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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Gastritis

Mild
3
Symptoms
4
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Anal Fistula

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It may develop suddenly or persist for a long time. Common causes include infection with Helicobacter pylori, regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol use, and other conditions that irritate or damage the stomach lining. Some people have no symptoms, while others develop upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or a feeling of fullness. Persistent symptoms or bleeding require medical evaluation because untreated gastritis may sometimes lead to ulcers or other complications.
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.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Lower Abdominal Pain Nausea Vomiting
Only in Right Disease
Fever Painful Urination

Causes

Shared
Infection
Only in Left Disease
Alcohol Smoking Stress
Only in Right Disease
Inflammation

Diagnosis

Gastritis
Diagnosis of gastritis begins with a medical history and physical examination, including review of symptoms, medicines, alcohol use, and possible H. pylori exposure. Testing may include stool or breath tests for H. pylori and blood tests when appropriate. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be recommended when symptoms are persistent, severe, recurrent, or associated with warning signs such as bleeding or unexplained weight loss. During endoscopy, tissue samples may be collected to examine the stomach lining and identify inflammation or other abnormalities.
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.

Prevention

Gastritis
Some forms of gastritis can be prevented or their risk reduced by avoiding unnecessary use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and discussing safer alternatives with a healthcare professional when long-term pain treatment is needed. Limiting heavy alcohol use can reduce stomach irritation. Good hygiene and appropriate food and water practices may reduce exposure to H. pylori in settings where infection is common. People with persistent digestive symptoms should seek evaluation rather than repeatedly treating symptoms without identifying the cause.
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.

Risk Factors

Gastritis
Risk factors for gastritis include Helicobacter pylori infection, frequent or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heavy alcohol consumption, older age, autoimmune disorders, and severe physical stress from major illness or injury. Previous stomach problems and certain medical treatments may also increase risk. The likelihood depends on the underlying cause. Not everyone with a risk factor develops gastritis, and symptoms may be absent even when inflammation is present.
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.

Treatment

Gastritis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Anal Fistula
Treatment comparison will be available soon.