Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Anal abscess, Crohn's disease, tuberculosis and surgery are common causes of fistula, with the Ayurvedic view.
A fistula is an abnormal tunnel that connects two places that are not normally joined. This page mainly covers anal fistula (fistula-in-ano), the most common type seen in daily practice, which links the inside of the anal canal to the skin near the anus.
The usual cause: an anal abscess
Small glands just inside the anal canal can become blocked and infected, forming a pus-filled pocket (abscess). When the abscess drains, on its own or by surgery, a tunnel can remain. About a third to half of people with an anal abscess go on to develop a fistula.
Other causes
Not caused by
Spicy food, piles, or sitting on cold surfaces do not directly cause a fistula, although constipation and straining can aggravate the area.
The Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda describes this condition as bhagandara, linked to vitiated doshas and a pus-forming process near the anus. This is a traditional, interpretive framework and does not replace the modern explanation.
Why the cause matters
Finding the cause, for example Crohn's disease or tuberculosis, changes treatment, so a proper examination is important.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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