Can Prolonged Sitting Cause Fistula?

Our sedentary lifestyle is the new way of smoking! Prolonged sitting does not just impact your back and metabolism, but also potentially paves the way for complex issues such as fistulas. But, how prolonged sitting and fistulas are connected? Let’s have a close look at the intricate relationship between the both and know the truth. 

What is fistula? 

Fistulas are abnormal connections between various parts of the body like the skin and the organ. Further, the common types of fistula include anal fistulas, gastrointestinal fistulas, and obstetric fistulas. Often fistulas are the result of infections, injuries, or persistent inflammation. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, abscesses, or untreated infections potentially increase the chances of developing a fistula. 

Further, the common symptoms of fistulas include: 

• Pain 
• Swelling 
• At times, fever 

Until your condition is getting severe you won’t experience any symptoms, so getting timely detection and treatment is crucial for fistula pain relief. 

What is the main cause of fistula? 

The actual cause of fistula is persistent swelling or infection that creates an unusual link between two organs, tissues, or vessels. Most of the time, fistulas develop due to conditions such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, or prolonged abscesses that damage the tissues around them. 

Certain other factors that contribute to the development of fistula include trauma, surgery, radiation therapy, or untreated infections. Often anorectal fistulas are developed from infected anal glands, while urinary or gastrointestinal fistulas can be developed due to malignancies or surgeries. Poor hygiene and underlying medical conditions like diabetes will surge the risk of infections resulting in fistula. Always remember that timely diagnosis and also get a fistula treatment in Coimbatore for better outcomes and to prevent complications. .

What triggers the risk of fistula? 

The fistula can be triggered by factors that lead to persistent inflammation, infection, or damage to tissues. Conditions like ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and tuberculosis potentially surge the risk of fistula formation. Recurring infections or abscesses, notably around the anus or gastrointestinal tract, are common triggers. 

Even at times, radiation therapy can also damage tissues and develop pathways for fistulas to form. Weakened immunity due to diabetes, and untreated infection or other illnesses will trigger the risk. Maintaining proper health, prompt treatment for infections, and managing underlying conditions can assist in reducing the chances of fistula development. 

What’s the difference between fistula and piles? 

Usually, there is a huge confusion between fistula and piles, so further we can see different aspects of piles and fistula to understand the difference. 

• Nature of the disease: 

In piles, the affected person’s blood vessels will inflame, while a fistula is marked by the growth of a tunnel from the anus to the skin around it. 

• Cause of the disease: 

Some common causes of piles include insufficient water intake, obesity, pregnancy, a diet with low fiber, straining when passing tools, and sitting for more time in toilet seats. Also, if you are a person who is lifting weights, you are at high risk of developing piles, and expectant mothers also face a higher risk for piles. 

On the other hand, the main causes of fistula include rectal cancer, UTI, sexually transmitted disease, and Crohn’s disease. Also, those who already have HIV, diabetes patients, trauma to the anal region, and tuberculosis will more likely develop a fistula. 

• Diagnosis of the disease: 

When diagnosing piles, doctors will conduct physical exams to check abnormal growth in the anus. For better diagnosis, doctors will use a proctoscope. If the doctor suspects that the patient has other complex health issues like cancer or any other digestive health condition, you may need to undergo a colonoscopy. 

When diagnosing fistula, typically doctors will use both physical and imaging tests. After this anal inspection, the doctor will send you for a colonoscopy or X-ray. 

• Treatment methods: 

Doctors will treat piles through medications, or surgical procedures. Even some individuals will get fistula pain relief just by using the cream on the affected area. At times, patients will also be prescribed to take oral painkillers. 

At times, specific medical procedures are required to take care of hemorrhoids. Certain medical procedures will be performed to remove the hemorrhoids like rubber band ligation and laser or infrared coagulation. In severe piles cases, hemorrhoidectomy will be performed, and based on your condition local or general anesthesia will be performed. Doctors will suggest you take more fiber-rich foods and increase your water intake. 

Like piles, you can treat fistula just by using medications. The only option available is a surgical procedure called fistulotomy. During the procedure, doctors will just open up the muscles and skin covering the fistula tunnel. In severe cases, the placement of seton is needed to drain out the fistula before undergoing the procedure. 

What’s the effect of prolonged sitting on health? 

• Effects on circulation and pressure points: 

Prolonged sitting will restrict the blood flow, notably in the lower body. This restricted circulation will cause blood pooling and strain tissues. 

• Persistent pressure and its role in tissue damage: 

Persistent pressure on particular areas such as the perianal region will weaken tissues, developing the perfect storm for infections or abscesses. 

