Perianal abscess turns into anal fistula in a few months

If perianal abscesses are not treated promptly, anal fistulas may form within weeks to months. Generally speaking, perianal abscesses are caused by infection. If the pus is not drained for a long time or the abscess recurs, the inflammation may spread to the surrounding tissues to form fistulas. In order to prevent the development of anal fistulas, the condition should be detected and treated as soon as possible, including medication, surgery and lifestyle adjustments.

1. Causes of anal fistula caused by perianal abscess

Perianal abscess is a common disease caused by anal gland infection. The process of its development into anal fistula is related to many factors:

(1) Spread of infection: If anal gland infection is not controlled in time, the bacteria will erode the surrounding tissues and form abnormal channels, namely anal fistulas, over time.

(2) The pus is not drained in time: If the abscess is not effectively incised and emptied, the localized inflammation will further expand, aggravating the damage to the tissues near the anus and increasing the possibility of anal fistula.

(3) Low immunity: People with poor immunity will suffer from inflammation for a longer period of time and are more likely to develop anal fistulas.

(4) Recurrent infection: recurrent perianal abscesses, repeated destruction of healing tissues, and persistent abnormal destruction of the structure of the anal gland duct are also important causes of fistula formation.

2. How to prevent the formation of anal fistula

Once a perianal abscess is diagnosed, proactive measures should be taken to prevent it from developing into anal fistula:

(1) Drug treatment

Mild abscesses can be treated with antibiotics under the guidance of a doctor, such as cephalosporins and metronidazole, to control infection and reduce the possibility of the spread of inflammation. For cases where the amount of pus has not increased significantly, antibiotics can quickly relieve symptoms.

(2) Surgical intervention

Surgery is usually necessary for perianal abscesses that have significant pus accumulation or are more severely infected. For example:

-Abscess incision and drainage: Surgical incision of the abscess and drainage of the pus can effectively avoid the formation of fistula by removing the infected lesion.

- Radical surgery for perianal abscess: For patients with more severe tissue damage, radical surgery can be chosen to directly remove the abscess cavity.

-Anal fistulectomy: In cases where an abscess has formed a fistula, it may be necessary to completely remove the fistula to prevent further extension of the lesion.

(3) Daily care and adjustment of lifestyle habits

To prevent the formation of anal fistula, we need to start with the details:

-Keep the anal area clean: Take a warm sitz bath every day to relieve pain and help slow down infection.

-Adjust your diet: Eat more dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, to prevent constipation and avoid straining during bowel movements that increase perianal pressure.

-Increase water intake: Supplementing water can soften stool and reduce irritation to the perianal tissues.

3. Manifestations of perianal abscess turning into anal fistula

If the perianal abscess has developed into anal fistula, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

-Recurrent skin breakdown or abnormal leakage around the anus.

-Pus or bloody discharge with a foul odor during bowel movements or daily activities.

-Persistent pain around the anus, which becomes more severe as the fistula becomes more inflamed.

-A lump or bump can be felt around the skin.

If the above symptoms occur, you should go to the hospital for examination immediately and take further treatment according to the doctor's advice.

4. Warm advice for patients with perianal abscess

How many months it takes for an anal abscess to develop into an anal fistula varies from person to person, but early intervention is crucial. If you find an anal abscess, do not delay diagnosis and treatment or treat it on your own. Go to a regular hospital for timely treatment and use medication or surgical drainage to prevent the abscess from worsening. In daily life, pay attention to maintaining hygiene around the anus and avoid bad habits such as sitting for long periods of time and eating spicy foods that irritate the anus. Even if the abscess has developed into an anal fistula, there is no need to worry too much, as modern medical technology is fully capable of helping patients return to normal life. Health comes from self-care and active intervention, allowing the body to maintain a good balance and state from the inside out!