Rectal pain

Rectal pain
Synonyms	Proctalgia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain in the rectum, discomfort during defecation, anal spasm
Complications	Fecal incontinence, constipation, anal fissure
Onset	Can be sudden or gradual
Duration	Varies from minutes to chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, proctitis, anal abscess, anal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome
Risks	Chronic constipation, diarrhea, anal intercourse, inflammatory bowel disease
Diagnosis	Physical examination, anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Coccygodynia, pudendal neuralgia, levator ani syndrome
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Sitz bath, topical anesthetics, fiber supplements, analgesics, surgery
Medication	Lidocaine, nitroglycerin ointment, calcium channel blockers
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Rectal pain is a common medical condition that involves discomfort or pain in the lower portion of the digestive system, specifically the rectum. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from minor issues like hemorrhoids to more serious conditions such as rectal cancer or anal fissures.

Causes

Rectal pain can be caused by a number of different conditions. Some of the most common include:

• Hemorrhoids: These are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus that can be itchy or painful. They are often caused by straining during bowel movements, obesity, or pregnancy.
• Anal fissures: These are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements. They can cause pain and bleeding.
• Rectal cancer: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the rectum. It can cause pain, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.
• Proctalgia fugax: This is a condition characterized by sudden, severe pain in the rectum that can last from seconds to minutes.

Symptoms

The main symptom of rectal pain is an uncomfortable or painful sensation in the lower part of the digestive tract. Other symptoms can include:

• Pain during bowel movements
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Changes in bowel habits

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of rectal pain typically involves a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or imaging tests.

Treatment

Treatment for rectal pain depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Changes in diet or lifestyle
• Surgical procedures in severe cases

See also

• Digestive system
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy