What Is Proctalgia Fugax?

Spastic anorectal pain (proctalgia fugax, PF) is a sudden, severe pain in the anal area that lasts from several seconds to 30 minutes and then completely resolves. The prevalence of PF in the general population is 2% to 8%, which occurs in women. Because the disease occurs infrequently and has a short duration, it is often not valued by patients. Only 17% to 20% of PF patients will consult a doctor. For most patients, only their concerns need to be explained and eliminated. For a small number of patients with frequent seizures, salbutamol (-adrenergic agonist) or clonidine, nitroglycerin, isoamyl nitrite, etc. can be inhaled. Patients with obvious psychological abnormalities can be given antidepressant, anxiety medication or behavior therapy.