A fistula is an unusual connection or passageway that connects two organs, blood vessels, or tracts. This is an abnormal situation and can develop anywhere in the body. A fistula may form between the intestine and the skin, artery and vein, cervix and vagina, bile duct and the skin surface, bowel and vagina, etc. The anus is the most common area where this abnormal connection is known to form. While the exact cause of a fistula is not known, it has been observed that many of them form following an internal injury, surgery, infection, inflammation, abscess or as a result of Crohn’s disease. Luckily, there are effective treatment options for this condition.
Symptoms of Fistula
The symptoms of a fistula vary depending on the body part where it forms and the severity of the condition. The following are the most common symptoms of an anal fistula:
- Redness, soreness, and irritation of the skin surrounding the anus
- Progressing pain and swelling around the anal region- The pain gets worse during sitting, walking, coughing or while passing stool.
- Fever accompanied by chills
- Bowel movement becomes painful and rectal bleeding occurs
- Pus drainage from the anal opening- puss oozing out of the anal abscess, which is the usual cause of an anal fistula, drains through the anus. This results in foul-smelling discharge.
- Blood and stool leakage- Bleeding from the fistula is rare and can be life-threatening. The stool may sometimes leak from the tunnel opening.
- Fatigue- Feeling extreme tiredness
The following are the symptoms of an intestinal fistula:
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Pain in the region between the genitals and anus
- Severe bloating – Excess gas is produced in the stomach
- Diarrhoea- diarrhoea can lead to dehydration
- Vomiting
- Weight loss- The body will need more nutrition while fighting the infection. With high nutritional requirements and low absorption during intestinal fistula, the patient becomes malnourished and loses weight.
- Rectal bleeding
The following are symptoms of a urinary tract fistula
- Periodic infections in the urinary tract- Bacteria enter the bladder from the intestine, and this bacterial growth causes a urinary tract infection.
- Pain while urinating
- Smelly and cloudy urine- Bacterial growth in the bladder results in foul-smelling urine
- Frothy urine- Patients may see air bubbles in their urine
- Passing gas or stools while urinating- Irregular openings in the urinary tract causes stool and gas to pass through the urethra.
- Frequent urination
- Continuous urine leakage from the vagina
- Cloudy or muddy-coloured urine
If you experience symptoms of a fistula, it is advisable to consult a specialist in colon and rectal diseases. It is important to refrain from self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs without consulting your healthcare provider beforehand. Additionally, consider how your health insurance can help cover the cost of diagnosis and treatment options.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.