Description

An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) lining the anus. It often causes sharp pain during bowel movements and may lead to bleeding. Fissures are common and usually heal with simple treatments, but chronic cases may require medical intervention. Symptoms Sharp, burning pain during and after bowel movements (can last hours). Bright red blood on toilet paper or stool. Itching or irritation around the anus. Visible tear (a doctor may detect it during examination). Muscle spasms (in chronic fissures, the anal sphincter may tighten painfully). Causes & Risk Factors Common Causes: Hard or large stools (constipation, straining). Chronic diarrhea (irritates the anal lining). Trauma (childbirth, anal intercourse). Risk Factors: Low-fiber diet (leads to constipation). Dehydration (hardens stools). Inflammatory conditions (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). Tight anal sphincter muscles (reduces blood flow, slowing healing). Types of Fissures Acute Fissure Recent tear, heals within a few weeks with conservative treatment. Chronic Fissure Lasts >6 weeks, may have a sentinel pile (skin tag) or exposed muscle. Treatment Options 1. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes High-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, psyllium husk). Hydration (drink plenty of water to soften stools). Sitz baths (warm water soaks for 10–15 mins, 2–3x/day). Stool softeners (e.g., docusate sodium) or osmotic laxatives (e.g., PEG). OTC pain relief (acetaminophen; avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can worsen bleeding). 2. Medical Treatments Topical nitroglycerin (improves blood flow to promote healing). Calcium channel blocker ointments (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine). Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections (relaxes sphincter muscles for chronic fissures). 3. Surgery (For Chronic Fissures) Lateral internal sphincterotomy (partial cutting of the sphincter to reduce spasms; high success rate but small risk of incontinence). Complications (If Untreated) Chronic pain and recurrent tearing. Anal stenosis (narrowing from scar tissue). Fistula formation (abnormal tunnel between anus and skin). Prevention Tips Avoid straining during bowel movements. Treat constipation/diarrhea promptly. Practice gentle hygiene (avoid harsh wiping; use moist wipes). An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) lining the anus. It often causes sharp pain during bowel movements and may lead to bleeding. Fissures are common and usually heal with simple treatments, but chronic cases may require medical intervention. Symptoms Sharp, burning pain during and after bowel movements (can last hours). Bright red blood on toilet paper or stool. Itching or irritation around the anus. Visible tear (a doctor may detect it during examination). Muscle spasms (in chronic fissures, the anal sphincter may tighten painfully). Causes & Risk Factors Common Causes: Hard or large stools (constipation, straining). Chronic diarrhea (irritates the anal lining). Trauma (childbirth, anal intercourse). Risk Factors: Low-fiber diet (leads to constipation). Dehydration (hardens stools). Inflammatory conditions (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). Tight anal sphincter muscles (reduces blood flow, slowing healing). Types of Fissures Acute Fissure Recent tear, heals within a few weeks with conservative treatment. Chronic Fissure Lasts >6 weeks, may have a sentinel pile (skin tag) or exposed muscle. Treatment Options 1. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes High-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, psyllium husk). Hydration (drink plenty of water to soften stools). Sitz baths (warm water soaks for 10–15 mins, 2–3x/day). Stool softeners (e.g., docusate sodium) or osmotic laxatives (e.g., PEG). OTC pain relief (acetaminophen; avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can worsen bleeding). 2. Medical Treatments Topical nitroglycerin (improves blood flow to promote healing). Calcium channel blocker ointments (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine). Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections (relaxes sphincter muscles for chronic fissures). 3. Surgery (For Chronic Fissures) Lateral internal sphincterotomy (partial cutting of the sphincter to reduce spasms; high success rate but small risk of incontinence). Complications (If Untreated) Chronic pain and recurrent tearing. Anal stenosis (narrowing from scar tissue). Fistula formation (abnormal tunnel between anus and skin). Prevention Tips Avoid straining during bowel movements. Treat constipation/diarrhea promptly. Practice gentle hygiene (avoid harsh wiping; use moist wipes).

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