What are the symptoms of anal prolapse in children?
Anal prolapse in children refers to a disease in which part or all of the rectal mucosa or rectal wall prolapses outside the anus. It is more common in infants and young children aged 1 to 3 years old. Due to the imperfect development of children's pelvic floor muscles and factors such as long-term constipation, diarrhea or coughing that increase abdominal pressure, anal prolapse can easily be induced. The following is a detailed analysis of the symptoms, causes and care of anal prolapse in children.
1. Common symptoms of anal prolapse in children
| Symptoms | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| anal protrusion | A red or pink mass can be seen protruding from the anus during defecation. It can retract on its own in the early stage, but needs to be manually reset in the later stage. |
| pain or discomfort | The prolapsed part may be accompanied by slight pain or swelling in the anus, and the child may cry and become restless. |
| Abnormal bowel movements | Recurrent episodes of constipation or diarrhea and straining during bowel movements |
| Bleeding | Friction of prolapsed mucous membranes may result in small amounts of bright red blood |
| Anal relaxation | Long-term anal prolapse may cause the anal sphincter to relax and reduce the ability to control bowel movements. |
2. Reasons for the high incidence of anal prolapse in children
| Cause classification | specific factors |
|---|---|
| anatomical factors | In infants and young children, the rectum is vertical, the pelvic floor muscles are weak, and the sacral curvature is not formed. |
| disease factors | Diseases that increase abdominal pressure such as long-term constipation, diarrhea, enteritis, whooping cough, etc. |
| nutritional factors | Malnutrition leads to poor muscle development, or obesity increases abdominal pressure |
| behavioral factors | Toilet training too early and sitting on the potty for a long time |
3. Grading and severity of anal prolapse in children
| Graduation | clinical manifestations | Processing method |
|---|---|---|
| Ⅰ degree | Mucous membrane prolapses during defecation and can be retracted on its own | Adjust your diet to avoid squatting for long periods of time |
| Ⅱ degree | Full-thickness prolapse requires manual reduction, accompanied by a small amount of bleeding | Manual reduction + anal contraction training |
| III degree | Prolapse occurs during daily activities and is difficult to restore. | Medical intervention is required, consider sclerotherapy injection |
4. Home care and preventive measures
1.Diet modification:Increase dietary fiber (such as pumpkin, sweet potato), drink enough water every day, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.
2.Defecation management:Defecate regularly, no more than 5 minutes each time, and avoid squatting for long periods of time. Kaiselu can be used to temporarily relieve constipation.
3.Anal exercises:Older children can do levator exercises (contract the anus for 5 seconds and then relax, repeat 10 times/group).
4.Postural assistance:Use a squatting position instead of a sitting position when defecating to reduce abdominal pressure.
5.Indications for prompt medical treatment:If the prolapse cannot be reset, is purple in color, continues to bleed, or has fever, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
5. Comparison of treatment methods
| Treatment | Applicable situations | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative treatment | Ⅰ-Ⅱ degree anal prolapse | Requires 3-6 months of lifestyle adjustments |
| Sclerotherapy injection | Repeated degree II and above | Requires professional pediatric surgeon operation |
| surgical repair | Grade III or associated with other deformities | Risks of general anesthesia need to be assessed |
Warm reminder:About 80% of infants and young children with anal prolapse can heal on their own through conservative treatment. Parents do not need to be overly anxious, but they need to closely observe changes in symptoms. If rectal prolapse persists beyond the age of 5, it is recommended to complete defecography and other examinations to rule out potential causes.
check the details
check the details
en
