Anal fistula is the medical term for an infected tunnel that develops between the skin and the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract (anus).

Most anal fistulas are the result of an infection that starts in an anal gland. This infection results in an abscess that drains spontaneously or is drained surgically through the skin next to the anus. The fistula then forms a tunnel under the skin and connects with the infected gland.

CAUSES  

Just inside the anus are several glands that make fluid. Sometimes, they get blocked or clogged. When that happens, a bacteria buildup can create a swollen pocket of infected tissue and liquid. It is called an abscess.

If you don’t treat the abscess, it’ll grow. Eventually, it’ll make its way to the outside and punch a hole in the skin somewhere near your anus so the gunk inside it can drain. The fistula is the tunnel that connects the gland to that opening.

Most of the time, an abscess causes a fistula. It’s rare, but they can also come from conditions like tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, or an ongoing illness that affects the bowels.

SYMPTOMS  

The most common symptoms are  

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling around your anus
• Bleeding
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Fever
• A foul-smelling liquid oozing from a hole near your anus

Homoeopathic  remedies

Silicea Terra: For Copious Pus Discharge 

Silicea Terra is a useful medicine for anal fistula with copious pus discharges. Sometimes blood may be present in the purulent discharge. The discharge is also highly offensive and putrid smelling. The discharge is accompanied by peri-anal swelling. Silicea Terra is also a remedy for anal fistula with brownish fluid discharge and or accompanied with constipation. Silicea is also applicable to treat hardness or indurations left around the anus after the healing of an anal fistula.

Hepar Sulph: For Intense Pain

Hepar Sulph in cases of fistula accompanied by extreme pain. It works in cases where the area around the peri-anal region is highly inflamed, hard and swollen, and is very sore and sensitive to touch. The pain, in most cases, is worse at night. Cold worsens the pain. Other symptoms may include throbbing or beating sensation around the anus, discharge of pus from the anal fistula that may be bloodstained and smell like decaying matter. The patient may also have a fever with chills.

Myristica Sebifera: Myristica Sebifera is another primary natural medicine of plant origin and is used for treating many suppurative conditions including anal fistula. This remedy works wonders in absorbing the pus and in healing anal fistula. Use of this medicine often prevents the need for surgery in anal fistula cases.

 Calcarea Sulph: For Thick, Yellow Discharges  

Calcarea Sulph is beneficial for the treatment of anal fistula with thick and yellow discharge. The discharge is often purulent and in some cases, blood may also appear. Pain is also prominent in the anal region.

 Calcarea Phos: For Painless Fistula

Painless anal fistula points towards the use of Calcarea Phos. In these cases there is blood and pus discharge from the anal fistula. These discharges can be accompanied by warm or burning sensation around the anus. Another striking indication for using Calcarea Phos is anal fistula alternating with chest complaints. Calcarea Phos hastens the healing process of anal fistula resulting in speedy recovery.