it can potentially damage the muscles of the anal sphincter, such as when the fistula involves the sphincter muscles. When the sphincter is damaged, the strength of the muscles is compromised. This can lead to a loss of control of the bowels and the leaking of feces from the rectum. This condition is called fecal or bowel incontinence.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent anal fistula

Anal fistulae can be remedied using various Ayurvedic herbs. Ayurveda refers to the system of medicine that is rooted in the Indian subcontinent.

• Ginger/Zingiber officinale — Ginger has antimicrobial, antibiotic, antiseptic, analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antifungal, and sedative properties.
• Elephant Yam/Amorphophallus campanunlatus — This herb provides relief from the severity of an anal fistula.
• Touch-me-not/Mimosa pudica — This herb is known for its emetic, tonic, and sedative characteristics. It can help treat various signs and symptoms of anal fistulae.
• Turmeric/Curcuma longa — Also called curcumin or haridra, turmiric is a very important herb used to cure anal fistulae. It has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties.
• Indian bdellium-tree/Commiphora mukul — Also known as Guggul, Indian bdellium is known for its revitalizing, rejuvenating, and regulating characteristics.

Treatments, management plans for anal fistula

Once diagnosed, a patient will need more than antibiotics to cure an anal fistula. Surgery is required to heal it, and your options include:

• Fistulotomy — This procedure opens up the fistula to let it heal from the inside out. It is usually an outpatient procedure (i.e. you can go home on the same day).
• Filling the fistula with a special glue or plug — This closes the inner opening of the fistula. The doctor then fills the fistula tunnel with a material that your body will eventually absorb.
• Reconstructive surgery/surgery done in stages
• Seton placement — This involves placing a suture or rubber band, or seton, in the fistula. The seton is gradually tightened, which lets the fistula heal behind the seton and reduces the risk of incontinence.

Where to learn more

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Summary

An anal fistula is “an abnormal tunnel under the skin” which connects the anal canal in the colon to the skin of the buttocks. Majority of anal fistulas form when an anal gland has developed a pus-filled infection or abscess.

The symptoms of an anal abscess and an anal fistula can be similar and they often include pain and swelling around the anal area, fever and chills, lethargy and feeling sick, and pus drainage near the anal opening.

Once diagnosed, a patient will need more than antibiotics to cure an anal fistula. Surgery is required to heal it, and your options include fistulotomy, filling the fistula with a special glue or plug, reconstructive surgery/surgery done in stages, or seton placement.

Sources include:

URMC.Rochester.edu

MY.ClevelandClinic.org

News-Medical.net

CureJoy.com