What are anal fissures?
A fissure condition here refers to anal fissure. A slight tear in the moist, thin tissue lining the anus is termed an anal fissure.
Fissures can happen to anyone, although they are common in infants and even young children, the age where children are prone to constipation.
Anal fissure generally occurs if the stools are hard or large to pass. They are painful and bleed with bowel movements. Most anal fissures get treated with simple treatments.
These include increased fiber intake or even a sitz bath. Only in severe conditions, one may need medication or even surgery.
What are the causes for anal fissures?
- Formation of large or hard stools
- Laboured bowel movement and constipation
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Childbirth
- Reduced blood flow to the anorectal area
- Anal intercourse
- Tight sphincter muscles
Less common causes of anal fissures include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): E.g., Crohn's disease
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Herpes
- Tuberculosis
- Anal cancer
What are the symptoms of anal fissures?
- Slight to sharp pain during bowel movements
- Pain that lasts for numerous hours after bowel movements
- Blood (fresh) stained stools or bright blood on toilet paper while cleaning
- The skin around the anus bears a visible crack or tear
- A small lump of skin, like a skin tag near the tear
- Itchy skin or burning sensation near the anus
