Re: Rectal Pain

Posted By HSHSM.D.-ym on May 21, 1998 at 13:45:49:

In Reply to: Rectal Pain posted by Karen on May 20, 1998 at 08:06:42:






I have this unusual feeling of pain and pressure on the left side near my rectum that gets worse when I have to go to the
bathroom. It also hurts when I cough. What is this?
Dear Karen,
The rectal pain that you are experiencing sounds like a fissure. A fissure is a small tear in the anal canal which is painful and causes a burning sensation or pain while defecating. Sometimes fissures can bleed. Conservative therapy includes increasing the fiber in your diet, warm sitz baths and topical anesthetic creams with or without hydrocortisone (such as Annusol or Annusol-HC [can be bought over the counter]).
You can increase the fiber in your diet by eating about 1/2 cup of FIBER ONE cereal (General Mills) daily or by taking psyllium (Metamucil or Konsyl). If you continue to have difficulty with this problem you should probably see a colorectal specialist. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Eggenberger, one of our expert Colorectal Surgeons.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: rectal pain, fissure, fiber



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