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.
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
How are anal fissures diagnosed?
Generally, the doctor diagnoses an anal fissure by a simple examination of the area around the anus. He may also perform a rectal evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor introduces an anoscope into the rectum, a thin tube that allows better examination of the anal passage.
What are the treatment options for anal fissures?
Most anal fissures heal using simple home remedies or prescribed medications from the doctor.
But, shall the symptoms not relieve in two weeks of treatment, one must reach out to their doctor for complete diagnoses and medical treatments available.
The doctor may recommend:
Ointment
To relax the sphincter muscles, a calcium channel blocker ointment, thus allowing the fissure to heal.
Botox Injection
Botox injection paralyzes the sphincter muscles temporarily. This prevents spasms in the anus and permits the fissure to heal.
Sphincterotomy
This is a surgical procedure, where the doctor makes a small cut in the anal sphincter. Thereby, relaxing the muscle and letting the fissure cure.
A chronic condition with the recurrent occurrence of anal fissure may need further evaluation for underlying conditions.
