What is anal fissure?
It is a minor tear that occurs in the moist, thin tissue called mucosa which lines our anus. Moreover, anal fissure tend to occur while passing large or hard stools during the bowel movement.
Furthermore, anal fissures normally cause bleeding and pain with the bowel movements. Spasms can also be experienced in the anal sphincter. Anal fissures can affect all age groups however more common specifically in infants. In many cases, the anal fissure heals itself within five to six weeks, however in case it does not, then you will need surgery or medical treatment in order to relieve the discomfort.
What are the symptoms of anal fissure?
Few common symptoms include:
- Irritation or itching around your anus.
- Pain that may turn worse during the bowel movements and may last for some hours.
- A skin tag or small lump on skin close to anal fissure.
- A prominent crack in the surrounding skin of anus.
- Bleeding on passing stools.
What causes anal fissure?
Few common causes include:
- Chronic diarrhea.
- Passing hard or large stools.
- Injury during the bowel movements.
Following diseases are also linked with anal fissures:
Mention the risk factors of anal fissure:
Certain factors which tend to raise the chances to develop anal fissure are:
- Crohn’s disease.
What are the possible complications of anal fissure?
Possible complications are:
- An extended tear.
- Failure healing.
How is anal fissure diagnosed?
A thorough physical exam and medical history of the patient serves as the basis of diagnosing anal fissure. The doctor will also inspect your anal region. Usually, the tear is noticeable. All such can help your doctor finding out the cause of your symptoms.
In case all such fails to help him understand, he will conduct a digital rectal exam. In the process, he will insert his gloved finger in the anal canal. The process can be painful. In case, he suspects anal fissure, however failed identifying, he will then use an anoscope in order to examine the anal canal.
How is anal fissure treated?
Few measures to keep the stool soft can greatly help healing anal fissures within some weeks. Few of the measures include consuming more fluids and fiber, soaking for 20 minutes in warm water few times daily, particularly after the bowel movements, such will help promote healing and relax your sphincter. In case the symptoms continue, you will need medical treatment then.
- Nonsurgical treatments: The doctor can suggest:
- Nitroglycerin for applying externally.
- Steroid creams.
- Botox injection.
- Surgery: in case of severe symptoms or an anal fissure failed responding other treatments, the doctor can suggest surgery.
Few home remedies and lifestyle changes can ease the discomfort of anal fissure, promote its healing and prevent its recurrences.
- Consume a diet enriched with fiber.
- Drink enough fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- During the bowel movements, try to avoid straining.
- Avoid constipation.
By : Natural Health News