Rectal Problems: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have rectal pain?

See significance of rectal pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe rectal pain?

Yes

Do you think an object in the rectum is the cause of your pain?

Yes

Do you have a fever and rectal pain?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had moderate rectal pain for longer than 24 hours?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild to moderate rectal pain for longer than 1 week after trying home treatment?

Yes

Have you had rectal spasms (proctalgia fagux) off and on for longer than 1 week but you do not have other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	May 22, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer