Is perianal abscess a hemorrhoid?

Perianal abscess is not hemorrhoids. They are completely different diseases, but because they both occur in the perianal area, the symptoms may have some similarities. Perianal abscess is a suppurative disease of the anal glands or perianal tissues caused by infection, while hemorrhoids are vascular diseases caused by varicose veins at the lower end of the rectum. The causes and treatments of these two problems are completely different, so they need to be correctly identified and treated.

The main cause of perianal abscess is anal gland infection. Under normal circumstances, the anal glands secrete fluid to lubricate the anus, but when the glands are invaded by bacteria, viruses or fungi, it can cause infection of the glands and surrounding soft tissues, eventually leading to the formation of abscesses. The onset of perianal abscesses may also be related to systemic factors such as low immunity, diabetes, and chronic intestinal diseases (such as Crohn's disease). Long-term constipation and anal trauma are also causes. In contrast, the occurrence of hemorrhoids is closely related to increased rectal pressure caused by long-term sitting, constipation, obesity, pregnancy, etc. In terms of symptoms, perianal abscesses are mainly characterized by severe local pain, redness, swelling and tenderness, accompanied by inflammatory manifestations such as fever; while hemorrhoids usually manifest as swelling of the anus, bleeding or blood dripping after defecation, but generally there are no infectious symptoms. If the abscess is not handled properly, it may continue to develop into a complex anal fistula, so be vigilant.

In terms of treatment, surgical incision and drainage is the preferred treatment for perianal abscess, which is the core measure to clear the infection. Specifically, it includes abscess incision and drainage, perianal abscess excision, and anal fistula surgery when necessary. Antibiotic treatment (such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or cephalosporins) is often used in combination to control the spread of infection. During the recovery period, attention should be paid to wound care and local hygiene to prevent secondary infection. For hemorrhoids, mild patients can usually choose non-surgical treatments, such as high-fiber diet, warm water sitz baths, or medicated suppositories (such as lidocaine suppositories, Mayinglong hemorrhoid cream) to relieve symptoms; in severe cases, ligation, injection of sclerosing agents, or hemorrhoid circumcision can be considered. It should be reminded that it is crucial to make a clear diagnosis as soon as possible and receive targeted treatment.

In daily life, to prevent the occurrence of perianal abscesses and hemorrhoids, you need to develop healthy bowel habits, avoid sitting for long periods of time, and keep the perianal area clean. Eat more foods containing dietary fiber and water, such as green leafy vegetables and whole grains. You can also increase walking, swimming and other exercises to promote blood circulation. If you experience discomfort, redness, swelling or ulceration in the perianal area for several consecutive days, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid delaying the disease. Pay attention to body signals and take scientific care, and you will definitely be able to restore your normal quality of life.