Difference between anal fistula and perianal abscess

Anal fistula and perianal abscess are two common anal diseases with significant differences in causes, symptoms and treatment. Perianal abscess is usually an acute suppurative lesion caused by anal gland infection, while anal fistula is often a chronic lesion after such abscess fails to heal completely. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid worsening of the condition.

The cause of perianal abscess is mainly related to the infection of anal glands, which may be caused by bacterial invasion or local trauma. Its symptoms include severe pain, swelling and fever in the perianal area. Some patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and discomfort. Severe cases require immediate medical attention. Treatment can be carried out through incision and drainage, antibiotic treatment or dihydrogen monoxide injection to relieve the infection. Anal fistula is mostly a chronic development, usually a subsequent lesion after the perianal abscess is not effectively treated or ruptures on its own. The symptoms of anal fistula include repeated pus discharge, foreign body sensation in the anus, and swelling and pain, often accompanied by sinus formation. Its treatment requires surgery, such as fistulectomy, fistula hanging thread surgery or anal fistula closure surgery to ensure the removal of lesions and avoid recurrence.

The cause of perianal abscess is mainly related to the infection of anal glands, which may be caused by bacterial invasion or local trauma. Its symptoms include severe pain, swelling and fever in the perianal area. Some patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue and discomfort. Severe cases require immediate medical attention. Treatment can be carried out through incision and drainage, antibiotic treatment or dihydrogen monoxide injection to relieve the infection. Anal fistula is mostly a chronic development, usually a subsequent lesion after the perianal abscess is not effectively treated or ruptures on its own. The symptoms of anal fistula include repeated pus discharge, foreign body sensation in the anus, and swelling and pain, often accompanied by sinus formation. Its treatment requires surgery, such as fistulectomy, fistula hanging thread surgery or anal fistula closure surgery to ensure the removal of lesions and avoid recurrence.

In order to prevent and better manage anal fistula and perianal abscess, it is important to pay attention to good diet and hygiene habits in daily life, maintain smooth bowel movements, avoid constipation, and enhance personal immunity. If you suspect you have any of these diseases, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening of the condition due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Caring for your own health needs to start from the little things, and maintaining good living habits has a positive effect on prevention and recovery. During the treatment process, you should fully listen to the advice of professional doctors and choose the appropriate treatment plan to achieve the best effect. Please always give priority to medical advice to obtain accurate health guidance and treatment plans.