Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is proctalgia fugax (anal pain)?
- How common is this condition?
- Signs and symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of proctalgia fugax?
- When to see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes proctalgia fugax (anal pain)?
- Diagnosis and treatment
- How is this condition diagnosed?
- What are the fugax proctalgia medications?
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Definition
What is proctalgia fugax (anal pain)?
Proctalgia fugax is pain in the anus (rectum) for which the cause is not clear. This pain is usually caused by intense muscle spasms in the anus or surrounding area.
This condition is similar to other causes of anal pain, namely levator ani syndrome. However, the sensation of pain is somewhat different and can last for days - not just minutes.
How common is this condition?
Anyone can experience anal pain. However, this condition usually only appears after puberty and affects women more often than men.
This could be because women tend to see a doctor more often if they have certain health complaints. So, it's not necessarily that men are less likely to get proctalgia fugax.
Signs and symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of proctalgia fugax?
The symptoms of proctalgia fugax are muscle spasms in the anal area, usually in the lower part. The pain or muscle spasm can occur suddenly, without symptoms, and be very painful.
This can last for just a few seconds, although in some cases it can last as long as 30 minutes. This condition can be severe enough to make it impossible for you to leave the house to work or school.
Generally, this pain will go away and subside on its own. When the muscles around the anus don't spasm, people with proctalgia fugax usually don't feel pain. The distance between the first seizure and the next is quite long.
Fulgax proctalgia often occurs at night, even until you wake up from sleep. However, it can also occur during the day.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.
When to see a doctor?
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor.
Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.
Cause
What causes proctalgia fugax (anal pain)?
Painful anus can appear without any trigger. However, several studies have shown that disruption of the pudendal nerve should be suspected.
In addition, usually proctalgia fugax or anal pain occurs after sclerotherapy in hemorrhoid patients (hemorrhoids) or after vaginal hysterectomy.
Other triggers include:
- sexual activity (eg sex).
- menstruation,
- constipation (constipation), and
- stress.
Diagnosis and treatment
How is this condition diagnosed?
Proctalgia fugax is usually diagnosed only after your doctor is certain that you do not have any other medical conditions that are causing anal pain or convulsions.
To be sure, your doctor may do the following.
- Perform a physical examination.
- Ask how badly it hurts, how long it took, etc.
- Check for hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, and other conditions that can cause anal pain.
What are the fugax proctalgia medications?
There are several treatment options, but how to reduce symptoms varies from person to person. The reason is, the cause of this condition cannot be ascertained.
Therefore, the treatment is only intended to relieve the symptoms that are complained of at that time.
If this condition is triggered by stress, counseling with a therapist or psychologist can help you. Soaking in warm water and giving warm water enemas can also help you. Your doctor may prescribe glyceryl trinitrate ointment or cream.
If the spasms are very severe, you may be advised to get Botox injections into the affected area. You can also be given an anesthetic through a local injection.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.