• Risk factors worsen with sitting: 

Lifestyle choices like lack of hygiene, reduced movements, and bad sitting posture will worsen your risks linked with prolonged sitting. 

How prolonged sitting trigger fistula formation? 

• Pressure on perianal tissues: 

When you are sitting for long hours in a chair the pressure on perianal tissue increases. After some time, this will result in swelling, infections, and also cause fistulas. 

• Development of infections: 

Frictions caused by prolonged sitting and sweets develop a breeding ground for bacteria, worsening the risk of infections. 

• Other potential connections: 

Also, you need to understand that prolonged sitting alone will not directly cause fistulas, it worsens the underlying conditions such as hemorrhoids or abscesses, increasing the risk of developing fistula. 

Who is more likely to get a fistula? 

• Occupations with extended sitting: 

Office workers, gamers, and drivers are at increased risk of developing fistula, due to the extended period of sitting. 

• Medical conditions that worsen the risk: 

Patients with co-existing issues like diabetes, obesity, or inflammatory bowel disease have a high chance of developing fistula. 

• Lifestyle factors: 

An unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and improper water intake worsen the risk, making sitting into a more dangerous habit. 

Is preventing fistulas from prolonged sitting possible? 

• Importance of frequent movements: 

Do stretching and short walks to break your prolonged period of sitting. Even a short walk or stretching for 5 minutes will do wonders in circulation. 

• Maintain hygiene to prevent infection: 

Maintain your perianal area dry and clean, also if needed use antibacterial wipes, specifically when sitting for an extended period. 

• Ergonomic seating solutions: 

Use ergonomic chairs or cushions designed to alleviate pressure and promote better posture. 

Can walking cure fistula? 

You need to understand that walking will never cure fistula but greatly assist in managing the condition. As mentioned above fistula is nothing but an unusual connection between two body parts, often caused by swelling, infection, or surgery. Doctors will suggest medications or surgery to treat your fistula based on the severity of your condition. 

Walking will enhance your circulation, further, it will aid healing, notably post-surgery or during the healing period from an infection. It enhances your digestion and reduces constipation, which will assist you in relieving from pressure on anal fistulas. Additionally, regular walking will boost overall immunity and reduce stress, indirectly supporting recovery. 

However, walking is not sufficient to treat fistula. Proper medical evaluation is required when overlooking it will result in abscesses or recurrent infections. Along with a doctor-recommended treatment plan try walking daily for effective management and long-term healing. 

Is fistula completely curable? 

Usually, fistula is commonly seen in the anal region. Fortunately, you can treat fistula with appropriate medicine and treatment. While mild fistulas will be cured with medications and surgery. When experienced doctors perform this surgery the success rates are very high. 

Further, you may get doubts about that can I poop with a fistula? Yes, you can poop, but you will feel some uneasiness. Bowel movements can exert pressure on the fistula, causing pain or irritation. Further, pus and mucus discharge are common, for fistula pain relief maintain a high-fiber diet, drink sufficient water, and don’t strain during your bowel movements. 

Proper hygiene is also crucial to prevent infection. Notably, reach out to the doctor to ensure timely treatment and a complete cure, which will help you regain comfort and normalcy. Like all other conditions, fistulas are also treatable with timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and dietary modifications. 

When to consult a doctor? 

• Persistent Pain 

Whenever facing chronic pain, inflammation, or discharge near the anus consider visiting the doctor for fistula pain relief. 

• Misdiagnosed signs to watch out for: 

Typically, individuals will misunderstand fistula signs for hemorrhoids or minor infections, delaying the treatment process. 

• Significance of timely treatment: 

When diagnosing and treating your fistula issues on time you can ensure faster recovery. 

What are the common treatment options for fistula? 

• Non-surgical treatments: 

The first step often used in fistula pain relief is giving antibiotics and drainage procedures. 

• Surgical approach: 

For extreme cases, options such as fistulotomy or seton placement may be suggested. 

• Lifestyle modifications for recovery: 

Post-treatment you should follow a healthy diet, practice good hygiene, and take a break from prolonged sitting to avoid recurrence. 

The above-mentioned are the best treatment for fistula, you can get when struggling with fistula. Further, there are some misconceptions about prolonged sitting and fistula like prolonged sitting is the sole reason for fistula formation, this is completely a myth, but it can exacerbate the risks. Educating yourself about prolonged sitting and fistula can help you take proactive measures. 

Final thoughts: 

In conclusion, we can say that, prolonged sitting is not a direct cause of fistula, it develops a condition that significantly increases the risk. Just by staying active, maintaining hygiene, and getting timely medical help, you can reduce your chances of developing this painful condition.