Anal fissure
An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the lining of the anus. The crack in the skin causes severe pain and some bright red bleeding during and after bowel movements. At times the fissure is deep enough to expose the muscle tissue underneath.
An anal fissure may occur as a result of childbirth, straining during bowel movements, or long bouts of constipation or diarrhea. Anal fissures can also be the result of certain medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and cancer. An anal fissure can affect people of all ages, and it’s often seen in infants and young children.
Constipation is a common problem in these age groups. An anal fissure usually isn’t a serious condition. In most cases, the tear heals on its own within four to six weeks. In cases where the fissure persists beyond eight weeks, it’s considered chronic, or long term.Certain treatments can promote healing and help relieve discomfort, including stool softeners and topical pain relievers.
If an anal fissure doesn’t improve with these treatments, surgery may be required.
Or your doctor may need to look for other underlying disorders that can cause anal fissures.
An anal fissure is a small lesion in the lining of the anal canal. The crack in the skin causes severe pain and some bright red bleeding during and after bowel movements.
Symptoms of an anal fissure are pain during defecation which is accompanied with a deep, severe pain which lasts for several hours, bleeding during defecation, etc. It is recommended to see a physician after experiencing the aforementioned symptoms.
Symptoms of anal fissures may pass without specific treatment. They can however return if patients to not undertake measures to prevent them, especially in trying to prevent constipation from occurring. In some patients, symptoms may last for six weeks or more (chronic fissure).
The most common cause for a fissure is frequent constipation. A few people experience defecating large and rigid feces which may damage the anal canal upon exit. Other causes include: Chronic diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, giving birth, pregnancy, sexually transmissible diseases, etc.
A doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms and their characteristics. The doctor may perform a rectal exam, during which they may observe the patient blood and pain upon pressure.
Anal fissures usually heal within a few weeks without the need for treatment. However, they can easily recur if they're caused by constipation that remains untreated. Adopting some simple self-help measures can make passing stools easier. This will allow existing fissures to heal.