Perianal Abscess vs Fistula: Painful Swelling Near the Anus Explained
A throbbing, hot, swollen lump near the anus that makes sitting impossible — sometimes with fever — is usually a perianal abscess. An abscess and a fistula are two stages of the same problem, and knowing the difference helps you act at the right time.
Abscess vs fistula फोड़ा बनाम भगंदर
| Abscess (फोड़ा) | Fistula (भगंदर) | |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden, over days | Long-standing, weeks to years |
| Pain | Severe, throbbing, constant | Mild to moderate, comes and goes |
| Swelling | Hot, red, tender lump | Small opening, sometimes a firm cord |
| Fever | Common | Uncommon unless abscess recurs |
| Discharge | Only after bursting | Repeated pus/fluid discharge |
| Treatment | Urgent drainage | Planned procedure for the tunnel |
Why an abscess needs drainage फोड़े को निकालना क्यों ज़रूरी
Pus under pressure keeps spreading into surrounding fat, causing more pain and a bigger infection. Antibiotics can't reach the centre of the pus collection well. Drainage — usually a short procedure under anaesthesia — gives immediate relief. In people with diabetes, a delayed abscess can spread quickly and become serious.
After drainage ड्रेनेज के बाद
- Wound care, sitz baths and dressings for 1–3 weeks.ड्रेसिंग और सिट्ज़ बाथ।
- Follow-up to check whether a fistula has formed.फॉलो-अप।
- If discharge continues after the wound heals, a fistula is likely and needs planned treatment.मवाद जारी रहे तो भगंदर।
Can drainage and fistula treatment be done together? एक साथ इलाज?
Sometimes, if the surgeon clearly finds the internal opening during drainage and it is safe, a simple fistula can be treated in the same sitting. Often, especially with severe infection, it's safer to drain first and treat the fistula later.
Read fistula symptoms and fistula treatment options.
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