How to reduce inflammation of a perianal fistula

If you wonder what a fistula is, this is a tunnel that connects one channel to another internally or externally.

The perianal fistula , in most cases, is due to an infection that appears spontaneously or as a result of an inflammatory disease of the intestine in glands that are in the dentate line, the area where the rectum ends and anal canal begins.

Often a high percentage of these infections and inflammations at the intestinal level evolve to the formation of a perianal fistula, among these diseases is Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis .

The appearance of the perianal fistula is usually accompanied by a series of symptoms that characterize the situation, among them are:

• Pain in the perianal region.
• Itching and stinging in the perianal region.
• Inflammation of the perianal region.
• Abdominal pain.
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea .
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding
• Pus.

If you want to know how to reduce inflammation of a perianal fistula and how to treat it, you should go to the doctor for the following recommendations according to your case:

Change your eating habits

Implement a balanced diet , as this will prevent stomach or digestive disorders:

• Avoid eating spicy foods and fatty foods.
• Increase your fiber intake : You can do this by consuming whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and fruits. With this you will avoid constipation that causes irritation of the fistula.
• If you eat foods that are high in fat, you increase the chance that the fistula tunnel will become blocked, which can lead to the formation of a perianal abscess .

Increase water consumption

It is important that you consume 2 liters of water daily , with this you will stay more hydrated and avoid constipation, which causes increased pain when you have a perianal fistula.

Use cushions or pillows to sit on

Another option of how to reduce inflammation of a perianal fistula is with the use of pillows to sit down. This should be implemented in case you remain sitting for many hours: avoid putting pressure on your back, buttocks and legs. For this it is ideal to use a donut-shaped pillow.

Maintain your body hygiene properly

It is important to keep the anal area clean after evacuating, this will prevent any bacteria from remaining in the perianal area and causing an infection in the area where the fistula is located.

If you have a lot of pain, take painkillers

Analgesics are indicated to control pain in case you suffer from it, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting. Therefore, it is a good option that responds to how to reduce inflammation of a perianal fistula.

Ibuprofen is one of the most recommended non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relieving pain and inflammation.

Practice a physical activity

This can be done if the perianal injury is not so uncomfortable. You can do gentle and simple exercises like walking to relieve stress, improve health, and improve your mood.

Take sitz baths

If you wonder how to reduce inflammation of a perianal fistula, taking a sitz bath is another option. This will allow the perianal area to relax and relieve inflammation. You should do it with warm water about 2 times a day .

Surgical intervention

It is the treatment indicated in a perianal fistula and is called a fistulotomy : this technique removes the fistula and pus. This procedure is highly effective.

After the procedure, you should go regularly to the medical check-ups indicated by your doctor, especially if you suffer from the chronic inflammatory disease Crohn’s disease.

If necessary, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infections from occurring in the area where the fistula was, such as:

• Metronidazole.
• Ciprofloxacin.
• Vancomycin.

All these changes must go hand in hand with medical supervision to guarantee results.

Nature provides us with multiple products that contribute to the healing of the body, depending on the properties they have. The use of them allows to improve and, in some cases, eliminate the symptoms of certain pathologies.

To reduce inflammation of a perianal fistula, the most used home remedies are:

• Calendula : taking a sitz bath with this infusion helps to relax the muscles of the perianal region and reduce inflammation in the area.
• Aloe Vera : aloe vera gel has multiple properties , among which is its healing and anti-inflammatory action , making it the most used natural remedy in case of a perianal fistula. It can be used by applying it directly to the area or placing it in the form of a suppository to reduce inflammation of the perianal area.
• Arnica tincture : the anti-inflammatory effect of arnica contributes to improving the pain and inflammation of the perianal fistula, this is achieved by impregnating wet and cold compresses with arnica tincture and placing them in the perianal region.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to reduce inflammation of a perianal fistula , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .