Conditions We Treat

Understanding Anorectal Symptoms

Symptoms such as bleeding, pain, swelling, itching or discharge around the anus are common, but they do not always have the same cause.

Piles, anal fissures and anal fistulas are different conditions and may require very different forms of treatment.

At Ramesh Proctology, patients are assessed to understand the underlying cause of their symptoms before treatment options are discussed.

Piles / Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are vascular cushions within and around the anal canal that can become enlarged or symptomatic.

Common symptoms may include:

Bright-red bleeding during bowel movements, prolapse or swelling around the anus, itching, discomfort and, in some cases, pain.

Treatment depends on the type of haemorrhoids, severity of symptoms and degree of prolapse.

Explore: Piles / Haemorrhoids

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal.

It often causes sharp or burning pain during or after passing stool. Some patients may also notice a small amount of bright-red blood.

Acute fissures may improve with bowel-management measures and medical treatment, while persistent or chronic fissures may require additional treatment.

Explore: Anal Fissures

Anal Fistula

An anal fistula is an abnormal tract connecting the anal canal to the skin near the anus.

Patients may experience recurring swelling, pain, pus or fluid discharge, or repeated episodes of abscess formation.

Because fistulas can pass through or around the anal sphincter muscles, treatment planning depends heavily on the anatomy of the fistula.

Explore: Anal Fistula

Rectal Bleeding

Blood while passing stool is commonly associated with haemorrhoids and anal fissures, but these are not the only possible causes.

Persistent or recurrent rectal bleeding should not automatically be assumed to be piles.

A clinical assessment can help identify the source of bleeding and determine whether further investigation is required.

Explore: Blood While Passing Stool

Anal Pain

Pain during bowel movements can occur with fissures, thrombosed haemorrhoids, infections, abscesses and other anorectal conditions.

The timing and nature of the pain may provide useful clues, but an examination is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Explore: Pain While Passing Stool

Anal Swelling or Discharge

A lump, swelling or discharge around the anus may be associated with haemorrhoids, infection, abscess or fistula.

Recurrent swelling followed by discharge may be particularly important to evaluate because it can indicate an underlying fistula.

Explore: Anal Swelling & Discharge

Why Diagnosis Matters

Different anorectal conditions can produce similar symptoms.

For example, bleeding can occur with both piles and fissures, while pain and swelling may occur with fissures, thrombosed haemorrhoids or infections.

Treatment should therefore begin with identifying the condition rather than treating every symptom as piles.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Arrange an assessment if symptoms are persistent, recurrent or worsening, particularly if you experience repeated bleeding, significant pain, pus or discharge, recurrent swelling or a change in bowel habits.

Heavy bleeding, severe worsening pain, fever, dizziness or feeling significantly unwell may require more urgent medical attention.

Not sure what is causing your symptoms?

A proctology consultation can help establish the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.

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