Treatment of sphincteritis

Inflammation of the sphincter most often develops against the background of damage to the mucous membrane of the anal canal or other proctological diseases. Tissue irritation maintains the inflammatory process, while muscle spasm can intensify pain and interfere with healing.

Possible causes include:

• injury to the anal canal by dense fecal masses and severe straining;
• frequent loose stools that irritate the mucous membrane;
• anal fissure, which may be accompanied by sphincter spasm;
• cryptitis or inflammation of the rectal mucous membrane;
• injuries, previous operations, and other interventions in the area of the anal canal;
• bacterial infections and the spread of inflammation from neighboring tissues.

Several factors often act simultaneously. For example, dense stools damage the mucous membrane, after which pain, spasm, and further tissue irritation occur. Therefore, when choosing treatment, it is important to establish not only the presence of inflammation, but also the disease or disorder that caused it.

Sphincteritis is classified according to the course of the disease and the nature of changes in the tissues of the anal canal. Such a division helps assess the severity of the inflammatory process and determine further treatment tactics.

According to the course, the following are distinguished:

• acute sphincteritis — occurs suddenly and is accompanied by pronounced manifestations;
• chronic — lasts for a long time, while periods of improvement may alternate with exacerbations.

According to the nature of local changes, the following are distinguished:

• catarrhal — inflammation is limited to the superficial tissues, without the formation of erosions and ulcers;
• erosive — small superficial lesions appear on the mucous membrane of the anal canal;
• erosive-ulcerative — deeper defects of the mucous membrane, including ulcers, are formed.

The proctologist determines the form of the disease based on the results of the examination and diagnostic evaluation.

If abdominal pain, nausea, or bitterness in the mouth occur at the same time, this should also be reported to the doctor. Such complaints may be associated with concomitant diseases of the digestive system.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend consulting a proctologist if the discomfort does not go away or intensifies. The examination will help determine its cause and distinguish sphincteritis from other diseases of the anal canal.

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a proctologist. The doctor clarifies the nature of the complaints, the time when the symptoms appeared, the characteristics of bowel movements, and the presence of previously experienced proctological diseases.

During the appointment, the following are performed:

• examination of the anal area to detect irritation, swelling, fissures, or discharge;
• digital examination of the rectum to assess tenderness and the condition of the sphincter;
• anoscopy — examination of the anal canal using a small optical instrument.

If there is blood, mucus, prolonged bowel movement disorders, or suspicion of the spread of inflammation, the doctor may prescribe an endoscopic examination of the rectum or colon. Blood and stool tests are also performed when indicated. The examination results help determine the cause of the symptoms and distinguish sphincteritis from other diseases of the anal canal.

The treatment of sphincteritis depends on its cause. It is important not only to reduce pain and discomfort, but also to treat the disease that caused inflammation of the anal sphincter.

The treatment regimen may include:

• correction of diet and drinking regimen to normalize bowel movements;
• medications to eliminate constipation or diarrhea;
• local remedies in the form of ointments or suppositories to reduce inflammation and pain;
• medications that help reduce sphincter spasm;
• antibacterial therapy if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

The proctologist selects the medications and duration of treatment individually. If the inflammation is associated with a purulent process, significant tissue damage, or another pathology that cannot be eliminated with medications, surgical treatment may be required.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» emphasize: even if the pain and discomfort have decreased, treatment should not be discontinued independently. It is important to complete the prescribed course in full, otherwise the symptoms may return.

For prevention, it is recommended to:

• consume enough vegetables, fruits, cereals, and other foods containing fiber to maintain regular bowel movements and avoid constipation;
• drink a sufficient amount of water throughout the day;
• not suppress the urge to defecate and not strain excessively;
• carefully maintain hygiene of the anal area without aggressive products or strong friction;
• promptly treat diarrhea, bowel movement disorders, cryptitis, and other proctological diseases.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» advise not waiting until pain or burning becomes constant. Early consultation with a proctologist helps identify the cause of irritation, begin treatment, and prevent the inflammation from progressing to a chronic form.

The cost of sphincteritis treatment depends on the cause of the disease, the required scope of diagnostics, and the prescribed therapy. You can review the prices for a proctologist consultation and other medical services here in advance. After the examination, the doctor will determine the examination and treatment plan and provide more detailed guidance regarding the cost. To make an appointment with a proctologist at the «Oxford Medical» medical center in Kyiv, submit a request on the website through the online appointment form or call the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information
• American College of Gastroenterology