What causes pain in the anus during bowel movements?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
Anal pain during bowel movements is mainly caused by factors such as food irritation, passage of hard stools, muscle tension, hemorrhoids, and proctitis. Consuming excessive spicy foods can lead to incomplete digestion and absorption of capsaicin in the gastrointestinal tract. When capsaicin is excreted in the stool, it may irritate the anal mucosa, causing pain. Adjusting dietary habits and reducing the intake of spicy foods is recommended.

Generally, anal pain during defecation is mainly caused by food irritation, passage of hard stools, muscle tension, hemorrhoids, and proctitis. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Food Irritation

Consuming excessive spicy foods can lead to incomplete digestion and absorption of capsaicin in the gastrointestinal tract. Capsaicin excreted in the feces may irritate the anal mucosa, causing pain. Adjust dietary habits by reducing spicy food intake and increasing fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits to reduce irritation to the anus.

2. Passage of Hard Stools

The sharp edges and hardness of hard stools may scratch the anal mucosa when passing through the anus, causing local inflammatory reactions and resulting in pain. It is recommended to increase dietary fiber intake, drink more water, and keep stools soft.

3. Muscle Tension

Excessive tension or spasm of the anal sphincter muscle can impair normal anal dilation, increasing pressure during defecation and causing anal pain. Practicing pelvic floor muscle relaxation techniques and performing anal sphincter muscle relaxation exercises are recommended. Heat application or massage may also be used to relieve muscle tension when necessary.

4. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a condition caused by varicose veins in the lower rectum and anus. During defecation, increased pressure compresses the hemorrhoids, causing pain, and symptoms such as bleeding and swelling may occur. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, Viola Yedoensis Ointment for Hemorrhoids, and Chlorhexidine Acetate栓 for Hemorrhoids.

5. Proctitis

Proctitis results from bacterial infection or unhealthy lifestyle habits, leading to inflammation of the anal mucosa. The inflamed area becomes irritated during defecation, causing pain, possibly accompanied by sensations of anal heaviness and tenesmus. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as Mazhurenwan (Capsules for constipation), Lactulose Oral Solution, and New Compound Aloe Capsules for treatment.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain regular bowel habits, avoid suppressing the urge to defecate, and control defecation time to avoid excessive duration, thus reducing anal pressure.

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