How to Diagnose Anal Fistula?

Anal fistula is a relatively serious anal disease. Like hemorrhoids, it can severely impact patients' normal work and life. Diagnosis can be made based on the patient's medical history and clinical symptoms. 1. Medical History: Patients have a history of perianal or perirectal abscess. 2. Clinical Symptoms: Typical symptoms of anal fistula include pus and bloody discharge near the anus, anal swelling and pain, perianal skin itchiness, etc. Additionally, there is one or more fistula openings near the anus that communicate with the anal canal. The external opening connects to the fistula around the anus, while the internal opening in the rectum connects to the fistula. The external opening around the anus communicates with the internal opening in the rectum through a tunnel, with redness, papules, and other symptoms at the external opening. Furthermore, when an anal fistula occurs, the patient's rectum and surrounding anal tissues undergo pathological changes, causing severe pain in the anal area, especially during bowel movements or when sleeping. Touching the anus can exacerbate the pain. Therefore, those with anal fistulas should seek timely treatment to alleviate the pain.