Causes of Fistula

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Could a minor discomfort be a sign of something more serious in your body? Anal fistulas are often more than a physical condition. They're a burden to our daily comfort and peace of mind. Fistulas involve an abnormal tunnel-like link in between the internal channels of the anal canal and the exterior skin. They're generally caused by an infection which results in inflammation of our anal glands if untreated.

Such conditions are approached in Ayurveda based on the underlying causes instead of just symptom management. It concentrates on restoring equilibrium to our body’s energies, repairing the tissues and eliminating the infection from the very source.

Ayurvedic Causes of Fistula

In Ayurveda, anal fistulas or Bhagandara are caused in our body mainly because of an imbalance in Vata dosha. This imbalance disrupts our normal body processes and creates complications like fistulas. The main causes of fistula as per Ayurvedic teachings are the following :

Dosha Imbalance:

• Vata dosha: When the Vata dosha is aggravated in the lower part of your digestive system, it results in extreme dryness and blockage impacting cells across the anal canal.

Other Causative Factors:

• Improper Diet: Dry, cold and light foods can increase your Vata.
• Irregular Eating Habits: Skipping meals or eating irregularly also disturb your Vata.
• Excessive Physical Activity: If you sit for long periods or engage in activities that increase pelvic pressure (like horse riding or biking).

Lifestyle & Environmental Factors:

• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise can lead to poor circulation and aggravate Vata dosha in your system.
• Chronic Constipation: Straining during defecation due to chronic constipation puts pressure on the anal glands, causing fistulas and abscesses.

These elements collectively produce a favourable environment for the onset of Bhagandara in your anal region. Ayurvedic treatment manages these imbalances via diet regulation, changes in lifestyle and herbal therapies.

Modern Causes of Fistula

Anal fistulas generally result from a number of medical and lifestyle factors which compromise the health of tissues around your anus. The common causes of fistula as per modern medicine are:

Infections:

• Anal Abscesses: The most common reason for anal fistulas is an anal abscess. An abscess arises when your anal gland gets infected and pus builds up there. If the abscess isn't healed correctly, it might develop a fistula.
• Bacterial Infections: Certain pathogens cause infections and abscesses that create fistulas.

Inflammatory Conditions:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Issues like Crohn's disease can cause inflammation of your digestive tract and result in complications like fistulas.
• Other Inflammatory Diseases: Other ailments like ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis might also raise your risk of fistula.

Bodily Trauma:

• Surgery or Injury: If you have had any surgical intervention or injury near the anal area, it might disturb normal tissues and cause fistula formation.
• Radiation Therapy: If you have undergone treatment for pelvic cancers, it can damage the tissues making them much more vulnerable to fistulas.

Understanding these causes of fistula assists in controlling the condition by addressing the root cause which could be hygiene, lifestyle or health issues.

Conclusion

Anal fistulas are mainly caused by an imbalance in your body’s energies based on Ayurveda (Vata dosha) and more conventional causes including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. Looking at both the Ayurvedic and contemporary perspectives offers us a holistic picture of exactly how lifestyle, diet and health conditions contribute to this disease.

Ayurveda is an excellent option not just for symptom management but also for dealing with the root cause of your anal fistulas. The natural healing process starts with a clear understanding of the causes of anal fistulas. Consider consulting with an Ayurvedic specialist for customised treatment plans for your particular health concerns.