Fistula is something that has to do with abnormal connection or passageway that develops between two organs, vessels, or even tissues that are not generally connected. This condition may occur in diverse parts of the body, and its causes can differ depending on the location and even severity of the fistula. Of course, if you experience this condition you can avail the best treatment for fistula and ensure that you get relief.
Moreover, whether you are a man or a woman, you can experience this condition. You have to be vigilant and if you experience of the causes that the post shares with you, you must consult the expert immediately. This post is going to walk you through some of the main causes of this condition of fistula. Once you know them, you can be more careful about your health.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a type of health condition in which small pouches (diverticula) in the colon turn out to be infected and inflamed. In case the inflammation is severe, it can lead to the development of a fistula between the colon and even bladder, vagina, or even skin. different symptoms of diverticulitis may include abdominal pain, fever, and even constipation or Diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease
Now, this crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that triggers inflammation in the digestive tract. The inflammation can simply lead to the formation of fistulas that links the bowel to other organs, such as the bladder or even vagina. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can simply include abdominal pain, Diarrhea, and even rectal bleeding.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is another kind of inflammatory bowel disease that triggers inflammation in the colon and rectum. Like Crohn’s disease, it can even lead to the formation of fistulas. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can actually include abdominal pain, Diarrhea, and even rectal bleeding.
Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is a kind of cancer that develops in the bladder. In case the cancer simply scatters to nearby organs, such as the vagina or even rectum, it can even lead to the formation of a fistula. Symptoms of bladder cancer may encompass blood in the urine, even frequent urination, and pain during urination. If you see such signs, you must not overlook them and talk to the expert right away.
Vaginal cancer
Now, vaginal cancer is a rare kind of cancer that develops in the vagina. In case the cancer spreads to nearby organs, such as the bladder or even rectum, it can even lead to the development of a fistula. Symptoms of vaginal cancer can simply include vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, and even a lump or growth in your vagina.
Inflammatory bowel disease-related surgery
Well, in some of the instances , surgery to treat inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or even ulcerative colitis, can head to the formation of a fistula. This is because the surgery can simply form up or create an abnormal connection between two organs or even tissues. Symptoms may differ depending on the location of the fistula.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a kind of cancer that develops in the prostate gland in males. In case the cancer spreads to nearby organs, such as the bladder or even rectum, it can even head to the formation of a fistula. Symptoms of prostate cancer may simply include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and even extreme pain in the back, hips, or even pelvis.
Massive Trauma
Trauma, such as a penetrating injury or even surgery, can cause damage to nearby organs or even tissues, leading to the development or emergence of a fistula. Symptoms may vary depending on the overall location of the fistula and the harshness of the trauma.
Anal cancer
This condition of anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that grows in the anus. If the cancer spreads to nearby or surrounding organs, such as the rectum, it can even lead to the formation of a fistula. Different symptoms of anal cancer may include rectal bleeding, even pain during bowel movements, and a lump or even growth near the anus.
Infection
Infection can even cause inflammation and damage to nearby organs and hence lead to the issue of fistula. Of course, the sooner the issue gets resolved or treated; the better results can be expected in such a situation.
Radiation therapy
This radiation therapy is a treatment for the issue of cancer that uses high-energy radiation to eradicate cancer cells. In some cases, radiation therapy can even cause damage to nearby organs or even tissues, leading to the formation of a fistula. Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the fistula.
Is Fistula Dangerous for you?
Well, fistula, as you already know, is a condition wherein an abnormal connection develops between two organs or even vessels in your body, resulting in the flow of fluid or even other substances between them. Fistulas can be dangerous for manifold reasons like:
- Infection
Fistulas can boost the risk of infection because they provide a pathway for bacteria and even other microorganisms to travel between varied parts of the body. If left untreated, infections can even lead to serious health complications and even become life-threatening.
- Dehydration
Fistulas that impacts or affect the urinary tract can trigger excessive fluid loss, leading to dehydration. This can simply trigger electrolyte imbalances, that can be dangerous in case left untreated.
- Nutritional deficiencies
Fistulas that impacts the digestive system can cause malabsorption of nutrients, heading to nutritional deficiencies. This can end up in weakness, fatigue, anaemia, and other kind of health problems.
- Fistula-associated cancers
Certain kinds of fistulas, such as the ones that develop in the gastrointestinal tract, can increase the danger of cancer. Chronic inflammation and tissue damage triggered by fistulas can endorse the growth of cancerous cells.
- Social & emotional problems
Fistulas can be really socially and emotionally distressing, especially if they impacts sensitive areas of the body. Patients may experience shame, embarrassment, and even isolation that can definitely impact their mental health and even quality of life.
Conclusion To sum up, since you know much about the fistula causes now and why it is dangerous, make sure that you address your issue in time and do the needful.