Your anus is at the end of your digestive tract, where stool exits the body.
It contains sensitive nerve endings, blood vessels, and tiny glands.
Swelling occurs as a result of damage or irritation to your rectum or anus.
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Some causes of anal swelling, such as hemorrhoids, may be improved with home treatment.
However, chronic anal swelling requires a medical diagnosis since it may mean a more severe problem.
This article describes anal swelling, its common causes, and home treatments.
It also explains when to consult a healthcare provider and what to expect if you need GI testing.
Swelling in your anus or elsewhere in the body typically occurs as aninflammatory responseto an injury or irritation.
Redness, heat, and pain can often accompany symptoms of anal swelling.
The key in and location of pain that accompanies a swollen anus can vary by cause and by individual.
Symptoms of a swollen anus can include:
Internal vs. Internal hemorrhoids develop just inside the anus, in the lower rectum.
External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus.
Conditions like pregnancy or aging can also trigger external hemorrhoids.
Most hemorrhoids resolve within a week.
Internal hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic (with few or no symptoms).
Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids can include:
External hemorrhoids can cause more discomfort than internal hemorrhoids.
This common condition usually occurs from a bowel movement that involves large, hard stools or long-term diarrhea.
Symptoms of an anorectal abscess vary by individual.
It can also extend from your anal canal to other organs such as your urinary tract orvagina.
It triggers a strong urge to scratch the affected area.
Pruritus ani is often described as idiopathic, meaning occurring from unknown causes.
Symptoms of pruritus ani include:
Proctitis
Proctitis is inflammation of internal rectal tissue.
Perianal Crohn’s disease can occur at any time during Crohn’s disease, even before the diagnosis.
It is quite rare, with about 10,540 new cases diagnosed in the United States annually.
It is more often found in older adults, with an average age of diagnosis in the early 60s.
Infection by thehumanpapillomavirusinfection (HPV)is the highest risk factor for having anal cancer.
Symptoms of anal cancerinclude:
How Do You Know If Your Anus Has Prolapsed?
The mass may bleed slightly and cause pain and discomfort.
Home therapies and changes to toilet habits can often help your body heal and prevent future problems.
Surgery may be an option if the repair of a tear or removal of a mass is needed.
Getting an early diagnosis for a swollen anus can help you relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
It can also improve your outcomes and preserve your health when conditions such as anal cancer are treated early.
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