Table Of Contents
- What is Anal Fissure?
- What are the causes of Anal Fissure?
- What are the symptoms of Anal Fissure?
- How is Anal Fissure diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Anal Fissure?
- To conclude
What is Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small tear in the mucosa region of the anus. An anal fissure usually occurs when you try to pass a hard stool. It can cause pain and bleeding during bowel movements. You may also experience contractions in the anus ring (i.e., the muscle at the end of the anus) called an anal sphincter.
Though it is common in babies, it can happen to people of any age. The condition gets better with simple treatments such as fiber intake or sitz bath. Only in certain cases do they need medication or surgery.
What are the causes of Anal Fissure?
Some of the causes of an anal fissure are:
- Passing big or hard stools
- Chronic diarrhea
- Anal intercourse
- Childbirth
- Constipation and straining while passing stool
Less common causes include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Any inflammatory bowel disease
- Anal cancer
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Syphilis
What are the symptoms of Anal Fissure?
Here are some symptoms of anal fissure.
- Pain, severe at times, during bowel movements
- Pain after bowel movements that last for a long time
- Bright red blood in stools
- A visible crack around the anus area
- A lump or skin tag near the anal fissure
How is Anal Fissure diagnosed?
Your doctor will go through your medical history and conduct a physical exam which includes a mild inspection of your anal region. This is enough to diagnose an anal fissure. Based on the condition, your doctor will recommend more testing if they feel there is an underlying condition:
- Anoscopy – a thin tube with a tiny camera that is inserted into the anus to check the rectum and anus
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy – a thin, flexible tube with a camera inserted in your colon.
- Colonoscopy – a flexible tube is inserted into your rectum to inspect the entire colon.
What is the treatment for Anal Fissure?
Anal fissures usually heal within a few days. Make sure to follow a high-fiber diet and a healthy lifestyle to keep your stool soft. Also, soak in warm water for 10-20 minutes many times a day, especially after bowel movements, to alleviate the sphincter and speed up the healing process.
The doctor may recommend you with topical ointments, pain killers, anesthetic creams to relax spasms.
Surgery will only be recommended if there is a chronic anal fissure that persists despite other treatment methods. Doctors will perform a procedure known as lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS).
Lifestyle and home remedies
Several lifestyle choices can help ease discomfort, enhance healing, and avoid recurrences of an anal fissure:
- Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Fiber intake of 25-30 grams per day can help keep stools soft and promote fissure healing. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains are all fiber-rich foods. You can also add a fiber supplement to your diet. Fiber can induce gas and bloat, so make sure to gradually increase your intake.
- Avoid straining while making bowel movements as the extra pressure can tear up the gentle skin around the anus.
- Drink plenty of water. Constipation can be avoided by drinking enough water.
To Conclude
If you are having symptoms of anal fissure, consult your health practitioner without further delay.
