Anal Fissure: What is it and should I be concerned?
Anal fissures are a common condition caused by the stretching of the anal canal, which can be exacerbated by constipation and diarrhea. Fissure pain is often described as sharp or burning in nature, with painful bowel movements. The most common symptom of an anal fissure is rectal bleeding that occurs during or after defecation. Rectal bleeding may also occur before defecation if there has been prolonged straining to pass stool due to chronic constipation.
When should you worry about fissure?
Is fissure a serious problem?
Anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the rectum. It can be caused by constipation, diarrhea, and other conditions that affect bowel movements. Fissures may also occur during childbirth or as a result of chronic anal sexual activity (anal intercourse). Some people have no symptoms at all while others experience pain with bowel movements or when they pass gas. The most common symptom is bleeding from the anus after having a bowel movement, which often occurs without warning and causes embarrassment for many people who are suffering from this condition.
Is fissure serious?
Anal fissures are not considered to be life-threatening but it does cause discomfort and should be treated promptly to avoid complications such as abscesses or ulcers on the skin around your anus.
What causes anal fissure?
Anal fissures are caused by a tear in the anal canal. The cause of this tear is unknown, but it can be attributed to Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cancer. Other causes may include constipation or diarrhea, laxative use, and surgery.
Anal fissures are a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and constipation. They can also occur as a result of childbirth, anal intercourse, or chronic diarrhea. The condition is caused by the tearing of tissue in the anus that causes pain during defecation and bleeding afterwards. Anal fissures typically heal on their own within 3-6 weeks with conservative treatment such as increased fiber intake, use of laxatives to treat constipation and stool softeners to reduce straining while having a bowel movement. If these treatments do not work then surgery may be required which involves removing part or all of the damaged tissue from around the anus so it heals properly without causing any more trauma to this area
How is it treated?
Anal fissure treatment depends largely on what has caused them in order for doctors to know how best to approach them but generally they will try conservative measures before resorting surgical intervention if possible
Preventive measures for anal hernia
Anal hernia is a condition that affects the lower gastrointestinal tract. The most common symptom of anal fissure is pain during bowel movements, which can be severe and debilitating. Other symptoms include bleeding from the anus, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal discomfort or cramping as well as rectal itching and discharge. In some cases, an individual may also experience fever with blood in their stool (melena).
In order to prevent anal hernia it's important to maintain good hygiene habits such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet and showering daily without scrubbing too hard on sensitive areas like the perianal area where hair follicles are located. It's also important not to use harsh soaps when washing this area because they have been known irritate skin around the anus causing inflammation. If possible avoid sitting for long periods of time especially if you're unable to control your bowels due to illness or injury since this could lead to straining which increases pressure within your abdomen increasing risk for developing an anal hernia over time.
Anal fissures are a common condition that can be caused by constipation, diarrhea, or the passing of large stools. An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus and rectum which causes pain during bowel movements. The symptoms may include bleeding from the anus and/or blood on toilet paper after wiping. Itching around or inside your bottom may also occur as well as an inability to have a bowel movement without pain. If left untreated, chronic tearing could lead to more serious complications such as abscesses (pockets of pus) and fistulas (abnormal connections between two organs). Surgery is often necessary for treatment because it provides immediate relief from discomfort while healing occurs over time with restorative therapy like diet modification and laxatives
Side effects of surgery: Pain relief immediately following procedure
