Pressure in the rectum: 11 causes

There are many conditions that put pressure on the rectum, including constipation, diarrhea, anal fissures, and hemorrhoids. Serious causes of rectal compression are less common, but include diverticulitis, rectal prolapse, and anal cancer.

Pressure in your rectum may make you feel like you need to move your bowels. It may also feel like there is stool stuck in the lower digestive tract or something falling out of the anus. Pressure in the rectum can vary in intensity, from a dull tingling sensation to pain and cramping.

This article describes symptoms that can cause rectal tightness. Learn about the different symptoms associated with rectal compression, how to treat it, and when to see a health care provider.

anal fissure

An anal fissure is a tear or crack in the tissue lining the anus that can cause pain and pressure in the rectum. Other symptoms of anal fissure include rectal bleeding and pain that lasts for several hours after defecating.

Anal fissures are usually acute and resolve on their own with home treatments such as a high-fiber diet and warm baths. If the anal fissure is chronic and the problem persists, surgery may be necessary.

constipation

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort. Stool is hard, dry, or lumpy. Stools that are difficult or painful to defecate. Or you may feel like all your stool is not coming out, which can cause pressure in your rectum.

Make lifestyle changes such as adding more fiber to your diet, drinking more water, and becoming more active. Other treatments may include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications, biofeedback, or surgery.

diarrhea

Diarrhea is described as loose and watery flight It occurs three or more times a day and can be acute (lasting 1-2 days), persistent (lasting 2-4 weeks), or chronic (lasting more than 4 weeks, continuous or coming and going).

If you have diarrhea, slowing your bowel movements may relieve pressure. This may include taking anti-diarrheal medication and eating his BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, tea, toast) diet. Tell your doctor before using these medicines if you have persistent or chronic diarrhea or if you have blood in your stool.

hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins around the rectum or anus that can occur internally or externally. This condition can cause anal discomfort, pressure, pain, itching, and bleeding. Home treatments include:

• eat foods high in fiber
• Take stool softeners or fiber supplements such as psyllium
• drink enough water
• Do not strain when defecating
• Don’t sit on the toilet for a long time
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin
• To relieve pain, sit in a hot tub of water, called a sitz bath, several times a day.

In some cases, treatments such as rubber band ligation, surgery, sclerotherapyor hemorrhoidectomy It is performed to treat hemorrhoids.

Coccyx pain (bruised coccyx)

injury coccyx (end of the spine) Coccyx pain, or a bruised coccyx. Coccydynia is often associated with an injury when falling on the coccyx, during childbirth, or when sitting on a hard surface for an extended period of time.

Coccidinia usually resolves slowly over time and with subsequent treatments.

• Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort
• Ice therapy after a fall or other trauma
• Special pillow that reduces pressure on the coccyx
• Physical therapy, massage, and stretching exercises to reduce muscle tension and stiffness

fistula

A fistula is an abnormal tunnel or connection between two body parts, usually as a result of injury, surgery, infection, or inflammation. If a fistula develops between the rectum and vagina or between the intestines and skin, it can put pressure on the rectum.

Symptoms include:

• pain
• heat
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• Pus, blood, stool, or other foul-smelling secretions

Depending on the location of the fistula, additional symptoms may occur. Some fistulas heal on their own without surgical closure. Other treatments may include fluids, electrolytes, antibiotics, and nutritional support.

diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of the diverticula (outer lining) of the colon. Bloating and gas can put pressure on your rectum. Symptoms include:

• Usually tenderness in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen
• bloating or gas
• fever and chills
• nausea and vomiting
• I’m not hungry, I don’t eat
• severe abdominal pain

Depending on the severity and frequency of diverticulitis, the following treatments are used:

• rest
• heating pad for the abdomen
• Painkillers (ask your doctor which painkillers you should use)
• Drink only fluids for a day or two, then gradually start drinking thick liquids and then eat food.
• Colectomy (surgery to remove part of the colon) in severe cases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel diseases (including IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or atypical colitis) cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

The pressure associated with IBD may be due to diarrhea or constipation caused by the disease. It may also be due to complications such as a fistula or perianal disease. Controlling the inflammation caused by IBD is an important part of treatment.

Treatments for IBD include oral medications, biologics, enemas, suppositories, and lifestyle modifications.

rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse occurs when the lining of the rectum, or rectal wall, falls out of the anus. Symptoms include:

• Feeling like something is coming out of the anus
• Visible reddish lump protruding from the anus
• constipation, diarrhea, or both
• Your rectum doesn’t feel empty after defecating
• Unable to control bowel movements (fecal incontinence)
• Blood or mucus discharge from the rectum

Rectal prolapse that remains outside the body can be serious and requires prompt treatment. The prolapsed tissue becomes strangled, begins to lose circulation, becomes necrotic, and can die.

If your rectal prolapse is accompanied by pain, fever, or heavy bleeding, seek emergency medical care. If the prolapse does not cause symptoms, contact your health care provider.

Treatment usually includes surgery. Reducing or avoiding constipation is recommended to reduce the chance of recurrence.

prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-shaped gland responsible for producing the liquid part of semen. Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the inflammation, but may include:

• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, penis, scrotum, lower back, or between the scrotum and anus
• Pain in the urethra or penis during or after urination
• Urinary urgency or frequency – urinating more than 8 times a day
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Urinary retention – inability to completely empty the bladder
• Having trouble starting the flow of urine
• Urinary tract obstruction – complete inability to urinate
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• fever or chills
• nausea or vomiting
• body pain

Treatment depends on the type of prostatitis and may include antibiotics and other medications to reduce pain, discomfort, and inflammation. Other treatments include sitz baths, heat therapy, physical therapy, biofeedback, and acupuncture.

anal cancer

Anal cancer is considered rare compared to other forms of cancer. However, that percentage is increasing by about 2% every year. A bulge or bump (lump) in the anal area can cause pressure in the rectal area.

Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are all treatments for cancer. However, it is important to remember that cancer is not a common cause of rectal compression.

When should you see a health care provider?

Constant pressure in the intestines is not a normal part of the digestive process. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms persist for more than a few days or if you have any of the following symptoms:

• lumps, lumps, or bumps in the anal area
• bleeding from the rectum
• cold
• heat
• signs of infection
• tissue protruding from the anus
• abnormal discharge from the rectum

Talking to your health care provider about gastrointestinal symptoms can be difficult. There are some important things to remember when talking to your health care provider about anal or rectal pressure.

1. Many common causes of rectal compression are not serious and may improve with treatment.
2. Telling your health care provider about your symptoms can help you get a faster diagnosis and treatment.
3. Medical professionals hear about intestinal problems all the time. They are trained on how to get a list of symptoms and decide what to do next.

summary

Rectal compression can be caused by many different things, but most are temporary and treatable. Seeing your health care provider about this symptom can help you understand its causes and how to treat it.