Treatment of Anal Fistula Without Surgery

Anal fistula develops at the end point of the bowel which is known as the anal canal. It lies near the anus. The fistula looks like a hole around the anus skin. The hole through which the waste is eliminated from the body is known as anus. Anal fistulas can be classified as simple or complex and low or high.

Classification of Anal Fistulas

In simple anal fistula, there is only one fistula tract whereas in case of complex fistula there are several interlinking connections

Depending upon the position of the fistula whether it is closer to the sphincter muscle rings or away from the opening of the anus, it is decided whether anal fistula is high or low.

Causes of Anal Fistula

When a collection of anal abscess or pus bursts, it leads to development of anal fistula. In some cases, the problem arises if the abscess has not been treated completely. Other conditions affecting the intestines such as diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease can also cause anal fistula.

Who is At Risk of Getting Anal Fistula?

• 50% people with Crohn’s disease
• 30% HIV infected people
• 30 to 35% people suffering from untreated or half treated anal abscess problem

Note: Anal fistula is more common in women as compared to men.

Symptoms of Anal Fistula

Common symptoms of anal fistula include:

• Irritation around the skin near the anus
• Constant, throbbing pain that tends to get worse when sitting down, during coughing, moving around or having bowel movement
• Discharge of blood or pus during bowel movement

In case the fistula is caused due to the presence of abscess then other signs can accompany these symptoms:

• High temperature
• General feeling of uneasiness and distress
• Fatigue
• Anal fistula caused due to intestinal inflammation show following symptoms:
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Nausea or sickness

Treatment for Anal Fistula

Conventional treatment considers surgery as the only permanent solution for eliminating the problem of anal fistula. However, there have been incidences of anal fistula recurrence even after surgery, which is quite a painful experience. That is why alternative medicines and home remedies are being tried out to get permanent relief from the problem of anal fistula.

Foods That Help Reduce Anal Fistula Symptoms

Nature is a treasure house of ingredients rich in healing elements and components. Since ancient times, the households in the eastern Asian countries like China and India have been using kitchen ingredients and herbs to treat various health problems effectively. Anal fistula can also be treated and cured without any surgical measures if recommended food ingredients are included in the given amount in daily diet.

Anti Inflammatory and Natural Antibiotics

Manuka Honey- Antibacterial Properties

It is the best antibiotic around and is a type of monofloral honey that is mostly produced in the Australian continent from the nectar of the tree of Manuka. Used popularly as an alternative medicine, Manuka honey is rich in antibacterial properties. Recent studies have shown that it has the ability to kill even the deadliest of MRSA bacteria. Moreover, the bacterium thus eliminated does not develop any resistance towards Manuka honey. Inclusion of Manuka honey in daily diet helps to overcome the problem of anal fistula.

Anti-inflammatory Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most potent herbs and is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Most of the Indian cuisines have turmeric as a main ingredient. Even then, in case of chronic or severe anal fistula conditions you should include turmeric intake in your daily diet. If possible, try to make the powder at home, as the powder in the market can be contaminated.

Anti-Microbial Minced Garlic

Garlic is known for natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. More importantly, this natural medication does not cause any side effects and can be easily purchased from your local groceries. Eating two cloves of minced garlic first time in the day is the best way of treating anal fistula with this herb.

Coconut Oil Ghee-Rich in Saturated Fatty Acids

Saturated fatty acids are known to repair cells very fast. Coconut oil ghee is rich in saturated fatty acids and anti-viral properties. These properties help in closing and healing the fistula track.

Protein- Rich Yoghurt/Milk

Yoghurt and milk are rich sources of protein and also contain probiotic or health bacteria that assist in digestion. This makes closing and healing of anal fistula possible.

Ideal Diet for an Anal Fistula Patient

• Mixing 1 tbsp of minced garlic, ghee and turmeric powder each with one glass of hot milk. You should drink this mixture twice a day.
• Include one bowl of yoghurt as a part of your daily lunch.
• Taking 1 tbsp Manuka Honey three times daily with lots of warm water to flush out waste.
• Including fiber rich fruits and vegetables that provide nutrition and strength to fight infections in regular diet.
• Including vitamin C rich fruits like grapefruit and oranges that build up immunity, clears infections and flush out toxins.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can trigger off the anal fistula infection or even increase its severity. Hence, you must avoid eating spicy and processed foods or any food types that can promote constipation.

Tips to Treat Anal Fistula Abscess

If the anal fistula is in its early stage, you can try going on a liquid diet. Try to drink natural and freshly made fruit juices, lentil soups and green tea. This will prevent the contraction of the anal muscle giving the anal fistula enough time to heal.

Add Epsom salt and any antiseptic liquid to the bath water and drown yourself in the bathtub. This will reduce the inflammation and infection. Apply antiseptic lotion or hot compressions on the popped up anal fistula to reduce abscess and clean up the area. Make sure you dry the area completely with cotton ball after the bath to avoid recurrence of infection.

Try applying a semi-solid paste mixing mustard oil and turmeric powder and leave it on until it dries completely. This paste helps to dry the abscess filled anal fistula and heals the wound. You can also keep on adding betadine cream or manuka honey to the area alternatively to keep the area abscess free.

All the above tips and methods should be accompanied by regular exercise because exercise improves blood circulation and aids in quick healing of all types of body infection.

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