The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine. At the end of the rectum is the anus, where stool pass out of the body. Common rectal problems include itching, burning, pain, or bleeding in the rectal or anal area sometimes. These problems are often minor and will go away on their own or with treatment.
Anal itching can have many causes. Skin around the anus may become irritated because of stool leakage. Colitis and chronic diarrhea can irritate the lining of the rectum, causing anal itching, burning, and discomfort. Caffeine and spicy food also can cause rectum irritation. If the anus is not clean, it results in itching. However, trying to keep the area too clean by rubbing it with dry toilet paper or using harsh soap may injure the skin.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged and inflamed veins that may develop inside or outside of the anus. Hemorrhoids usually result from straining to pass hard stools, being over weight, pregnant and prolonged sitting or standing. The symptoms of hemorrhoids include bright red streaks of blood on stools or spurting from the anus; leakage of mucus from the anus; irritation, itching or burning around the anus. Sometimes an internal hemorrhoid will actually stick out of the anus, and it may have to be pushed back into place with finger. Pain is not usually a symptom, unless a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid which may be extremely painful but is not dangerous. Hemorrhoids generally last several days and often recur.
An anal fissure may cause pain during bowl movement and streak of blood on stools. Anal fissures are long, narrow sores that usually develop when the tissue in the anal area is torn during a bowel movement.
Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
1. Herbs: use rectal herbal cream or suppositories to comfort anal irritations, cure hemorrhoids and heal anal fissures. Some herbal remedies can reduce gas and bloating, regulate bowel movement; improve digestion and well being.
2. Acupuncture: improve blood circulation, promote energy flow, reduce gas and bloating, normalize bowel movement, relieve abdominal pain and control the disorders of the digestive tract.
3. Chinese Meridians Massage: to calm and relax mind so as to reduce the stress, and also stimulate digestion meridians which will help the indigestion symptoms.
For more information please call Dr. Liyan Lu at 661-513-9265, Ping’s Acupuncture & Herb Center.