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Anal fistula is one of the most common diseases in the anorectal region, having the level of popularity only after hemorrhoids. Although the disease is not life-threatening, it brings a lot of trouble to the patient. So what causes anal fistula? You can find out related information in the article right below.
1. What is an anal fistula?
Before finding out the cause of anal fistula, have you understood this condition or not?
This is essentially a chronic infection in the anorectal position, the fistula appears like a small tunnel. Anal fistulas usually develop when the sebaceous glands located in the anus become infected, often due to an inflammatory process occurring. After an incubation period, this fistula will be destroyed and connected to the skin outside the anus called an anal fistula.
In some cases, anal fistula can also form due to clusters of abscesses around the anus when not treated effectively and thoroughly. At this time, abscess is the acute stage, and anal fistula is the chronic stage of the disease.
Although anal fistula can happen to anyone, at any age. However, the disease is common in people from 30 to 50 years old and is classified as follows:
Complete anal fistula: This is a condition where the fistula appears with 2 openings from the inside of the anus to the surface. skin near the anus. Simple anal fistula: In this case, the fistula develops in a straight line, often without many nooks and crannies, so the treatment is also simpler. Complicated anal fistula: Because the fistula appears tortuous, forming many branches through the skin surface, the treatment is often quite difficult. Intra-sphincter fistula: This is the result of a sub-anal abscess and is a shallow fistula that develops just under the skin next to the anus. Anal fistula through the sphincter: There is a fistula that crosses the anal sphincter and is the result of an abscess at the rectal fossa location.
2. List common causes of anal fistula
In fact, there are many causes of anal fistula but mainly divided into 2 main causes including subjective causes and objective causes.
Subjective causes (Due to individual patient):
People who have a history of or are suffering from genital inflammatory diseases, incomplete treatment or frequent recurrence will have a high risk of anal fistula. People with poor immune system and resistance will lead to ineffective protection of the body, creating favorable conditions for the invasion of pathogens. People who have unprotected sex, have violent sex, lead to damage to the genital area, create favorable conditions for bacteria and germs to grow, leading to infection causing anal fistula. Poor personal hygiene also creates a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria. Objective causes of anal fistula (environmental factors):
People who experience injuries when exercising or doing sports will lead to tension and tearing of some muscle parts, including anal muscles. People with prolonged constipation will damage the anus, leading to inflammation and festering. People with diseases related to the digestive tract such as colon, diarrhea, hemorrhoids will cause irritation and increased contractility, which is also an indirect factor leading to anal fistulas. When treating or performing some surgery related to the anal area, if you do not choose a quality medical facility, poor care and recovery will lead to anal fistula.
3. Effective solutions to prevent anal fistula
After finding out the cause of anal fistula, you should apply the following solutions to be able to prevent this disease most effectively:
Build a reasonable diet every day by regularly adding fiber, vitamins from vegetables for better digestive system. Limit the use of hot spicy foods, stimulant drinks such as alcohol, tobacco. Regular exercise every day to release excess energy in the body, support metabolism and circulation. This will help the organs in the body work effectively, preventing pathogens from entering the environment. When going to the toilet, absolutely do not bring your phone, newspaper or book into the toilet, making the toilet time too long will put pressure on the anal area. This is the cause of many different diseases, including anal fistula. Regularly monitor and pay attention to abnormal signs of the body for timely examination and effective treatment. Above is some information to help you answer the question of what is the cause of anal fistula as well as solutions to help prevent this problem effectively. You should take the time to visit and check your health periodically at least every 6 months to promptly detect dangerous diseases, including anal fistula.
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