An anal fissure is a cut or tears in the anal lining and this tear often causes severe pain during the bowel movements and might also cause bleeding. The cut often extends upwards towards the anal canal and sometimes the cut is quite deep enough to expose the muscle beneath the anoderm layer.
Anal fissure just like hemorrhoids are not a medical emergency and they can often be treated with the help of an anal fissure ointment. Anal fissures can be caused by a number of reasons and this guide will give you all the necessary information on anal fissures.
Causes of anal fissures
- Straining during bowel movements.
- There is reduced blood flow in the anorectal area.
- Due to childbirth
- Any type of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease.
- The anal sphincter muscles are tight and spastic.
- Bleeding and itching
Symptoms of anal fissures
- Visible tear around the anal lining.
- Sharp pains during the movements of bowels.
- Bleeding during the passing of stools.
- A lump of skin forming near the tear.
- Itching or a burning sensation in the affected area.
How is an anal fissure diagnosed
- Anoscopy
In the case of anoscopy, a tubular device is inserted inside the anus and the doctor visualizes the affected area with the help of this anoscope.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
A flexible tube is inserted inside the rectum to view the colon. This is generally done for younger patients and those who are not under the risk of colon cancer or other intestinal diseases.
- Colonoscopy
In this method of diagnosis, the doctor inserts a flexible tube inside the rectum to view the entire colon. But colonoscopy is generally done when in case you’re older than 50 or under the risk of colon cancer.
How to treat anal fissure
Self-care
- Drink plenty of fluids
If the anal fissure is caused as a result of constipation or diarrhea then it is essential that you stay hydrated so as to not aggravate your condition. Drink a lot of fluids and avoid caffeine or too much alcohol.
- Eat a fiber-rich diet
Fibers are natural stool softeners and thus eating a fiber-rich diet during constipation can help improve the condition of anal fissure. Beans, whole grains, peas, and citrus fruits are a good source of fiber. You can also take fiber supplements if you wish.
- Sitz baths
Soaking the affected area in a sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes every day can help treat the conditions of anal fissures.
- Over the counter laxatives
If fiber does not help in loosening the stool, then you can try over the counter laxatives. But always consult your doctor before using laxatives.
- Don’t avoid the urge to use the washroom
When you’re suffering from anal fissures it is recommended not to avoid the urge to go to the toilet. Restricting bowel movements can lead to constipation and this will only aggravate the condition of anal fissures and might cause further tearing.
Medications
- Ointments
Anal fissures are quite similar to hemorrhoids and just as you use over the counter hemorrhoid cream for treating hemorrhoids, you can use over the counter anorectal creams to treat the anal fissures.
Sometimes doctors suggest nitrate ointment for the fissures that increase the flow of blood in the anal canal and the sphincter thereby improving the anal fissure fast.
- Botox injections
If the topical ointments are not working for you then you can opt for botox injections. The Botox is injected in the anal sphincter that paralyzes the area temporarily and enhances healing in 80 percent of the people. Although they regulate quick healing you will temporarily lose the ability to pass stool or gas. The injected amount of Botox is very low so there is no risk of Botox poisoning.
- Calcium channel blockers
These are available as both topical ointments as well as ingestible drugs. The calcium channel blockers are basically blood pressure-lowering medicines but some can help treat anal fissures as well. The oral ingestion of calcium channel blockers also helps cure anal fissures, but it might take a longer time to take effect.
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