Fistula – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

A fistula is a painful and often distressing condition that affects many individuals, yet it remains a topic shrouded in silence due to its sensitive nature. If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or discharge around the anal region, it could be a sign of an anal fistula. Understanding this condition is the first step toward seeking effective and lasting relief.

What is a Fistula (Bhagandar in Ayurveda)?

In medical terms, a fistula is an abnormal, tunnel-like connection that forms between an infected gland inside the anus and the skin outside the body. This tunnel allows pus and other fluids to drain out, leading to chronic discomfort.

Ayurveda has known this condition for centuries, referring to it as Bhagandar. It is classified as one of the major disorders (Mahagada) due to its debilitating nature if left untreated. Ayurvedic texts describe it as a condition arising from an imbalance in the body’s doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta, leading to the formation of a tunnel with multiple openings.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Fistula

Early detection of a fistula can prevent complications. Be mindful of these common signs:

• Persistent Pain: A constant, throbbing pain in the anal area, which may worsen when sitting, coughing, or during bowel movements.
• Skin Irritation: Itching and irritation around the anus due to constant moisture.
• Swelling and Redness: The area around the anus may be tender, swollen, and red.
• Pus or Blood Discharge: A primary sign is the drainage of pus or blood from an opening near the anus, often staining your underwear.
• Fever: In some cases, a fever may develop if there is an underlying infection.

If you notice these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis rather than ignoring them hoping they will go away.

What Causes a Fistula to Develop?

The primary cause of most anal fistulas is a previous or current anal abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus that forms when a small gland just inside the anus becomes clogged and infected. When this abscess is not treated properly or doesn’t heal completely, it can create a tunnel (fistula) to drain the pus continuously.

Other less common causes include:

• Crohn’s Disease: An inflammatory bowel disease that increases the risk of fistulas.
• Diverticulitis: Infection or inflammation of small pouches that can form in the intestines.
• Tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS.
• Complications from surgery in the pelvic region.
• Radiation therapy for cancer.

Modern vs. Ayurvedic Treatment Approaches

Modern medicine typically addresses fistulas through surgery (fistulotomy), which involves cutting open the entire tunnel to allow it to heal from the inside out. While often effective, surgery can carry risks like incontinence (inability to control bowel movements) and a longer, painful recovery period.

This is where Ayurveda offers a remarkably gentle yet effective alternative.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Fistula (Bhagandar Chikitsa) focuses on healing the body from within without invasive surgery. The core principles involve:

1. Nidan Parivarjan (Avoiding Causative Factors): Identifying and eliminating dietary and lifestyle habits that cause doshic imbalance.
2. Shodhana (Detoxification): Purifying the body through Panchakarma therapies to eliminate toxins (Ama) that contribute to the infection.
3. Shamana (Palliative Care): Using specific herbal formulations to reduce inflammation, fight infection, and promote natural healing.
4. Kshara Sutra Therapy: This is the cornerstone of non-surgical Ayurvedic fistula treatment. A special medicated thread (Kshara Sutra) is gently threaded through the fistula tract. The thread has three actions: it cuts, it drains, and it heals the tissue from the inside out. It gradually cuts through the fistula tract while simultaneously medicating it, promoting healing without damaging the sphincter muscles, thereby significantly reducing the risk of incontinence.

Find Lasting Relief with Expert Ayurvedic Care in PCMC Pune

Living with a fistula can be physically and emotionally challenging. If you are seeking a safe, proven, and non-surgical solution, Ayurveda provides a time-tested path to recovery.

For those in Pimpri Chinchwad and the wider Pune area, Dr. Navale’s Ayurvedic Clinic stands as a beacon of hope. Specializing in traditional Ayurvedic treatments for conditions like Bhagandar (Fistula), the clinic is renowned for its expertise in Kshara Sutra Therapy.

Under the guidance of experienced Ayurvedic physicians, the clinic offers personalized treatment plans that address the root cause of your condition. They are committed to providing compassionate care in a comfortable environment, helping you achieve a permanent cure without the fear of surgery or its side effects. Don’t let pain control your life. Take the first step towards a natural recovery. If you are searching for effective Ayurvedic Fistula treatment in PCMC Pune, look no further than Dr. Navale’s Ayurvedic Clinic.

Clinic Address – Flat No. 201, 2nd Floor, Sampada House, near Manakarnika Medical Store Chapekar Chowk, behind Bhaji Mandai, Chinchwad, Pimpri-Chinchwad

Contact Number : +91 9822116364