Proctalgia Fugax

Proctalgia fugax is a painful condition in the lower abdomen due to a spastic contraction of the ano-rectal muscles which normally control the retention and evacuation of the stool. The cause of this spasm is not understood. It results in a dull but often severe pain which tends to come on during sleep,waking the patient, and continuing to cause distress from a matter of minutes to some hours. Many treatments to alleviate the spasm have been tried but none have been satisfactory. Prior to any treatment the colon must be investigated by colonoscopy and any other problems such as haemorrhoids or fissures in ano eliminated. If you think that you may have this condition you should consult your General Practitioner.

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