SWOLLEN ABDOMEN • ANAL AND RECTAL PROBLEMS
Anal and rectal problems
127
START
The anus is the opening of the lower large intestine( rectum) to the outside. Discomfort during bowel movements may be due to a disorder of the rectum, the anus, or the skin around the anus. Rectal or anal bleeding is often due to hemorrhoids but can also be an early symptom of cancer. Consult your doctor if you have any bleeding or persistent discomfort.
Have you noticed bleeding from the anus?
Bleeding
No bleeding
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS Although hemorrhoids are a likely cause, there is a slight possibility of cancer of the colon, rectum, or anus that needs to be excluded.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have a pinworm infestation.
Do you have either of the following?
White“ threads” in your feces
Itching is worse in bed at night
Neither
Do you have either of the following?
Pain in or around the anus or rectum
Sore area in the crease above the anus
Neither
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have a pilonidal sinus( small pit at the top of this crease, which can result in an abscess).
• Soak the affected area in warm water.
Do you have itching around the anus?
Itching
No itching
Do you have small, irregular, fleshy lumps around the anus?
Yes
No
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You may have hemorrhoids, but itching can also occur for no obvious reason.
• Try using an over-thecounter hemorrhoid preparation to relieve the itching.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if the itching continues for more than 3 days.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR It is possible that you have genital warts.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your anal or rectal problem from this chart.