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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Anal Fistula

Moderate

Symptoms

Causes

Treatments

FAQs

Pulmonary Hypertension

Unknown

Symptoms

Causes

Treatments

FAQs

Overview

Anal Fistula

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops between the inside of the anus or rectum and the skin near the anus. It often develops after an infection or abscess in an anal gland. Symptoms may include persistent drainage, pain, swelling, irritation, or recurrent abscesses around the anus.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension means abnormally high pressure in the lung circulation, which can strain the right side of the heart. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is one particular form. Symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, especially during activity.

Symptoms

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Fever Painful Urination

Only in Right Disease

Chest Pain Coughing Blood High Blood Pressure

Causes

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Infection Inflammation

Only in Right Disease

Chronic Disease Smoking

Diagnosis

Anal Fistula

An anal fistula is diagnosed through a medical history and examination of the anus and surrounding skin. The healthcare professional may look for an external opening, drainage, swelling, or tenderness. A digital rectal examination may help identify the tract. Imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be used when the fistula is complex, recurrent, or difficult to identify during examination.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Evaluation includes medical history, examination, and tests of heart and lung function. Echocardiography assesses heart function and the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension. Right-heart catheterization directly measures pressures when indicated. Further investigations identify the underlying cause and help distinguish the different forms.

Prevention

Anal Fistula

Preventing anal fistula mainly involves reducing the risk of anal abscesses and treating infections promptly. People with inflammatory bowel disease should follow appropriate medical treatment and monitoring. Persistent pain, swelling, drainage, or recurrent abscesses around the anus should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than left untreated.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension cannot always be prevented. Possible risk-reduction measures depend on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. People with relevant heart, lung, inherited, or other associated conditions can discuss appropriate assessment and risk reduction with their healthcare professional.

Risk Factors

Anal Fistula

Risk factors include a previous anal abscess, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn disease, recurrent infections in the anal region, previous anal or rectal surgery, and conditions that interfere with normal healing or immunity. A history of an anal fistula also increases the likelihood of recurrence.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Risk depends on the form of pulmonary hypertension. Associated factors can include heart or chronic lung disease, low oxygen levels, previous pulmonary blood clots, connective tissue disease such as scleroderma, and certain inherited conditions or exposures. A factor relevant to one form may not apply to another.