sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Anal pain: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if:

    • Bleeding is heavy, does not stop, or includes large clots
    • You feel faint, confused, very weak, or short of breath
    • A sharp or breakable object is stuck in the rectum
    • Severe pain follows a major injury
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical care for severe or rapidly worsening anal pain with fever, chills, pus, increasing redness, swelling, or feeling very unwell.

    These features may indicate an abscess or another infection.

    Do not squeeze or try to drain a painful lump yourself.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or interferes with bowel movements.

    Also seek assessment for repeated bleeding, an unexplained lump, ongoing discharge, changed bowel habits, or unintentional weight loss.

The article also says

Do not try to remove a sharp or deeply lodged object yourself.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Anal pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.